JAC M3

The JAC M3 can accommodate eight passengers but to consider comfort, it is best for only two people to occupy the third row. To boot, the cabin is made of fabric upholstery that also offers ample head and legroom space. For some, you would not expect the second-row, and third-row benches to be quite comfortable, but the M3 delightfully has well-padded seats. However, there are a few restrictions as this van does not offer any adjustments to either recline the backrests or slide the benches afore or aft. The third-row seats, conversely, offer a 50/50 split-folding configuration to fully make use of the cargo space. There are also three ISOFIX mounts equipped on the second-row.

The design of this vehicle embodies an identical look to the heavy-duty light commercial MPV, the Nissan NV200. It features a boxy appearance suited for the streets of Manila. What makes this van different from the others is its wide bumper, grille design, and broad headlamps. It is equipped with a front brake disc along with a power-adjustable exterior rear-view mirror, rear window wiper, integrated antenna, and rear-window defogger. All of the variants measure 4,715 mm in length, 1,740 mm in width, and 1,900 mm in height. Whereas the wheelbase of this automobile is approximately 2,810 mm along with a ground clearance of 160 mm. Five colors are available to choose from — silver, gray, white, black, and brown.

The JAC M3 is built with a dual swing front suspension and a rear leaf spring suspension. This MPV is equipped with a basic infotainment system. The braking power of this auto, conversely, is provided by discs on the front and drums on the back.

The M3 only provides AM and FM radio features along with a USB and auxiliary input. It also features front speakers, a touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity as well as a DVD player. The infotainment system is indeed disappointing but there is always an option to upgrade its features but that requires, again, money. 

The JAC M3 MPV has two variants in the local market:  the 1.6 MT, and the 2.0 MT. The 1.6-litre VVT gasoline engine can generate about 118 horsepower with a torque of 150 Nm and it can produce a top speed of 168 kmph. The 2.0-litre variant, on the other hand, provides 120 horsepower with a torque of 150 Nm. Both of the variants are equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drivetrain. The fuel capacity, conversely, of the M3 is 55-liters.

The M3 presents an ample degree of safety as it features an anti-lock braking system (ABS), child safety locks, an electronic brake distribution (EBD), a vehicle stability control system, and brake assist (BA). It is equipped with height-adjustable front seat belts along with a seat belt warning. It has both driver’s and front passenger’s airbag with a side airbag-front as well. The rear seats are also decked with seat belts for safety. It also has both front and side-impact beams, a crash sensor, door ajar warning, engine check warning, and parking sensors. For security, the M3 is trimmed with an engine immobilizer, anti-theft device, power door locks, and central locking.

A multi-purpose vehicle either for accommodating passengers or for cargo business is definitely worth the ₱895,000–₱985,000 price range. The M3 offers a comfortable cabin good for eight passengers or a capacious boot space when you need it to be. It is also decked with safety features which makes it ideal for anyone looking for a dependable carrier under the budget.