JAC S3

JAC S3 in Nigeria

It can be difficult to distinguish out in a market flooded with Chinese crossovers. On the surface, this vehicle doesn't seem to stand out in any way. There is no turbocharger. There is no all-wheel drive.

There will be no major, headline-grabbing next-generation technology. But this oddball little crossover has its pleasures. For one thing, it's not that minor. The car is at the top of the company’s small crossover line-up, with room and usability that much outweigh its price. If you want to buy premium crossover cars like this one, check out Cars45.

Why consider the JAC S3?

So what do you stand to gain by buying this car you might wonder already. In contrast to the sleek and low S2, the car appears to be a larger version of the bouncy S1. The stubby nose, with its DRL-equipped projector headlamps, large hexagonal grille, and X-shaped bumper, is very similar to the upcoming Ford EcoSport.

However, the car’s facelift debuted a year before Ford's, so who stole who's thunder? The back end, on the other hand, has a more typically Korean/Chinese feel to it. It appears smaller than it is due to its lofty roof, which pushes the A-pillars well forward, and hefty black cladding that rises toward the rear.

Chrome strips strategically placed break up the black plastic coating even further. The illusion is completed with small but elegant 16-inch alloy wheels.

Below is a table containing some of the specifications of the car

The interior of the JAC S3

While there is a heavy reliance on hard plastics on the inside, it is no different than most crossovers in this price bracket, including Japanese models. The car is remarkably spacious for its size thanks to the high top.

You get a few inches more headroom in the driver's seat than competitors like the MG ZS or the Suzuki Vitara, regardless of seat height. The large wheelbase provides plenty of rear legroom, albeit the sloped center console and transmission tunnel need the center bench passenger to splay their legs to get comfortable.

Cargo Space

The big trunk rounds off the package, with a flat loading lip and ample capacity for almost anything other than a full-sized bicycle. The width is about average for the class, but the punched-out door cards provide a bit more outside elbow room.

The light and airy inside is trimmed in black leatherette, which adds a touch of sophistication to the dash, doors, and seats. Sporty accents include contrast stitching and large red 'S' emblems embroidered on the seats.

Engine Performance of the JAC S3

Despite the prominent red S emblems, the car’s 1.6-liter engine produces only 116hp (118 ps) and 155Nm of torque. There is no turbo here! The engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission, accelerates to 100kph in around 11.8 seconds. For the size and power, this is a fairly respectable time.

The transmission can seem a little jumpy at low speeds because the clutch moves a little before locking and the CVT's low-range ratio is relatively short.

While there is a manual option that resembles separate gears, it is faster to let the transmission slur along, keeping the engine in the powerband. In auto mode, the engine spins a little slower at highway cruising speeds.

What is new?

In addition to the parking assist technologies, the car’s infotainment screen has a tire pressure monitoring system, Bluetooth, and a radio. The sound is clean, with a solid midrange, but not quite as bombastic as some of the best systems on the market.

The car, like most Chinese crossovers, includes a third-party smartphone connection, in this case, CarBit EasyConnection. And, as with other similar systems, results may vary.

Other conveniences include keyless entry (albeit no push-button start) and numerous charging ports (two 12V and one USB).

Where can you buy the JAC S3 in Nigeria?

The car isn't quite as polished in terms of chassis dynamics or drivetrain as the best in class, but the price is far lower than that of other cars in the same class. And, while most Chinese cars don't have fuel economy equal to more mainstream models, the car’s fuel economy is unexpectedly good.

To buy this car, simply head online to Cars45 and buy yours from the options available for sale.