JMC reentered the South African bakkie market under new management in late 2025. In early 2026, we attended the launch of the Vigus model rollout, where we gained insight into the new management company, Salvador Caetano, and a glimpse of the new double-cab bakkie that would soon be unveiled.
Related: JMC Vigus (2026) First Drive Review
That appearance was made at a fancy affair in Johannesburg where guests were treated to an exclusive first look at the new range and the all-important pricing.
Is JMC good for families?
Underpinnings
JMC South Africa rolled the new 2026 Vigus out onto the stage while extolling the technical features of the new bakkie. The new Vigus is equipped with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 123kW and 430Nm, and is mated to either a Magna six-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed Schaeffler Auto unit. Readers may note a laundry list of well-known technical partners, such as BorgWarner and Eaton, showcasing that JMC looks to take the fight to established brands.
Styling
Taking a look at the outside, there is an air of familiarity coming from the Vigus. It looks quite like a Ranger if one crosses the eyes, and that could be from the shared DNA from the JMC/Ford joint venture in China. JMC is leaning heavily into the quasi-American styling that South African consumers have taken a liking to; there's definitely some Chevrolet and Dodge styling elements at play on the Vigus. The interior is rather well-appointed and features the requisite wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, as well as cloth seating and numerous other tech features required in the segment.
Models and Pricing
| JMC Vigus 2.5T 4x2 DBL Cab MT | R 399 900 |
| JMC Vigus 2.5T 4x2 DBL Cab AT | R 459 900 |
| JMC Vigus 2.5T 4x4 DBL Cab AT | R 499 900 |
The new Vigus is sold with a 5-Year/200 000 km warranty and a 4-Year/65 000 km service plan.
Verdict
We will eagerly await our test unit to put the new Vigus to the test. It all looks very proper, and with pricing that keen, it will be interesting to see if die-hard bakkie fans will jump ship. The other important thing to consider is the incoming Grand Avenue leisure bakkie, which was also momentarily unveiled at the event and for which we will soon get more info, as that may also just throw a cat among the pigeons if the price is right. We are quite impressed with what JMC SA has done and look forward with great interest to what they have planned for the rest of 2026 and beyond
