PH-spec JAC T9 pickup gets multi-link rear suspension

JAC Cars Philippines wants to stir the pickup truck market with its upcoming offering. After being spotted last year and being homologated for the Philippine market by the LTO, JAC Cars Philippines has confirmed that the T9 is set to make its official debut soon.

This was officially confirmed by Brand Head of JAC Cars Philippines Tonette Lee during a media preview of the midsize pickup truck. While the PH-spec T9 looks just like the prototype version they had since last year, the localized version of the T9 gets something special - a multi-link rear suspension. You read right, it gets a different rear suspension that’s geared for passenger comfort.

This makes the JAC T9 the latest midsize pickup workhorse to have a multi-link rear besides the Nissan Navara. Based on our initial impressions of the T9’s ride comfort, JAC’s new midsize pickup delivers a softer ride than its closest rivals, perhaps even that of the Navara. 

But what about its payload capacity? According to an executive who wished anonymity, the T9 can carry 800 kg worth of cargo with ease. However, the rear suspension is also rated to haul up to 1,000 kg of payload should the need arise.

Under the hood, the T9 is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that makes 170 PS and 410 Nm of torque. Power is then transferred to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. JAC Cars Philippines also said they will first bring the 4x2 A/T variants to the market.

When it comes to features, customers can expect amenities such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start, a tablet-inspired touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, full leather upholstery, front and rear center armrests, automatic climate control with rear A/C vents, USB charging ports, a 230V power inverter for the rear passengers, and a digital instrument cluster.

Exterior-wise, the JAC T9 comes with a prominent front grille and eye-catching LED daytime running lights and headlights. It also gets chrome door handles, chrome side mirror caps, steel step-boards, 18-inch black alloy wheels, a sports bar on the bed, and vertical LED taillights. 

JAC is not yet ready to reveal the price of the all-new T9. However, they did mention that the suggested retail price of the 4x2 variant will rival that of base model pickup trucks offered by other well-known brands. We’ll be curious to know more about it in the not-so distant future.