We were already familiar with JAC brand equipment. It's time to try one of the models - JAC N-120 - live. To do this, we went to the Moscow region to the official distributor. It is there that the chassis is brought, on which the “bodybuilders” then work, installing various add-ons.
In Moscow, we were met by Ilya Moskovchenko, brand development manager in Russia.
Tellingly, he also drives a JAC car, although not a truck, but a copy of the BMW X5 with a pre-crisis purchase price of less than 500,000 rubles. (Right now there is no official dealer for passenger cars in Russia, so don’t ask where you can buy one).
So, the first acquaintance with Chinese cars began even before the test drive.
While we were moving towards our destination, a company representative told the story of attempts to conquer the Russian market by a manufacturer from the Middle Kingdom.
For the first time, JAC trucks and buses officially appeared in our country in 2005. Then we signed an agreement with one of the Russian companies. In fact, the scheme was like this: a domestic company bought cars from a Chinese manufacturer and resold them here.
After the 2008 crisis, the “outbidder” went bankrupt and sales stopped. The “second coming” of the brand to Russia took place in 2010. The partner was TagAZ, at whose facilities two models of trucks were assembled.
But a year later, the plant was closed by law enforcement agencies who were looking for the director. The territory is still sealed off, JAC trucks are there, and no one is going to give them up.
The Chinese made a third attempt in 2012, stepping on the same rake, that is, signing another agreement with a Russian dealer company. It all ended ingloriously.
And only then did the plant’s managers realize the need to create their own company in Russia. Which is what happened in 2014. The founder of the current JAC distributor, Jak Automobile LLC, was a Chinese manufacturer, and Russian employees were involved in the development and promotion of the brand. Soon, engineers from the Middle Kingdom brought test cars and asked: “Is adaptation necessary for Russia?”
“We immediately identified the weak points of the models that would not withstand the local climate, difficult operating conditions, bad roads, bad drivers, and the quality of diesel fuel. And a year later we saw a new type of car, which was very different from the first samples. Engineers said that when cars for Russia enter the assembly line, Chinese assemblers swear because of many differences - wiring harnesses, components for the layout, different seats, etc.,” describes Ilya Moskovchenko.
Now the fourth generation of JAC trucks is being supplied to the Russian market. Although the manufacturer is a complete manufacturer, with a plant in Anhui province producing body parts, frames, engines, gearboxes, electrical and glass, at the time of designing the new models, JAC had an agreement with Isuzu, and the developers used the drawings and technologies of the Japanese.
Denis Snegovsky
For the N-series we used Styer axles, licensed copies of ZF gearboxes, Cummins engines for medium-duty models and a licensed copy of the good old Isuzu 4JB1 for a light-duty truck, 8th generation Bosch electrics. The largest press in Asia, a 9,000-ton Kawasaki, is used to make machine frames. Thus, the metal is processed in one pass, avoiding the “memory” effect.
Meanwhile, we arrived at the test drive site. Here we were met by another development manager of Jak Automobile LLC, Denis Snegovsky, who acted as today’s Tester.
First impressions
At first glance, any of the three JAC N-series models presented in Russia are similar to Japanese ones. Smooth lines in the design, neat plastic inside (note: absolutely non-smelly). The painting is very neat, you can immediately see the use of a robotic line. The cabin has three layers of varnish to protect against corrosion.
We inspect the chassis. The absence of the “childhood disease” of many Chinese manufacturers is striking - there are no bare wires. All electrics are hidden in double and sometimes triple insulation. The connectors are also closed, and the metal in the relay does not come into contact with dirt and water.
Rubber seals and seals can withstand operation at temperatures down to -55 °C.
A Cummins ISF3.8S5168 diesel engine with a volume of 3.8 liters and a power of 166 hp is installed under the cabin. With
We lift the cabin, where we find a four-cylinder diesel Cummins ISF3.8S5168 with a volume of 3.8 liters and a power of 166 hp. With. By the way, this engine will soon be abandoned: JAC has signed an agreement with the American company NaviStar and will produce its own power units under its license.
