The Philippine automotive scene is one of the most diverse markets out there. It’s like a melting pot of the various car manufacturing companies spread all over the world. Cars from Japan, for example, are all over the Philippines. But producers from other countries like China are now exporting their vehicles into the Philippine market like the JAC and their S7. The S7 was first introduced as a massive gasoline-powered SUV, the same time the company arrived in the Philippines. The S7 doesn’t have other variants, so customers are stuck with the base 2018 JAC S7. However, it isn’t bad at all. It comes with decent features on the exterior and interior of the car and can offer good value for your money. The JAC S7 costs Php 1.610,000.00 and is available in various locations in the Philippines. If you’re in Makati, the official dealership is located at Pasong Tamo Extension Magallanes, Makati. Another JAC-approved dealership is located in Santa Rosa, Laguna. While the last one is in Muntinlupa can be found at Alabang. Today, it’s the third year that the JAC is offering its S7 model and has had no changes or updates to the model.
Launch
Today, China is known as the top producer of mass-produced cars in the world. But most of the vehicles that they manufacture are sold mainly to the locals. However, in recent years these China state-owned companies have explored other options, which include exporting their cars into the Philippines.
One of those companies is JAC. The company’s name stands for Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. And just before they thought of competing in the Philippine market, JAC happened to enter China’s top ten vehicle manufacturers. This further gave them confidence and momentum to introduce their products to another country. In early 2008, the company officially launched in the Philippines and presented its chosen imports, including the JAC S7.
The S7 is JAC's flagship seven-seater SUV
Exterior
Though it’s not precisely lavish, the JAC S7 comes with useful features such as for lights for both the front and the rear of the car. Convenience is also an aim of the brand since external rearview mirrors are all controlled electronically.
Smart technology is also encouraged with the rain-sensing window wipers that apply even to the S7’s rear wiper. Other than that, you’ll find that the S7 also has a rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and a sunroof.
The external signal lights that are integrated into the rearview mirrors are also another precautionary measure. Though there’s no roof carrier, you’ll find the roof rail more than satisfactory to fulfill your needs.
Interior
If a customer is going to spend over one million pesos on a vehicle, it better has a decent interior to keep the occupants comfy. The good news is that you can count on the JAC S7 not only to get you where you need to go but also to keep you comfortable.
It comes with a standard air conditioner to keep you cool as well as automatic climate control and in-cabin heater. There are air conditioning vents at the rear part of the S7 to make sure there is an equal distribution of cool air. Aside from that, there are also heated seats for the driver and foldable seats at the rear.
Technology & Safety Features
The S7 is not short on technical and safety features. In fact, it’s amazing how balanced the S7 is when it comes to performance and tech and safety features. One of the specs that you’ll love is the onboard computer accessible and the integrated 2DIN audio. Sound is also well-distributed thanks to the front and rear speakers.
As for safety specs, you’ll be glad to know that this million-peso vehicle comes equipped with a driver and front passenger airbags as well as child-lock. There is also a vehicle stability control system and parking sensors. Other than that, crash sensors and front and side-impact beams support the rest of the car.
Platform & Chassis
The JAC S7 is built to be competitive against some of the leading SUV brands in the world. It’s built tough and with strong materials to reflect the quality that you’re paying for. As for actual digits, the S7 can accommodate up to 7 people. The cargo volume can hold up to 960 liters while the fuel tank can hold up to 64 liters.
Overall, the S7 stands at the height of 1760 mm with a length of 4790 mm and a width measuring up to 1900 mm. The S7 weighs 2315 kg and has a wheelbase of 2750 mm with a 175 mm ground clearance.
Engine & Platform
With such a heavy gross weight, the JAC S7 is going to need a lot of power. The good news is that the manufacturers picked out a decent engine for the model. The JAC S7 carries a 1997 2.0-liter DOHC gasoline engine that can churn out up to 190 hp and 280 Nm of torque.
It’s equipped with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a Multi-Link suspension for the rear. This is further paired with a dual-clutch six-speed transmission to ensure that the vehicle has full control. A rack and pinion steering gear type and a tilt and telescopic steering column tie the whole car together.