According to the Department of Transport, the AARTO Amendment Act will apply nationwide on 1 July 2021. Implementing this act will see traffic authorities increase their presence on the roads to enforce traffic rules, ensuring safer streets, highways, and country roads.
One of the problems facing transport operators and their workers is that it is illegal to transport workers on the back of an open bakkie. Recently traffic authorities have been clamping down more vigorously on this dangerous practice which is a far too familiar sight on our roads.
The solution to this problem is JAC Motors’ X200 2.8-litre turbo-diesel workhorse in a double-cab configuration that can accommodate six people inside the cab and offering a 1.3-tonne payload with a large load area. The X200 is the only forward-cab workhorse in the local market that offers a double-cab derivative in this segment of the market.
“The X200 double-cab allows you to safely and legally transport workers and goods with the same 1.3-tonne payload the single-cab workhorse competitors are offering,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. “Our product also features a powerful 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, ABS and a factory-fitted air-conditioner, and for just over R300 000, it retails for less than the competitors’ single-cab workhorses.”
Forward-cab design offers ample space to transport workers and cargo legally
A forward-cab design is more practical than a standard bakkie. Its main benefit is the increased load box size with a much larger load volume, making these rugged workhorses ideal for business and industrial use.
The X200 offers an elevated driving position allowing the driver to see and judge traffic better on the open roads, and it further improves visibility when parking at loading bays. A forward-cab design also incorporates other advantages that drivers and fleet owners appreciate, such as the easy entrance and exit for drivers and crew in many load stop-and-drop situations.
The spacious air-conditioned cab that easily accommodates six people with their gear features cloth seats with headrests in the front and back, creating a safe and comfortable work environment for the driver and passengers.
Front- and rear crumple zones, side-impact protection bars, height-adjustable headlamps and an immobiliser further add to occupants’ safety. Remote-controlled central locking with motion-lock at 40 km/h and an engine that cannot ignite when the clutch is not engaged further contribute to the safety credentials of the X200.
The hydraulic assisted power steering provides excellent handling, optimised manoeuvrability and safe driving characteristics in all load states and on any road surface, ensuring the safe transportation of workers and cargo.
Although the X200 was developed to excel in the harshest working conditions, it features standard equipment such as a height-adjustable steering wheel, electric windows, a Radio/CD/MP3 player with Bluetooth, and speakers fitted in the front doors. It also offers ample stowing space located in various places inside the cab.
“The X200 double-cab is a unique product on offer by JAC Motors. It is a reliable and versatile workhorse that outclasses competitors in the price, performance and comfort categories. But, more importantly, it will keep your workers safe and your AARTO record intact,” says Göbel.
Powerful 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine for harsh working conditions
The X200 is fitted with a reliable 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine mounted under the front seats. This proven engine produces 80 kW at 3 600 r/min and 240 Nm of torque between 1 800 and 2 000 r/min.
“Research indicates that our customers are extremely impressed by the powerful turbo-diesel engine of the X200 which delivers approximately 30% more power than its rivals. When transporting heavy loads, it is important to have a workhorse that can efficiently manoeuvre different traffic conditions and maintain a constant speed on open roads and highways to ensure timeous deliveries,” says Göbel.
A trademark of the X200’s powertrain design is fuel economy. The power is distributed via a 5-speed transmission to the rear wheels. The maximum torque available at low rpm allows drivers to minimise gear changes and reduce fuel usage. As a result, the average fuel consumption is 9.5 ℓ/100 km (combined cycle).
The X200 offers the ideal engine capacity for our country’s demanding conditions. Companies involved in construction, and small businesses supplying labour-intensive services like furniture deliveries and garden maintenance, are potential customers of this versatile workhorse.
“A local online car publication recently commended the X200 as the forward-cab workhorse with the lowest running cost in its class, making it the most affordable and efficient urban fleet solution for transport operators,” adds Göbel.
Robust suspension with a 1.3-tonne payload to transport heavy loads
The X200 supports JAC Motors’ new chassis stamping and welding treatment process developed for the heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis used in their N-Series truck range. The main benefit of a solid ladder-frame chassis is the optimum axle weight distribution that enhances safety.
The X200’s double-wishbone independent front suspension and robust ladder-frame chassis design allow for excellent manoeuvrability and solid handling regardless of its load size. In addition, the maximum use of axle capacities for ideal payload weight distribution also contributes to optimal handling in heavy urban traffic and on open roads.
The X200’s compact size and minimum turning radius of 5.75 metres ensure easy manoeuvrability in places where larger trucks cannot navigate. The X200 double-cab features an Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and is fitted with large disc brakes in front, supported by drum brakes at the back and a Load Sensing Proportioning Valve (LSPV) to deliver excellent stopping power.
The X200’s optimal ride height and ultra-flat low deck with a standard drop-side configuration make loading and unloading easy and fast. Its cargo area of 2 215 mm (length) x 1 650 mm (width) x 355 mm (drop-side height) is designed for optimal space utilisation and for easy working conditions to meet the modern-day demands of cargo transport.
With a payload of 1 300 kg, a large load area of 3 654 mm², the X200 double-cab can safely transport workers whilst offering practical solutions for everyday use that will meet customer expectations for any transport task at hand. The Towing Mass (braked) of the X200 is 1 250 kg.
“Our affordable X200 double-cab, which is unique in its market segment, is the best urban logistics solution for transport operators. Its powerful and reliable engine, balanced transmission, excellent payload, low running cost, and people carrying ability make it an asset in every transport operator’s stable,” says Göbel.
The lowest running cost in its class makes it the workhorse of choice
With the most competitive pricing in its class, the X200 range offers excellent value for money to any transport operator, big or small. The versatile X200 double-cab, with its higher specification level and people carrying ability, caters to the specific needs of transport operators across all industries.
“The X200 double-cab is an important model in our workhorse range as it allows us to extend our product offering to fleet customers who prefer only to use one brand in their transport fleets,” concludes Göbel.
The X200 double-cab retails at R304 900 and comes standard with a factory-fitted air-conditioner and a five-year/150 000-kilometre manufacturer warranty, including a five-year/60 000-kilometre service plan. Service intervals are scheduled for every 10 000 km.
The JAC X200 2.8-litre TDi forward-cab range comprises four derivatives:
X200 1.5-tonne Chassis Cab – R284 900 (including A/C and VAT)
X200 1.5-tonne Drop-side – R294 900 (including A/C and VAT)
X200 1.5-tonne Tipper – R324 900 (including A/C and VAT)
X200 1.3-tonne Double-cab – R304 900 (including A/C and VAT)
