JA T8 becomes an instant sensation

From the moment you open the driver’s door, and settle behind the steering wheel, you will understand why the JAC T8 double cab has become a sensation among multi-purpose vehicle owners in Namibia.

Namib Times had the opportunity to test drive the reliable 1,9 TDI, on invitation of Mr Gerhard Carstens, M+Z Motors Swakopmund’s newly appointed branch manager.  It was clear during our call at M+Z Motors that the T8 has left a lasting impression on the sales staff. They are excited about the vehicle’s entry into the market for prospective bakkie owners in the N$400 000 price range.
In fact, there can be no doubt the JAC by far outweighs its rivals. If you are in the market for a multi- purpose vehicle, in the said price range, take the time and take an opportunity to test drive it.  The car is manufactured in China, by the JAC-Volkswagen Automobile Company, and is powered by a 1,9 litre Turbo Diesel Injection developed in cooperation with the German company FEV coupled with a six-gear manual gear-box.

Let’s talk about test drive features, bells, and whistles:
The vehicle has a good ground clearance of 210 mm.
However, not overly stated. So even if you are on the short side of body length the vehicle would still be comfortable to embark.
The body shape can be described as sturdy, rounded off with soft lines and the 4×4 model sits firmly on an 18′ tyre base (265/60R18 aluminium alloy rims).
Once behind the steering wheel, a pleasant surprise awaits. The interior is spacious, practically designed and very elegantly rounded off. There is a USB plug socket, touchscreen radio featuring Apple car play/Android auto, Bluetooth, four speakers, a manually adjust-able air conditioning system and a 12v accessory socket.
Safety features include dual airbags, ABS and EBD with a C-NCAP 4 Star collision rating. Reverse camera with parking sensors can also be found as standard equipment.
Peace of mind standard factory Warranty of 5 years / 150 000 km and Service plan of 5 years / 60 000 km completes the package.

What impresses at the outset is the three back-seat headrests. “It adds comfort and reflects the JAC mantra: Better Drive – Better Life, I thought by myself as I fastened my seat belt and started the engine.
At 40km/h the automatic door lock activates and don’t even think about trying to pull away without a fastened seat belt. The JAC’s designers took road safety seriously, that’s for sure.
On Swakopmund’s streets the JAC blends in perfectly among other double cab multi-purpose vehicles. She radiates luxury, comfort and will make her new owner proud. The cabin is quiet, although the sound of the diesel engine is audible. Albeit, not noisy.

She easily accelerates in fourth or fifth gear, and fuel consumption should be the least of your concerns with a claimed consumption of 9 l/100 km on the 4×4 model.
On the open road, the JAC sits comfortably. Overtaking in sixth gear is a breeze. It is not overstated to say it is comfortable behind the steering wheel. All functions are easily reachable without negating your attention on the road. The dials are clearly visible to the driver’s eyes, and the adjustable steering wheel should do the trick for a driver of any size.

In conclusion, let’s go off the tarmac. During the test drive, specific priority was given to the vehicle’s performance on the gravel road. The vehicle passed the test with flying colours. It is stable and what was surprising was the quietness in the cabin. That is despite the corrugated dirt road underneath.
Phone M+Z Motors in Swakopmund today – get your hands on the steering wheel of the Jac T8 and experience something unique. This is a vehicle where comfort, luxury, safety, usability, and affordability come together.