Meet the JAC T8 – South Africa’s Most Affordable Double-Cab Bakkie

JAC Motors South Africa has expanded its T-Series lineup with the introduction of the T8 2.0L CTi Comfort. Priced at R349 900, the new model enters the market as the lowest-priced double-cab currently available in South Africa.

Positioned specifically for entrepreneurs and fleet operators, the T8 Comfort aims to provide a balance of multi-passenger capacity and rugged utility while maintaining a low total cost of ownership.

Performance and Verified Efficiency

The T8 Comfort is powered by a 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine equipped with an Electric Variable Geometry Turbocharger (EVGT). The powerplant produces 104 kW at 3 600 rpm and 320 Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

In recent internal testing conducted at the Gerotek facility outside Pretoria, the T8 demonstrated high levels of fuel efficiency. During an economy run on the oval track, the T8 achieved a consumption figure of 6.1 L/100 km while maintaining a steady speed of 115 km/h. With an average combined fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km and a 76-litre tank, the bakkie offers an estimated driving range of approximately 1,100 km.

Chassis and Load Capability

The T8 features a double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs to manage body roll and a leaf-spring rear suspension for durability under load. The vehicle offers a 900 kg payload and a braked towing capacity of 2000 kg. The load box itself is double-skinned and corrosion-resistant, measuring 1520 mm by 1520 mm, and is equipped with four tie-down hooks for securing cargo.

Safety and Standard Specification

Active safety features consist of Traction Control (TCS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill-start Hold Control (HHC). The braking system uses discs on both the front and rear axles, supported by a 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA).

Pricing and Warranty

The T8 2.0L CTi Comfort is available through JAC Motors’ network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa. The R349 900 retail price includes a 5-year/100,000 km warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance.

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.