Jason Woosey|Published
The new-generation JMC Vigus, launched earlier this year, is one of South Africa’s least expensive double-cab bakkies. While many of its price rivals are older-generation products that have been given a nip and a tuck, the Vigus is a clean-sheet design.
The new Vigus is essentially the third-generation JMC Baodian in China. While the first two generations used Isuzu and then Ford underpinnings, the new model has been independently developed. Power comes from a newly designed 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 123kW and 430Nm. It is paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Although the new JMC Vigus undercuts its Japanese rivals on price, it is similar in size. Its overall length of 5,335mm places it between the Hilux and Ranger, although it is a little narrower.
The Vigus is available in a single specification level, with the 4x2 manual starting at R399,900 and the automatic costing R459,900. A 4x4 automatic is also available for R499,900.
The slightly larger Grand Avenue, featuring a more luxurious interior and a 155kW engine, starts at R529,900 for those wanting to swim upstream with this trusty old Chinese brand, which re-entered South Africa last year under the Salvador Caetano Group banner.
The Vigus boasts a clean, no-nonsense exterior design, which some might even find a little nondescript. However, as the promotional images show, plenty of accessories are available for those who want to give theirs a bit more character, including wheel-arch extensions and roof racks.
Modern interior
The cabin feels modern and high-tech, particularly when compared with those of its price rivals. The automatic model comes with a large 12.8-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 9.0-inch digital instrument cluster. The manual model has a conventional radio with Bluetooth.
Manual air conditioning is fitted across the range, along with electric windows and mirrors, rear park distance control and a multifunction steering wheel. Those stretching to the automatic model will also get to chill out with cruise control on long-distance trips.
Safety features comprise two airbags, ABS, hill descent control and tyre pressure monitoring. Disappointingly, however, there is no stability control on the manual model, and side or curtain airbags are not offered.
The cabin has a pleasant design and scores relatively well for functionality, with plenty of space in the centre console for items such as keys and drinks. It also has physical ‘piano’ controls for the main climate functions and a large touchscreen positioned within the driver’s line of sight. However, it was disappointing that our test car did not have an AM/FM radio function.
Interior space is as good as you could expect at this price point, with an impressively wide cabin, decent headroom and good rear legroom.
What’s it like to drive?
The 2.5-litre turbodiesel delivers relatively strong performance by entry-level bakkie standards, which is more than adequate for fast-paced city and highway driving. What’s more, the eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and has well-spaced ratios.
As for fuel consumption, our test vehicle averaged 8.8 litres per 100km, although this was achieved on a journey with a high proportion of highway driving.
The ride quality, in our view, is acceptable for a modern bakkie, but it can get quite bouncy over larger speed bumps when unladen. Speaking of loads, the Vigus has a payload of 915kg, while its chassis, crafted from 420-grade steel, boasts a bending stiffness of 1,150 N/mm.
VERDICT
As a thoroughly modern, comfortable and capable package, the Vigus is quite likely all the bakkie you’re ever going to need. It is also likely to hit a sweet spot for buyers seeking a modern workhorse that won’t break the bank.
The Vigus comes with a generous five-year or 200,000km warranty, and the price also includes a four-year or 65,000km service plan. However, the 10,000km service intervals could prove costly once the service plan has run out.
IOL Motoring