Anhui based JAC have had a major rise over the past five years. The truck manufacturer turned its hand to car manufacturing rather late after a succesful partnership with Hyundai that saw the company rise on the back of its MPV products, later JAC introduced its small car range which is really what took it higher in the Chinese car sales grid.

The company are planning to unveil a production ready JAC SUV-S2 at the Beijing Auto Show later this month, the company’s first SUV was based on the second generation Hyundai Sante-Fe which has quickly become outdated. The new S2 is clearly ahead of the market in design terms and is on par with its international rivals when reviewing the spec sheet. JAC have developed their own 1.5T and a new six speed dual clutch gearbox which are apparently being installed in the S2 when it makes it to the production line.

As well as the 1.5T engine JAC are apparently also preparing a 1.8L naturally aspirated model as well as diesel models, which could indicate the S2 SUV is heading elsewhere in the world where diesel is favored. Stop-Start systems will also be installed as standard according to information revealed by JAC. A Beijing Auto Show launch is being expected although it has not yet been confirmed.