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IN the past, budget cars had an unflattering reputation, but thanks to huge advances in technology they are smarter, more reliable and sleeker than ever before.
There’s an old saying that if something is too good to be true, it usually is. However, nowadays, you don’t have to break the bank to drive around in style.
Chinese automaker JAC Motors (Jianghuai Automobile Co Ltd) was launched in Bahrain last December and has a wide model line that spans from commercial trucks to small city cars.
The brand’s main attraction is the 1.8-litre B Class sedan, the JAC J5, a nippy little number that aims to combine luxury and practicality at a competitive price, delivering a reassuring and supple drive.
Its exterior has been created by the famous Pininfanina design centre in Italy, which gives this model a welcome European feel and character. One of my favourite touches is the rear LED braking lights, which bridge a gap between aesthetics and functionality.
The cockpit is comfortable, has plenty of space and, as an added bonus, everything is clearly laid-out and easy to use. The fully-loaded model I drove boasted leather seats, alloy wheels and an entertainment system that included a CD player, radio and USB input for your MP3 player.
Under the bonnet, the 1.8-litre Mitsubishi engine provides ample power and, on the road, the J5 is nimble and responsive. Admittedly, this car will not break the speed of sound or be spotted racing around the BIC, but it will definitely be found with a contented driver inside.
During my test drive, I took the J5 through various routes to see how it handled everyday use. Stop-and-go traffic around Juffair was relatively smooth and, thankfully, the brakes are quite responsive in case you need to stop suddenly.
Sedans are definitely easier to park than SUVs, which means the J5 is ideal for driving around Manama where parking is a challenge and it has rear sensors to make things even easier.
On the highway, the J5 comes into its own and zips along steadily with ease.
Safety is definitely this model’s shining star. It boasts great active and passive safety systems to ensure confidence. It has received the C-NCAP 5 star crash test rating and also features, ABS brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, integrated side panels and dual airbags.
However, in my opinion, the best thing about the J5 is that it’s kind to the wallet both in terms of sales price and running costs.
Although it may not be too expensive (comparatively speaking) to run a car here in Bahrain, back in my native Blighty it costs a small fortune to fill your tank with petrol. So, the ingenious chaps at JAC have made the J5 notably fuel efficient making it ideal for city driving around the world.
The JAC J5 comes with five years unlimited mileage warranty and a courtesy car is available when the owner books in a service.
Prices start from BD5,500.
For more information, visit the JAC Motors showroom in Bin Saloom Plaza, Shaikh Salman Highway, Zinj or call 17270270.
