The Frison T8 Diesel 4X4It is a model that I know very well. I have had the opportunity to live with this truck on more than one occasion and believe it or not, there is always something new to tell.
Well, the last coexistence with this van was when having the JAC Frison Diesel 4×4 2023which presents a few slight changes, which we are going to review in this test drive, which I promise will be quite brief.
JAC Frison Diesel 4×4 2023: Design
At first glance, we will have to use a magnifying glass to find the news, the most obvious being the integration of newly manufactured 18-inch two-tone wheels, as well as the elimination of all chrome accents, since now both the grill and door handles are black. Something that somehow matches its name, since Friesian horses are known for their dark fur.
But that’s not all, since behind doors, we find that the brown color that previously predominated is now replaced by a black fabric upholstery, a tone that we also find in the artificial leather inserts on the dashboard, only here, the seams are in red. From then on, everything stays the same.
JAC Frison Diesel 4×4 2023: Handling and consumption
In the mechanical section, everything remains exactly the same. This means that we find the well-known 2.0-liter CTI diesel engine capable of delivering 139 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Which is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. In this case, and as its name suggests, the drive is 4×4 and complies with Euro V emission standards.
Acceleration from full coast isn’t all that surprising, as for the first few metres, the engine feels a bit sleepy, but nothing to worry about. But this changes after a short time, since after a while the engine wakes up with joy and lets you feel that push that only a diesel knows how to provide.
It is true, it is not the most powerful in its category, but it does quite well. On other occasions I have had the opportunity to drive the Frison Diesel 4×4 in an urban environment, as well as in a demanding 4×4 section and now, it was time to do the same with a load of approximately 400 kilograms.
One of the points that I like the most about this truck is the fuel consumption since it is possible to get about 11.7 km/l without any problem. But there was a question as to how it behaved with a few extra kilos in the punt and let me tell you that surprisingly, I got 10.5 km/l, a very good figure considering the characteristics of the vehicle!
By the way, I have a feeling that the set-up changed a bit. I have to be honest, the previous version made me tired and even punished my lower back area. But now, I was able to drive several miles and strangely felt more comfortable behind the wheel of this pickup. Perhaps the extra charge helped control the parasitic movements of the body.
JAC Frison Diesel 4×4 2023: Conclusion
The Frison T8 is JAC’s best-selling model and between the two versions -Gasoline and Diesel-, but without a doubt the Diesel 4X4 with a price of $555,000 pesos it’s my favorite. Its strengths lie in its good value for money, since you get a good work and recreational vehicle, although not exactly the most refined. I just think it needs a little more equipment, even if it’s optional like a screen or more airbags. Now, it wouldn’t hurt to insert a couple of extra hooks in the tray and for the lid to lower smoothly.
Be careful, JAC told us that soon we will have a novelty in the pickup segment where we will surely have important news. Is there a new version of the Frison T8 coming? Or is the T9 already on the way?
