JAC X200 Single Cab vs Double Cab:Which One is the Right Fit for You?
Small to medium businesses are the backbone of South Africa and the JAC X200 is the perfect workhorse to assist with the heavy lifting. Officially known as Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co. Ltd, JAC has added a single cab to its X200 range. We’re here at MyRide JAC Paarl to find out how it compares to the double cab and ultimately which is the better option.
BOTH JAC X200 MODELS ARE SOLD WITH A 5-YEAR OR 150,000 KM WARRANTY
By virtue of having a larger load area, the Single Cab boasts a 1.5-ton carrying capacity, that’s marginally more than the 1.3 tons offered by the Double Cab.
The duo both score points thanks to their ultra-flat load deck. The load deck clearance comes in handy when loading and unloading goods. Added to that are the three drop-sides which makes loading from any angle a boon.
When it comes to packing goods onto the deck, it’s always advisable to distribute the weight evenly. The Single Cab’s configuration allows for goods to be placed further towards the middle of the load area for superior weight distribution.
The Single Cab strikes another heavy blow by offering tax benefits to business owners. At an entry-level price point of below R345 000 the Single Cab is not only affordable but also a smart business decision.
When it comes to versatility the Double Cab has a not-so-secret weapon: it has seating for six people plus a large load area.
That configuration makes sense when your business activities are interrupted by day-to-day things like going to the grocery store or picking the kids up from school.
The cabin feels cheerful with storage aplenty including a large cubbyhole, sunglass holder and a nifty drop-down middle seat in front that houses two cup holders.
WHICH ENGINE POWERS THE JAC X200?
Despite their seemingly diminutive footprints, the JAC X200 models are designed to work, and they need an engine to match their application. Enter the tried and tested 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine with direct injection mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. It sports a gritty 80kW and more importantly a generous 240Nm.
On the road we found the Double Cab’s Cummins-sourced engine to be worthy of all its accolades. One aspect of the engine we adore is the low-down torque that’s available from 1800 r/min, perfectly suited to moving heavy loads.
The seating position is well laid out and the gear lever falls well to hand. Despite being a lofty vehicle, it handles with confidence and feels well put together.
As the X200 is aimed at small businesses, it’s good to know JAC claims a 9,5 l/100km combined fuel consumption. It’s fitted with a capacious 65-litre fuel tank, which means when filling up the little truck, it has an estimated range of 684km.
Overall, we came away seeing the positives of both configurations. The standard five-year or 60 000km service plan and five-year or 150 000km illustrate JAC’s confidence in their X200 range.
