logo
JAC unveils limited-edition T9 Hunter bakkie for SA market only

JAC unveils limited-edition T9 Hunter bakkie for SA market only

The Citizen20-06-2025
JAC Motors South Africa has just unveiled a new, limited-edition version of its T9 Hunter bakkie for the local market following a record-breaking endurance test at Gerotek.
Looking for a new or used JAC? Find it here with CARmag!
Not so long ago, Chinese automaker JAC embarked on setting a new record, involving a gruelling 24-hour endurance challenge, where the T9 bakkie was pushed far beyond typical road limits. The challenge, held at the Gerotek Testing Facility in Pretoria, saw a T9 2l CTi cover 4 084 km at an average speed of 170.1km/h over the period. This distance broke the previous 15-year-old record for commercial vehicles held by Isuzu.
To celebrate this accomplishment, JAC is producing an exclusive run of only 24 T9 Hunter units. Each of these special bakkies will be individually numbered and will receive unique upgrades over the standard T9, including enhanced performance and comfort features. While full details are still under wraps, this limited production run is clearly designed to offer buyers a tangible piece of the T9's track success. Under the bonnet, the T9 Hunter retains the potent powertrain used in the record-breaking test (which is a stock, factory unit). This means a 2l intercooled turbo-diesel engine that generates 144kW of power and 487N.m of torque. Power is delivered through an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
Related: JAC T9 Bakkie Runs Non-Stop for 4 084 km to Set New SA 24-Hour Endurance Record
Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa, notes that the launch of the T9 Hunter aligns perfectly with the brand's accelerating growth. 'Our sales figures reflect the increasing confidence customers have in our products,' Göbel stated. Indeed, T9 sales have seen a nearly 28% increase from January to May 2025 compared with the same period last year, while the popular T8 has surged by a massive 140%.
The remainder of 2025 will see the brand introduce the T9 Plug-in Hybrid, marking its entry into the electrified bakkie market. This will be followed by the arrival of the T6 single-cab, catering to a more utility-focused segment. Additionally, engine updates are planned for both the T8 and X200 models, promising improved performance and efficiency across the lineup.
Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!
The post JAC Unveils Limited Edition T9 Hunter Bakkie for SA Market Only appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

2025 Nissan Magnite scores upgraded safety rating
2025 Nissan Magnite scores upgraded safety rating

The Citizen

time7 hours ago

  • The Citizen

2025 Nissan Magnite scores upgraded safety rating

Introduced to the South African market in June 2021, the pre-facelifted current-generation Nissan Magnite only managed to score two stars at the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP). However, the updated model, which made local landfall in October 2024, has now improved on the original safety rating; upgrading to a GNCAP safety rating of five stars overall. The India-built crossover was awarded five stars for Adult Occupant Protection and three stars for Child Occupant Protection; accumulating in the overall five-star score. 'This significant milestone further cements the Magnite as a safety and engineering leader within the sub-R400k compact-SUV space. Our engineers achieved an incredible feat, raising the Magnite from a two-star to five-star safety rating in a remarkably short timeframe,' said Maciej Klenkiewicz, the managing director of Nissan South Africa and independent markets. Richard Woods, the CEO of GNCAP, added: 'It's very welcome to see Nissan's focus on improving the Magnite's safety performance. The five-star rating is relevant to consumers in South Africa and India, and it demonstrates what can be achieved in a relatively short period of time when a manufacturer is fully committed to engage in the NCAP process.' The most affordable compact SUV in South Africa, the Magnite is equipped with such safety items as six airbags, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and hill start assist, among others. As a reminder, locally, the Magnite is available with the choice of two 1l, three-cylinder engines – one naturally aspirated and the other, turbocharged. The former and latter units produce 53kW/96Nm and 74kW/152Nm, respectively, and have respective claimed average fuel consumption figures of 5.9l/100km and 6.0l/100km. Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post 2025 Nissan Magnite Scores Upgraded Safety Rating appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.

Chery Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid ready to shock the SUV segment
Chery Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid ready to shock the SUV segment

The Citizen

timea day ago

  • The Citizen

Chery Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid ready to shock the SUV segment

Sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds and won't break the bank at the pumps. Chery made big noise about its hybrid technology at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. After spending some quality time in two of the Chinese carmaker's new energy offerings, we understand Chery's sentiment. Along with the Tiggo Cross self-charging hybrid, Chery last month rolled out the Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) locally. Two PHEV models head the revised Tiggo 7 line-up, which has dropped the Pro and Pro Max monikers from before. We recently had the Tiggo 7 Plus CSH, short for Chery Super Hybrid, on test. The Plus at R619 900 slots in underneath the R679 900 Ultra CSH and are marked down a full R20 000 as an introductory special offer. And even better, it still includes comprehensive after sales backing which features a 10-year/unlimited mileage battery warranty. ALSO READ: Hybrid warfare as Chery Tiggo 7 takes swipe at Jaecoo J7 Performance-like power Apart from the price, the standout feature of the PHEV model is its power outputs. Numbers so impressive that it will qualify as a performance offering in many other stables. The manufacturer's familiar 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine teams up with an 18.3kWh battery hooked up to a single electric motor to form the CSH setup. Together they produce a total of 265kW of power and 530Nm of torque. This is a significant power bump from the 145kW/290Nm produced by the 1.6-litre blown mill model. Even better than the extra oomph is the difference the single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) makes compared to any other gearbox Chery has to offer. The DHT means the typical Chinese throttle calibration issues are all out the window, with the power delivery being buttery smooth. The steering is a bit light, but still better than what the Tiggo Cross hybrid feels like. ALSO READ: Newly facelifted Chery Tiggo 7 range priced with more features Throttle calibration issues sorted Chery claims the Tiggo 7 CSH will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 5.4 seconds and we have no reason to doubt them. The torque is so instantaneous when flooring the accelerator, that it behaves much more like a fully electric car than anything mechanical burdened by turbo lag. The Chery Tiggo 7 Plus CSH rides on 18-inch alloys. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The twist is routed to the front wheels as Chery do not offer the hybrids as – or any Tiggo 7 for that metter – with all-wheel drive anymore. When you flatten the accelerator, the amount of torque on the front wheels is so great that it leads to wheelspin on any surface with the slightest tinge of dust about it. The Chery Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid's claimed electric range is 93km. Some logistical issues meant that The Citizen Motoring were unable to charge the car at home or a DC fast charger to put this claim to the test. It did however give us a chance to observe the intricacies of the hybrid system. Chery Tiggo 7's clever system Unlike some brands' PHEV technology, the CSH system does not allow the battery to run flatter than 20%, which is very similar to the BYD Shark bakkie. The engine, along with power restored by regenerative braking, keeps the battery level around the 20% mark. In other words, it then functions like a self-charging hybrid, sans the benefit of a pure electric range. We were unable to determine the accumulated consumption for the car's weeklong stay, but a trip-by-trip readout never exceeded 6.4 litres per 100km, with 5.4L/100km being the lowest. This would indicate that Chery's claimed range of 1 200km with a full tank and full charge is within reach. In terms of styling, the Chery Tiggo 7 CSH adopts the upgrades that have been applied to the entire range. The front end now features a diamond-studded chrome grille and revised LED headlights. We really like the new rear styling, which is a lot more authoritative with its muscular lines. Loads of space and tech Inside, the CSH is as plush and comfortable as we have become used to over the years. Two 12.3-screens features on the dash which is rounded off by the generous use of leather, faux carbon, brushed chrome and veneer. The light emitted through the 1.1 square metre panoramic roof makes the already generous space in the cabin look even bigger. The Chery Tiggo 7 has two 12.3-inch screens. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The infotainment system features six speakers and is geared with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also features the 'Hello Chery' voice assistant and 540-degree camera. There is also a 50W wirelessly charging tray and multiple Type-C USB ports. One feature that will take getting used to is the absence of a push start button. You can't help yourself looking for the button before realising that there isn't one. Once inside, you simply put it in gear and off you go. Providing your seat belt is fastened of course. Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV guns for glory Boot space is rated at 626 litres, with plenty of leg and headroom in the second row. The Chery Tiggo 7 Plus CSH comes standard with front and rear parking sensors and six airbags. Advanced safety systems include blind-spot monitoring, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert. Chery has been hurting the heritage brands in the C-SUV segment and will continue to do that pridct like this. No buyer in this segment can ignore the attractive pricing and the comprehensive package that comes along with it.

VW vows to keep petrol-powered Golf GTI alive into the next decade
VW vows to keep petrol-powered Golf GTI alive into the next decade

The Citizen

timea day ago

  • The Citizen

VW vows to keep petrol-powered Golf GTI alive into the next decade

Since its introduction, Volkswagen's (VW) Grand Touring Injection (GTI) nameplate has garnered a cult following – the Golf, the first VW to don this moniker, especially. Now in its eighth generation, the Golf GTI will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, and to commemorate its illustrious heritage, VW unveiled the Edition 50 model in June. However, with the ever-stringent European emissions regulations and with VW having confirmed an all-electric Golf GTI is in the works, the internal combustion-engined (ICE) Golf GTI's future looked somewhat uncertain. However, some good news for ICE Golf GTI fans has now surfaced. VW Golf GTI to remain ICE into 2030 In an interview with VW enthusiast Jamie Orr, the German marque's CEO, Thomas Schäfer, said the ICE Golf GTI will 'definitely' be kept alive into 2030, where we'll still see a 'strong presence' of ICE vehicles. However, Schäfer did mention that it will probably be 'a little bit' electrified. 'It's not only about the noise and the engine. It can also be transferred into the future – into the electric world. And we have a clear plan for that,' said Schäfer. In the conversation, Schäfer also noted the importance of the GTI brand, saying it is one of the Wolfsburg company's most important sub-brands – known worldwide and with a big following. (If you weren't aware of just how big this following is, attend the GTI Fan Festival and you'll experience it first-hand.) Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! Related The post VW Vows to Keep Petrol-Powered Golf GTI Alive Into the Next Decade appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store