In front there is an energy-absorbing bumper, installed only in the version for Russia, according to certification.
Since we will not be testing a bare chassis, but a full-fledged representative of the LCV segment, we are going to the JAC N-120 with a manufactured goods van installed. The internal volume of the superstructure is 40 m3, it can accommodate 16 euro pallets. Overall dimensions of the van (LxWxH) - 6700 x 2550 x 2400 mm. Note that the model is certified with a gross weight of 11,990 kg, which allows you to drive without a special permit on public roads and without paying for the Platon system.
Comfortable handrails and anti-slip footrests allow you to get into the cabin effortlessly. The interior, of course, is not rich, but quite suitable for commercial vehicles. The seats are not hard, like most Chinese counterparts, and are designed for long trips.
The steering column can be adjusted for tilt and reach. So a driver of almost any size can get comfortable. The steering wheel itself is multifunctional. It contains radio control buttons (on the right) and cruise control (on the left).
There are three seats in the cabin, but it is better to fold the middle passenger's seat into a table. It is uncomfortable to sit on - it has no headrest and is very narrow.
For long trips a sleeping place is provided. To make sleeping more comfortable, the seat backs can be folded and an air mattress can be placed in the cabin. True, the handbrake lever will be in the way - it would be better for it to be on the front panel.
Electric windows are optional, but since their cost with installation is only 1000 rubles, the distributor included them in the basic package.
According to the same scheme, central locking appeared in cars.
“Unlike true “Chinese” models, models for Russia have cigarette lighters from the factory. Not just 12-volt outlets, but cigarette lighters. The basic configuration includes a radio with MP3, AUX, antenna and speakers, removable ashtrays in the doors, and overhead shelves for documents and driver’s belongings. In the Chinese version, the batteries are in the public domain, which is simply unacceptable in Russia - they will be stolen.
Therefore, in models for our market they were placed in a box closed with four bolts, which protects not only from pests, but also from dirt, moisture and cold. There is a separate toolbox,” Denis Snegovsky shows.
The installation of a Webasto liquid heater is optionally available, and its cost with installation is 28,000 rubles, with the average price in Moscow around 90,000 rubles.
And in the basic version, an electric heater is installed, so the car can be warmed up by connecting the boiler using an extension cord to a regular household outlet.
In general, the difference in cost between a truck in the basic configuration and with a full set of options is 56,000 rubles. Which, given the price of the JAC N-120 chassis at 2,220,000 rubles, seems like a trifle.
Technical characteristics and dimensions
Technical characteristics of Jac 120:
| chassis weight with equipment | 4.3 t; |
| lifting capacity | 7.7 t; |
| vehicle weight | 11.98 t; |
| top speed | 110 km/h; |
| maximum inclination of the working surface | 30%. |
| length | 8.3 m; |
| width | 2.34 m; |
| height | 2.45 m; |
| installation length | 6.2 m; |
| wheelbase length | 4.7 m; |
| turning radius | 10.5 m; |
| ground clearance | 0.22 m. |
About operation
So, let's start the engine. When the ignition is turned on, the instrument panel flashes multi-colored lights, and the central display shows the AdBlue level, seat belt warnings, brake pressure and mileage information. By the way, the ignition key unlocks and locks everything on the truck.
“All locks are opened with one key. This has both a plus and a minus. For example, gas caps are loose and people forget them at gas stations. I've already lost two myself. And when you take a new cover, another key goes to it separately. These covers need to be mounted either on a chain or on a cable,” shares Denis.
The hum of the engine at idle does not interfere - the sound insulation under the cabin has an effect. We need to get out of the dense row of other trucks. It doesn’t work the first time - the length of the JAC N-120 does not allow it to quickly turn around in a confined space. It took three forward/backward movements. You need to get used to the dimensions.
