MIAS 2024: JAC Motors reenters local market with a huge lineup

JAC Motors has relaunched for the Philippines at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show. It comes into the market under the distributorship of Astara Philippines with six all-new models that JAC says are a perfect blend of technology, design, performance, and value. 

JAC JS6

JAC JS6

First, the brand’s flagship model - the JAC JS6 - slots in as a compact crossover. 

The JS6 is positioned as JAC's flagship crossover

Under the hood of the JS6 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that can dish out 178 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. It is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and is a front-wheel-drive model, just like many of its future rivals in its segment.

Design-wise, the JS6 has a slick exterior and a well-arranged interior that leans toward futuristic. It also has plenty of amenities, such as wireless smartphone charging, leather seats, a 360-degree view camera, a 24.6-inch dual-screen display, and multiple airbags, among others. 

A peek inside the JS6

JAC JS4

JAC will also bring in the JS4 crossover to contend in the subcompact crossover segment. It is markedly smaller than the JS6, but it has plenty of onboard features for comfort and safety. 

JAC JS4

Notable bits inside the JS4 are an automatic climate control system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also features a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that can put out 147 hp and 210 Nm of torque, which is relatively peppy considering its size. 

JAC JS8 Pro

For those opting for a family-friendly three-row vehicle, the JAC brand also has the JS8 Pro. 

JAC JS8 Pro

Like its two-row siblings mentioned, this three-row model boasts a striking design. This is particularly true with its front end, which features what the brand describes as a “striking waterfall armor” design. 

It is quite loaded with onboard features too. Namely, it gets a sunroof, a 360-degree view camera, LED ambient lighting, a suite of advanced driver assist features (ADAS), and dual 12.3-inch cockpit displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

JS8 Pro from the rear

Output-wise, the JS8’s 1.5-liter is good for 178 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

JAC T8 Pro and T9

JAC also displayed two all-new pickup trucks at the 2024 MIAS. These are the T8 Pro and the T9. Both are off-road capable, but the latter is positioned for fleet owners and business operations, while the T9 is a cushier lifestyle truck.

T9

With that said, the T9 boasts a lot of creature comforts, such as a 10.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a sunroof, a cooled armrest box, wireless charging, and plenty of others. 

T8 Pro

Both trucks get the same 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. At the most, this mill can deliver 167 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. They also have the same maximum ground clearance of 210 mm. 

JAC Ytterby EV

Also shown off by JAC Motors at this year’s MIAS is the all-new Ytterby electric vehicle (EV). 

Ytterby EV

At a glance, the Ytterby assumes a smooth, somewhat rounded design that contrasts the sharp and futuristic look of the other previewed JAC models. It looks cute, but it is touted as a highly capable EV with a range of up to 505 km.

The Yetterby also has lots of features as well. The most notable include an ADAS suite, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, and a panoramic sunroof, among others.  

Inside the Ytterby EV

For now, JAC Motors has yet to reveal prices for these rides. Their appearance at MIAS though, will set the stage for their eventual launches in the coming months. Furthermore, the company shared that these models' sales period will begin in August 2024. 

Our Take

Remember that JAC has been in the country before, albeit under a different distributor. It had passenger car offerings before being acquired by Astara, but it was more felt in the commercial car segment. Under the new distributorship, though, JAC might be more capable of capturing the Filipino car buyer’s attention. 

According to JAC, the Ytterby has a range of up to 505 km

This is apparent from its lineup, which is curated to hit many of the most highly contested segments in the market right now. We’re talking about crossovers and pickup trucks. The Ytterby is also a notable inclusion since small EVs are also starting to get traction. 

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