JMC Dadao ute snapped testing in Victoria

AS THE Chinese ute invasion Down Under gathers pace, yet another entrant has been tagged local testing by an eagle-eyed GoAuto reader, this time in Hawksburn, Victoria.

It is the Jiangling Motors Corporation’s (JMC) Dadao medium-large dual-cab pick-up – a handsome, boxy looking beast that, given its appearance on our streets, can be considered a strong contender for local consumption likely as soon as next year.

The Dadao nameplate was only launched in March 2023 and will join a plethora of other Chinese utes here already or slated for arrival in 2025; most available with a choice of powertrains including petrol, diesel, hybrid and/or electric.

JAC’s T9 is here now as is the BYD Shark 6 hybrid with more on the way.

JMC, which has ties to Ford and Isuzu, also manufactures a range of small/medium trucks, vans and another ute called the Vigus in various configs including a BEV version.

But new beaut ute competition in Oz will be fierce in 2025 as most Chinese brands GoAuto has spoken to indicating they have a ute in the pipeline (or want one), meaning the space will definitely heat up… for all contenders.

The JMC Dadao (also known as the JMC Grand Avenue in some markets) is similar in size and appearance to the GWM Cannon Alpha with 2WD or selectable 4WD.

It is powered by a Ford-sourced 2.3-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine or a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, available with the choice of an eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic transmission or Magna (Getrag) sourced six-speed manual, depending on the grade.

The latter holds some irony given the transmission in Ford’s Mustang EcoBoost sold here (with the same engine as the Dadao) uses a less effective 10-speed automatic that doesn’t quite gel with the car. If only we could have the eight-speed unit…

The Dadao’s diesel engine is said to be good for 130kW/450Nm, consuming fuel at a claimed combined rate of 7.8 litres per 100km while the petrol is good for 180kW/400Nm registering 8.8L/100km in combined cycle testing.

All variants have an 80-litre fuel tank.

Drive is apportioned in four-wheel drive variants via a Borg Warner dual-range system offering low and high range gearing and a locking centre differential.

The 4WD dual-cab, likely short-listed for local consumption, is off-road capable providing a competitive approach angle of 30 degrees, departure of 26 degrees, ground clearance of 235mm, and a wading depth of 800mm.

Alloy wheels under squared-off wheel arches are 17 inches in diameter with 18-inch alloys optionally available.

The company’s website lists a comprehensive array of features (and variants) in 2WD and 4WD with two available interior colours (black and grey).

The five-seat model has a multi-function wheel, large central infotainment touchscreen, keyless ignition, and numerous storage compartments. The Dadao is also equipped with a generous amount of safety and currently available ADAS technologies.

Other features include standard air-conditioning or climate control with rear vents, four-speaker audio, Apple and Android connectivity, paddle shifters on automatic grades, leather-style upholstery, and a rear-view camera.

Riding on a ladder frame chassis, the JCM Dadao features four-wheel disc brakes - 334mm front and 337mm rear – double wishbone coil suspension at the front and leaf springs and a live axle down the back. Unusually, the model uses hydraulic steering and not the in-vogue electrically assisted set-up.

It weighs between 1970kg and 2070kg (model dependent), tows 3500kg and features a load bed capable of carting up to 1.35 cubic metres.

There is no indication available as to who will distribute the JMC range in Australia. Stay tuned for more information soon.