But then we hit the highway, and the truck finds itself in its element. The high-torque engine confidently picks up speed, beginning to growl louder as it rises. Gear shifts are easy enough and the car accelerates quickly.
The spherical rear view mirrors are a delight. The driver of the JAC N-120 can see everything that happens to the left and right of the car. They even provided mirrors for blind spots. The visibility from the front is excellent: I sit high and can see far away.
It's easy to drive uphill with an empty van even in sixth gear. According to our tester, when fully loaded, going uphill requires shifting to fifth gear.
The manufacturer claims engine life at 600,000 km. In practice, it is not yet possible to verify this, since none of the implemented JACs have driven more than 350,000 km on Russian roads.
The braking system is responsive even beyond expectations. Just touch the pedal and the pads grab the discs. It’s easy to slow down in case of an unexpected situation. A rear anti-roll bar is installed as standard, which drivers will appreciate when traveling with a full load. Cruise control with ABS, which is available as standard, also helps drivers on highways.
It's getting dark and it's starting to rain. We turn on the LED headlights - they are bright and illuminate the road well. The wipers barely have time to wipe the water off the glass, but it’s pouring outside like a bucket.
The cabin has double floor insulation - both inside and outside under the cabin. Protection with insulation is installed under the engine. In front of the radiator there are blinds that can be closed in winter to create a “cardboard effect”.
“Adaptation for Russia made it possible to make the first “Chinese”, which is warm. It’s not cold in the cabin even without Webasto, a comfortable temperature is maintained even at idle,” our Tester says proudly.
Problem-free starting in cold weather is ensured not only by the pre-start heater, but also by insulated fuel hoses, a heated fuel filter at the engine inlet and the return line. Short hoses are laid from the tank to the fuel filter-separator.
The service interval for the JAC N-120 is stated at 20,000 km. There are no problems with servicing the machine. Firstly, all manuals and electrical diagrams are in Russian, an excellent catalog of spare parts has been created by VIN code, and any more or less competent mechanic can find and replace parts.
The truck comes with a complete zip kit that contains all the repair tools. Secondly, if the car is under warranty, and it is three years or 150,000 km of operation, then specially trained people will repair it. And it’s free too.
“According to statistics, 40% of our corporate customers buy JAC trucks again. They like the cars, they like the service. And I am sure that this figure will soon reach 60%,” assures Denis Snegovsky.
Impressions regarding fuel consumption are mixed. The on-board computer shows a value of 20.3 liters per hundred kilometers.
“This is on average. We start it, stand still, etc. When you drive on the highway, you get 16.2-16.5 liters per 100 kilometers. This is if you do not exceed 90 km/h. If you put pressure on the gas and go 120 km/h, then the consumption will already be at the level of 20 liters,” explains the representative of the distributor.
Features and Benefits
The main advantages of the machine include its low cost, which amounts to a maximum of 2.5 million rubles. The same applies to prices for spare parts, maintenance and repair work. Profitability is also achieved due to low fuel consumption.
The design of the truck is characterized by simplicity and carefully designed components that are accessible from the ground level. The fuel system includes a filter with a separator and heating, which is responsible for the ability to start even at low temperatures. High-quality operation of the Jak N 120 in the cold season is also ensured by the tightness of the cabin, heated rear-view mirrors, and the installation of rubberized inserts made of frost-resistant material.
The truck is mainly used for transporting non-food products, including construction materials, over long distances. The vehicle chassis is equipped with:
- automobile hydraulic lift;
- on-board platform, which is necessary during construction work and in factories;
- car elevator;
- tow truck;
- van Jac 120 (refrigerator, manufactured goods, isothermal, special);
- garbage truck;
- utility equipment;
- a manipulator that loads and unloads materials independently.
The refrigerator is used to transport medicines and perishable products and creates the necessary temperature conditions. Manufactured goods equipment eliminates the impact of external factors on the transported cargo.
Verdict
JAC trucks clearly can no longer be associated with those Chinese vehicles that began to enter the Russian market 10-15 years ago. They worked seriously on quality.
