Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
JAC Motors finally brought in its complete lineup of passenger vehicles in the country through the exclusive distributorship of Triesenburg Auto Corp. (TAC), a company under the LICA Auto Group. Presented were innovative lineup of the Chinese automaker’s sport-utility vehicles (SUV), vans and a sedan during the inauguration of its new dealership in Westgate Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
“We are honored to partnered with JAC Motors as the exclusive distributor of its innovated vehicles with cutting-edge design and technology. Triesenburg Auto Corp. has become a part of a significant change, a transformation, which would set a new trend in the car industry and the competition,” said TAC President Val de Leon.
During the launch event, the tagline “Forget Normal” was exhibited to represent the manufacturer’s expression of breaking away from the usual and the conventional. Soon, branches in Pasong Tamo, Makati and Santa Rosa, Laguna will also open.
The innovative ‘S’ lineup
UNVEILED during the event was the complete roster of JAC SUV, namely: S1, S2, S3 and the high-end S7. At a glance, all models share a pronounced trapezoidal front grille with distinct differentiations along with varying fog lamps, bottom panels and keen-looking headlamps outlined by diverging hood profiles. But the interior is where each of the variant sets its vast individuality denoting a myriad of stylish and modern cabin layouts. Leading the pack is the luxurious inside and out S7 seven-seater mid-sized SUV. It is powered by a 2-liter VVT turbocharged petrol engine dishing out 187 hp and 300 N-m of maximum torque coupled to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is priced at P1.39 million.
The S2 and S3, meantime, are the manufacturer’s entry to the subcompact and compact SUV segment respectively. Both share the same 1.5-liter VVT gasoline engine, which produces 103 hp and 146 N-m of maximum torque. There’s an option to choose from a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic. Last, and perhaps considered now as the smallest in the market, is the S1 mini SUV. But its diminutive frame is highlighted with enough characteristics to be deemed as an SUV. But notable is the euro-inspired and sporty cabin layout with red accents all over. This mini SUV is motivated by a 1.3-liter VVT petrol engine generating 98 hp and 126 N-m of maximum torque coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The S2 manual is priced at P690,000 while the CVT variant is at P755,000. Meanwhile, the S3 manual is valued at P860,000 while the CVT version is at P910,000. As for the smallest S1, it is being offered at P575,000.
The ‘M’ people hauler and ‘J’ sedan
OTHER exciting vehicles to watch out for are the M series mini vans and the lone J sedan. The M3 is a seven-seater minivan ideal as a practical family transporter. It offers two engine options with a 1.6-liter petrol engine, and the other is a 2-liter petrol motor. Both are paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. On the other hand, the M4 is a more premium model similar to that of a luxury minivan. Upfront is the same trapezoidal grille and slender headlights. It’s six-seater deluxe cabin has two captain’s seats in the second row and bench-type third-row seat. Motivation comes from a 1.9-liter diesel mill paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
Meantime, the lone J sedan is tagged as the euro-inspired design philosophy with customer demands. It exterior design language separates from the others with a different grille shape and headlamps. But the contoured frame somewhat falls in the subcompact segment, only upsized. The interior offers the typical sedan layout. It is powered by the same 1.5-liter VVT gasoline engine from the S2, which produces 103 hp and 146 N-m of maximum torque. It also offers an option of a five-speed manual gearbox and a CVT automatic.
The M3 1.6-liter variant is valued at P875,000, while the 2-liter version is at P915,000. The M4, on the other hand, is priced at P1.195 million. As for the J sedan, the manual model is being offered at P660,000, while the CVT version is at P710,000.
Other commercial vehicles
NOT part of the display were various commercial vehicles that TAC is also offering. There’s the T6 double cab pickup powered by a 1.9-liter diesel mill paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. The 2WD model is priced at P885,000, while the 4WD version is at P1.05 million.
Also available is the Sunray 4, 5 and 6 series large van ideal for mass transport offered in various interior trims and seating capacity. All models are powered by a 2.8-liter diesel motor coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox. The Sunray 4 15-seater is priced at P1.250 million, while the Sunray 5 15-seater is valued at 1.765 million. The Sunray 6 17-seater, meantime, is being offered at P1.820 million.
Last, the X200 mini-truck offered in cab-chassis (P690,000) or dropside (P790,000) variants. Both are powered by a 1.9-liter diesel mill paired to a five-speed manual gearbox.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino, TAC