JMC Vigus 5 - Evolution is good, right?

By Lawrence Minnie

It would seem that Chinese automakers have taken note of South African tastes when it comes to bakkies. JMC has now managed to incorporate many of the things that SA consumers want in their bakkies, technology, convenience, capability and all at a VERY competitive price.

 

Evolution is good, right?

There is no denying that South Africa is a bakkie country, we not only use them for leisure activity but they also make up a large chunk of our commercial vehicles.

The market is divided in this sense, with the big three manufacturers dominating the leisure market and the other automakers left to fight it out for what’s left over.

China has sat up and taken notice of this and has decided that they want a piece of this action as well. Recently, Haval unveiled their competitor for the leisure double cab market and on the eve of their 10 years on SA soil celebration, JMC has just pulled the wraps off of their answer, the JMC Vigus 5.

Things are about to get very interesting.

It would seem that Chinese automakers have taken note of South African tastes when it comes to bakkies. In the past, their efforts in this arena have been met with distrust as Chinese automakers concentrated on hard wearing workhorses, not fully understanding that SA consumers were wanting a vehicle that is not only hardy but also stylish, comfortable and easy to use in multiple scenarios.

Haval has taken the first steps with their new Steed models but it is the Vigus that has taken the next and are raising the bar.

JMC has now managed to incorporate many of the things that SA consumers want in their bakkies, technology, convenience, capability and all at a VERY competitive price.

Style

The Vigus cuts a very unique stance, with a very distinctive front end that seems to have pulled its styling cues from a Mitsubishi Evo. The New Vigus also has a more SUV like stance, flared arches and sedan type crease lines, it’s a style that grows on you and does have an über cool look to it

Capability

One of the things that I like about the Vigus is that although they are a Chinese brand they source many of their underpinnings and parts from European manufacturers. This means that you are getting parts from Borg Warner, Getrag, Bosch, Honeywell, Valeo, ZF and Denso in a Chinese made vehicle, at a VERY competitive price.

You get four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, EBD and a BorgWarner 4x4 system, as well as a Ford derived PUMA 2.4l turbo engine delivering 103kW and 310Nm mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Technology

JMC has really come to the party here and the interior has received a complete makeover, leather seats, steering wheel controls on an adjustable steering column, touchscreen infotainment system and cruise control to name just a few convenience items. 

Models and Pricing

JMC has introduced a few derivatives for the Vigus 5 and all competitors in the double cab market place need to take notice of what JMC are offering and the incredible price at which these are landing.

JMC Vigus 5 2.4 Double Cab LX                             -       R 251 990

JMC Vigus 5 2.4 Double Cab SLX                           -       R 282 880

JMC Vigus 5 2.4 TDCi Double Cab LX                    -       R 282 880

JMC Vigus 5 2.4 TDCi Double Cab SLX                  -       R 312 880

JMC Vigus 5 2.4 TDCi Double Cab 4WD LX          -       R 348 990

JMC Vigus 5 2.4 TDCi Double Cab 4WD SLX        -       R 379 880

Al Vigus models come with JMC’s comprehensive 3 year / 100 000km Warranty and 5 year / 60 000km service plan and a 3 year / unlimited km roadside assist program.