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JAC S4 subcompact crossover SUV to be launched this weekend

See this Chinese vehicle’s specs, prices and target rivals

Does the exterior design remind you of an already existing model? Or do you think it looks fresh? PHOTO FROM JAC

Safe to say that JAC Motors Philippines was one of the automotive distributors in the country to be most devastated by the news that the Manila International Auto Show had been canceled for the year due to the pandemic. This is because the company representing the Chinese car manufacturer was poised to display its latest wares at the annual motoring expo. But like the other would-be MIAS participants, JAC is now ready to restart its marketing plans. And to kick things off, the firm is officially introducing the S4 subcompact crossover SUV on Sunday, July 5. This vehicle, we suspect, would have been the brand’s main showcase at MIAS had it pushed through (as the recently released F-150 would have been for Ford).

This model was launched in China in late 2018 as the Refine S4. At 4,410mm in length, it is longer than regular subcompact SUVs like the Kia Seltos and the Mazda CX-3, but shorter than established compact ones like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. In the product literature sent to us, JAC is targeting the likes of the Hyundai Kona, the Geely Coolray, the MG ZS and the GAC GS3 as the S4’s main competition.

This is not a bad-looking crossover SUV, is it? Do you like it? PHOTOS FROM JAC

For our market, the S4 will be equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine that is already Euro 5-compatible and produces 147hp and 210Nm. This powerplant is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT depending on the variant:

  • Luxury 6MT – P878,000
  • Luxury CVT – P928,000
  • Intelligent CVT – P998,000
  • Ultimate CVT – P1,098,000

For a list of what every variant comes standard with, check out the spec sheet provided by the distributor:

So, knowing what you already know about its target rivals, how do you feel about the JAC S4’s chances of succeeding in our price-conscious market?



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist since July 1995. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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