STYLISH, safe, smart, and superior. Could these four s-words be the meaning of the cryptic badge “S4,” the newest SUV from the Chinese automaker JAC?
The JAC S4 was launched through a virtual video presentation with speaker after speaker extolling the technological advancements of the company, including technical cooperation with Volkswagen. According to Kong DeXing, Head of JAC Overseas Automobile Research Institute, this partnership “makes their products at par with German standards.”
Brian Badilla, JAC Philippines sales and marketing director consolidated the first 45 minutes of the Facbook Live launch in one sentence. He said it is a vehicle with “no compromises. No compromises on safety, style, smart features that make it superior in value and pricing.”
That pricing starts at less than a million– P878K for the entry-level S4 Luxury—which has a standard 6-speed manual transmission but is packed with features, much higher than any vehicle in the same category. The CVT Luxury costs P928K, the CVT Intelligent retails at P998K and the CVT Ultimate which comes superb features like the 360-degree panoramic imaging system usually found only in high-end luxury brands, at a price of P1.098M.
Power comes from a 1.5L turbocharged engine with i-VVT Technology using a low-inertia supercharger for improved power performance and quick response. It produces 147 horsepower and has a maximum torque of 210 Nm. This allows it to adapt to different driving needs and ensures the right power output on different road conditions. It is available in 6-speed manual and continuously variable transmissions.
“It is safe, providing the most safety features, using Volkswagen’s VDA quality system to bring the level of quality to German standards,” Badilla said starting to discuss one by one the four “S” defining the S4.
Crucial body components are made of titanium that can withstand pressures of up to 4 times its own body weight. Aside from front dual airbags, it also has front side airbags standard, and side curtains on the upper models. The Front Collision Warning provides that added layer of security and safety on the road. ABS and EBD are in the whole line up while features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, Brake Override System and Lane Departure Warning are packed into the car.
The S4 style comes from a collaboration of design teams from JAC’s R&D centers in Turin, and Tokyo. Creating the car’s unique styling, stance, and colors needed to be both oriental minimalist and modern European at the same time.
The front face uses an individualized splendid wing grille, and the body uses a lot of angular and straight-line designs. The sharp-eyed headlights show its oriental charm, while the trendy ridge-type LED taillights, the tail line that is gradually widened from top to bottom, the two-color sports wheel hubs, suspended roof and shark fin window lines make it keen, recognizable and eye-catching.
Badilla also explained how the smart features of the JAC S4 work together to provide a great driving experience. It starts with the Intuitive Touch Control Panel on the dashboard that eliminates the buttons and knobs for the AC control and other functions of the vehicle. The 10.25” Multi-Media touchscreen on top of the dashboard is linkable to any smartphone. The multi-media touchscreen also controls the different smart features of the vehicle such as cornering lamps and vehicle positioning lighting.
Finally, Badilla said it is a superior overall package. Combining its mechanical, aesthetics, and safety features create a superior drive.
“The JAC S4 has everything that you are looking for without breaking the bank. Nothing is compromised,” he repeated.
In the Philippines, the JAC S4 is imported and distributed by Triesenburg Auto Corporation, a subsidiary of the Lica Auto Group, currently the largest automobile brand network in the country.
