JAC M4

The cabin layout and design of the JAC M4 might not feel too flashy or tech-rich but is good enough to make the occupants feel that they are not seated inside a dated vehicle from the previous generation. With decent features and an eye-pleasing dual-tone theme of black and grey, the M4’s cabin looks wide and spacious. The passenger version of the JAC M4 comes with captain seats in the middle rows and a flat bench for the last row, making it practical and comfortable at the same time. 

The three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and the analogue instrument console of the JAC M4 look conventional and decent. The vertical AC vents on the corners of the dashboard and sides of the centre console have satin silver surrounds, with the centre console having a touchscreen infotainment system in between the AC vents. The lower centre console has the transmission lever and buttons for the climate control placed side by side on a slanted panel. The second, third and fourth rows of seats come with AC vents to keep the rear cabin of the van cool even in hot summers.

Traditionally, vans do not focus much on exterior looks, and the JAC M4 follows this tradition with a very simple design, which looks basic but easy on the eyes. The exterior look of the JAC M4 looks very much inspired by Ford Transit, a much more popular and in-demand van sold in other global markets.

The front profile of the JAC M4 has a lot of angular elements, such as trapezoidal headlamp clusters and a hexagonal front grille. The headlamp clusters come with projector bulbs and L-shaped daytime running LEDs, while the grille here has horizontal chrome slats inside and chrome surrounds. More chrome is present on the lower part of the bumper, which is laid out horizontally across the width of the bumper and wraps around the fog lamps. 

The side profile of the JAC M4 looks conventional with a slanted front bonnet line and boxy shape with sliding rear door panels and large-sized window panels. The door panels also come with chrome strips on the lower part, while the van drives on 16-inch silver alloy wheels. At the back too, the M4 carries out its simplistic appeal with a large rear windscreen and vertical tail lamps on the side pillars in the lower half. 

The JAC M4 ensures to keep the occupants inside comfortable with its decently plush ride setup, thanks to the well-tuned suspension combination of the independent dual-swing arm at the front and steel leaf spring suspension at the back. The higher speeds make the body roll a bit prominent, though otherwise, the ride of the M4 is well-settled.

Both the commercial and passenger versions of the JAC M4 source their power from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which is available with a 5-speed manual gearbox as the standard transmission option. The engine delivers a maximum power output of 145 PS and a peak torque output of 185 Nm. The M4 is capable of hitting a top speed of 160 kmph, though the power delivery feels slow in full-load conditions.

The JAC M4 is packed with a basic list of features, which include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, tyre pressure monitoring system, brake override system, cruise control, electronic stability control, reverse parking sensors and camera. 

Coming from a Chinese car maker, the JAC M4 has a long way to go compared to its European and Japanese rivals, as far as long-term reliability is concerned. However, as a product, the JAC M4 fares decently in most of the parameters, such as cabin comfort, engine refinement and design, and ride quality.