JAC Sunray is presented in Russia - it looks like an old Mercedes Sprinter

The Chinese company JAC has brought a Sunray commercial van to Russia. The car that could compete with the GAZelle Next bears a suspicious resemblance to the first or second generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.


The commercial van was promised to be presented back in 2019, but it appeared only the other day, and even then, in a single copy. The pre-order for the model, according to the manufacturer, has already started, but how much the JAC Sunray will cost is still unknown. They promise to decide on the price in just a few days.

JAC representatives describe their car as high quality, meeting all international standards and having a low cost of ownership. Judging by the fact that the van copies the old Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, this statement seems to be true.



The start of sales is scheduled for the end of summer 2022. JAC Sunray is not assembled in China, but at a plant in Kazakhstan, so there will be no problems with logistics and the number of cars.

Although the car was brought to Russia in only one body type, the manufacturer offers a wide range of modifications. The line includes both vans and onboard and passenger versions. It is possible to order only a universal chassis, on which a number of settings and special equipment can be installed.

The manufacturer does not yet want to disclose the technical features of the JAC Sunray model, but it will not be difficult to deal with them. In Kazakhstan, the machine is equipped with a non-alternative tubodiesel with a working volume of 2,7 liters, developing 156 hp. With. Drive - only rear.

It is possible that, especially for Russia, the engine is slightly deformed - up to 149 hp. c in order to reduce annual transport tax payments. Most likely, it will be so, especially given the year 2020, when JAC Sunray has already been certified in Russia with just such a power.

Gearbox - only six-speed "mechanics". Everything is done in order to reduce the cost and simplify the commercial vehicle as much as possible.



A couple of years ago, a Chinese manufacturer certified in Russia not only vans, but also JAC Sunray passenger minibuses. The documents indicated modifications from 9 to 15 seats.

The main competitor of the Chinese copy of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in the Russian Federation will be the domestic GAZelle Next. By the way, they are also equipped with Chinese diesel engines of similar size and power.

It is difficult to say who will win, although GAZelle Next has all the advantages. The Chinese so far can only boast of a mirror resemblance to the Mercedes Sprinter. If it is significantly cheaper than a domestic van, then there really are chances to become a full-fledged competitor.