This is also evidenced by the manufacturer's three-year warranty. It is noteworthy that it also applies to fuel injectors (although not for three years), unlike the famous Japanese Hino, Fuso and Isuzu. Even tires that could not be balanced were replaced under warranty.
In addition, in 2022, JAC will change its Chinese registration to Kazakh. The fact is that the manufacturer bought a 51% stake in the local automobile plant, and the assembly of equipment will be transferred there. Which will also affect the cost of cars due to the absence of customs and recycling fees.
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Truck Jac N120
The Jac N120 truck belongs to the category of medium-duty vehicles with the ability to transport cargo weighing up to 7.7 tons. It is suitable for any business, due to its high power, comfort and profitability. Produced in China, it has become a sales leader in the Russian, American and European markets for the sale of commercial vehicles. Special equipment is designed for operation in difficult conditions, has a long trouble-free service life and reliability.
When fully equipped, the truck weighs almost 12 tons, which guarantees the ability to move around populated areas and the Moscow Ring Road. Jac 120 is capable of performing work in any region of Russia and at the same time withstanding heavy loads.
Price new and used
New equipment in Russia costs about 2.3-2.5 million rubles. depending on the build and the availability of additional functions. A used car can be purchased for 1.1-1.3 million rubles. The exact price is set based on a number of indicators: the general condition of the car, mileage, availability and need for major repairs, etc.
The price of Jac N120 per shift is RUB 3,000. To bring a car within the Moscow Ring Road you need to pay 800 rubles.
The popularity of the truck is due to its low cost, high quality, reliability and low maintenance costs.
Operator's cabin
The Jac N120 truck is equipped with a cab with two doors, which can be moved forward to access the engine compartment. The entrance to the salon is made as safe as possible: anti-slip steps, handles on the A-pillars, handrails. The steering wheel and operator's seat can be adjusted to suit individual needs. All main dashboard keys are within easy reach. The LCD monitor displays data on mileage, basic parameters, machine hours, safety, etc.
Behind the driver there is a sleeping place with dimensions of 1.7 m x 0.4 m. High visibility is achieved through the installation of large and wide windows. Rear side windows with pivoting glass are designed for ventilation.
Chassis
The suspension is designed specifically for use in difficult Russian conditions. Protection systems ABS, ASR, EBL are responsible for high-quality braking, rapid acceleration and stability when maneuvering. The anti-roll bar has been improved compared to its predecessor. The Jac 120 chassis is characterized by high wear resistance, reliability and durability.
Steering
The Jak 120 truck is equipped with a rack and pinion control system. Basic elements: hydraulic power steering, adjustable steering wheel for reach and tilt. The column is installed on the left side for ease of operation in Russia.
Engine
The Jac 120 engine is characterized by efficiency and performance, high traction force, and is equipped with a direct fuel supply system. The Cummins ISF 3.8S5168 inline four-cylinder powerplant is protected by a heat shield to ensure efficient operation in cold weather. The engine capacity is 3.8 liters, the capacity of the diesel fuel tank is 210 liters.
| Engine | Cummins ISF 3.8S5168 |
| Power | 140 hp |
| Fuel | diesel |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Torque | 280 Nm |
| Unit volume | 3.8 l |
| Environmental class | Euro 5 |
| Tank capacity | 210 l |
The crankcase and gearbox are protected from contamination. Exhaust gas recirculation system, turbocharging and intercooler are included as standard equipment of the engine. The exhaust quality complies with European standards Euro-5.
Device
The basic assembly involves the installation of wires for connecting elements of the control system and a connector for activating them, sun visors, ceiling niches, ashtrays, a car radio with an acoustic system, an on-board computer with a display, and information is displayed on it in Russian.
The option is to install a tachograph and top spoiler, power take-off and fuel pre-heater. The last part makes it possible to start the engine after a long stay at a temperature of -50 degrees.
