Another Chinese automotive brand has launched into the Australian marketplace, this time in the form of JAC Motors with its workhorse T9 dual-cab ute.

It’s no secret that the Chinese automotive industry is booming, both at home in the world’s largest domestic new vehicle market and abroad, as car makers look to ramp up export efforts.

Brands like BYD, MG, and GWM are already well established here and rapidly growing their model range and market share, while other non-Chinese brands like Tesla and Polestar are also making inroads with vehicles manufactured in China.

Last year, China replaced Korea as our third largest source of imported vehicles, with sales of 193,433 Chinese-made models, trailing only Thailand (264,253) and Japan (345,071).

JAC Motors is the latest Chinese car maker looking to establish a foothold here, via importer LTS Auto.

A statement from the importer said JAC Motors had sold more than 592,000 to date across 132 countries and regions, with a strong growth rate of more than 18% in 2023.

LTS Auto described the dual-cab T9 as a “stylish and functional” workhorse that delivers on “form and functionality without breaking the bank”.

Available in dual-cab body style only and in two trim grades, T9 pricing starts at a highly competitive $42,662 (MSRP) for the entry-level Oasis and climbs to $45,630 (MSRP) for the top-of-the-line Haven.

The ute is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 125kW/410Nm and driving through a part-time 4x4 dual-range transmission with rear differential lock.

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To give the JAC’s performance some perspective, the 2.0-litre single-turbo version of Ford’s best-selling Ranger sends 125kW/405Nm through a 10-speed auto, while the twin-turbo 2.0-litre Ranger pumps out a gutsier 154kW/500Nm.

Toyota’s perennial top-seller the HiLux sports a larger 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel that delivers 150kW/500Nm when mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The T9’s combined-cycle fuel consumption is also competitive at 7.6L/100km and compares favourably with the bi-turbo Ranger’s 7.6L/100km and the HiLux’s 7.9L/100km.

Its 1,000kg payload and 3,500kg braked towing capacity are likewise competitive with its key rivals.

Under the skin is a ladder-frame chassis and a front suspension featuring independent double wishbones with coil springs, while at the rear is a live-axle with leaf springs. Braking is via four-wheel discs.

The exterior styling is typical slab-sided, high-riding ute fare, with 18-inch alloy wheels and side steps complemented by wheel arch flares and bold J-A-C lettering on the tailgate and above a blacked-out RAM-like grille.

Inside, the top-of-the-line T9 Haven looks well-appointed with quilted leather seats, wireless phone charging and a 10.4-inch touchscreen entertainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

On the safety front the T9 doesn’t yet have an ANCAP rating but is equipped with many of the latest autonomous driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, speed limit assist, driver monitoring system, forward collision warning, traffic jam assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), lane departure warning, lane-keep assist and blind spot detection.

There are also a total of five airbags throughout the cabin, including front, centre and rear curtain airbags.

LTS Auto said the T9 is due to be rolled out through a 40-strong nationwide dealer network from April, with both variants covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

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