‘Techno JACked up’
We have tens of thousands of kilometers of roads, and if all we’ll ever do on it is drive, then what’s the point?
Astara-backed JAC Philippines looked like it was asking us this riddle of a question when it invited our group of motoring scribes and content creators to take its newest vehicles, the 5-seater JS6 compact SUV and the 7-seater JS8 PRO, out for a day-long spin.
The route took us from the JAC Manila Bay dealership to Angeles City in Pampanga and back. I was first given the keys to the JS8 PRO, JAC Philippines’ mid-size SUV. Characteristic of almost all Chinese vehicle brands nowadays, the JS8 PRO was chock-full of electronic techno wizardries inside, some of them quite unconventional that older drivers need to familiarize themselves with at first, such as the rotary gear shifter.
A major technological addition I find especially useful is the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which essentially helps enhance the driver’s senses to help him/her become safer and more alert. Under ADAS is the proximity distance warning, blind spot detection, lane change assist and door opening warning, just to name a few.
For a 7-seater, I find the JS8 PRO surprisingly more spacious than it seems. That’s what 418 liters of cargo space can give, which can go up to 2,153 liters when the third row seats are folded down. Despite its carrying capacity, this mid-size SUV only needs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that’s mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission to give it enough power to haul an entire family, plus one or two extended members, and all their luggage.
The driver’s side is wide enough to accommodate two 12.3-inch digital screens–one being the full LCD gauge cluster, while the other is the central touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that also displays the view from the 360-degree panoramic camera.
The exterior design isn’t too flashy, and that’s fine with me. Its subdued elegance can easily blend in. In fact, in a sea of daring Chinese designs, the one that doesn’t call attention upon itself is the one that stands out. Funny, isn’t it? Even the JAC emblem on the hood exudes quiet dignity. I also love the interior layout. Things are where they should be—well, except for that “old” JAC logo embedded at the hub of the steering wheel, which doesn’t match the JAC logo on the hood, and that’s a bit tacky.
The panoramic sunroof is perfect for the JS8 PRO, because, from time to time, six passengers would surely enjoy looking up at the sky rather than out the window. Front passengers get electrically adjustable seats and a wireless charging pad, while independent front and rear climate controls can adjust to every occupant’s comfort levels.
If I had a large family to take to the countryside every weekend, then the JS8 PRO is my thing. But for the single me, the compact JS6 is it, as I learned when it was my turn behind its wheel. It’s easier to drive around in tight corners, and just feels generally nimbler.
Like the JS8 PRO, the JS6 is generously provided with all the current technologies in automotive safety and drive performance. It has six airbags, ISOFIX child-restraint anchors and an electronic stability program. There’s the ADAS, which includes automatic emergency brake system, lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, blind spot monitoring and intelligent remote light switch.
Like the JS8 PRO, the JS6 is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter, direct-injection inline-4 gasoline engine, but this time mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission capable of producing 182hp at 5500rpm and 300Nm of torque at 1,800 to 3,500rpm while still being fuel efficient (which, by the way, are the same power figures by the JS8 PRO).
The 160-mm ground clearance, 20-degree approach and 19-degree departure angles provide enough room to avoid scraping over village humps, curbs, parking stops, and that occasional surprise pothole. The power-folding side mirrors, panoramic sunroof and electric tailgate add to that convenient, streamlined mobility in the narrow, busy streets of the cities.
Like the JS8 PRO, the JS6 has two 12.3-inch displays, which provide all the drive and infotainment data in one glance, keeping the driver’s eyes on the road, and even the rear passengers can keep tabs on their playlists on the center touchscreen via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has electrically adjustable front seats, wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree camera and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
The JS8 PRO and the JS6 are two technologically “JACked up” cars, no doubt. Which is why it’s surprising that their prices are quite accessible: P1.380 million for the all-new JS6, and P1.350 million for the all-new JS8 PRO. Well, that’s China for you. Their economy has become so powerful that they dictate their own price points. The JS6 comes in five colors: Pearl White, Carmenere Red, Moonstone Blue, Stylish Black and Obsidian Grey. The JS8 PRO is available in Pearl White, Carmenere Red, and Stylish Black.
Both vehicles come with a 5-year warranty or 150,000 kms, whichever comes first, and a 24/7 emergency roadside assistance for the first year.
Veteran auto exec leads local push
JAC Philippines brand head and veteran auto executive Tonette Lee, who joined us in the drive, said that this activity spearheads JAC’s push into the Philippine market, which entails opening new dealerships with seven model introductions by the end of 2024.
“We believe in providing value that goes beyond the sticker price, offering a driving experience that is enriching and fulfilling. Because at JAC Motors, we know that you, your family, your dreams, and your journeys all deserve nothing but the best,” Lee said.
Now, about that question posited at the beginning. What else is there to do on the road besides driving? Well, in a JS8 PRO packed with 7 warm bodies, only one does the actual driving. The rest are enjoying what the car can offer.
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