JMC LANDWIND SUV

by Farzana Chaumoo

As part of women’s month, JMC invited a few ladies to test the JMC Landwind to get a woman’s perspective. This is the first luxury SUV in the JMCSA basket, and the launch of the new Landwind SUV is a significant milestone for the JMC group - more specifically in the South African market.

When choosing an SUV as your preferred vehicle, I am sure I’m not alone when I say I can never have enough boot space. This is generally one key selling point for me.  I’m pleased to say that the Landwind is in this case a front runner.  You may however need to use an extra bit of muscle power when it comes to closing the boot.

Boot Volume

855

Then there is the overall appearance, of course.  In my opinion this is an aesthetically pleasing vehicle. The bold lines are striking and elegant and give the illusion of a vehicle that’s been around the block and managed to perfect its look. I personally love it when manufacturers bring in some new competition. Or when they take the time to perfect their product in a competitive approach financially.  I simply can’t fault the exterior on look.  I would however ask for a better wind noise solution with the mirrors.  Whilst saying that, there’s a small handful of manufacturers who actually get this one right.

17–inch Aluminium Alloy Rim	225/65R17 Tyre
Exhaust	Dual–pipe – with Stainless Steel cover
Roof	Silver Roof Rack
Mirrors	Electric Rearview side Mirrors
Dimensions (side view) / front view	4568 / 1855 by 1710 ( height )

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being fussy about your interior.  It’s a lady’s privilege and we should not compromise on this. Especially if you are spending a lot of time in your vehicle.  Although I prefer leather seats, the Landwind comes with 4-way adjustable fabric seats that I found very comfortable while testing it in and around town.  For your comfort they have insured all the necessities are in place.  If you love your music and state of the art sound, you may need to invest a bit in this area.

Storage	Central Floor Storage with Cup holder
Steering wheel	4-way adjustable
Interior lights	Front & Rear reading light
	(front with sunglass storage space)
Sound	Single disc CD MP3, Radio + AUX Port
Boot cover	Retractable Cargo Curtain

Power and performance is quickly becoming a key selling point for ladies.  Rightfully so.  Fuel these days are getting more expensive and the vehicle's weight and performance affect this.  But also because it’s a nice to have. You will know without a doubt when the Turbo starts kicking in.  What I love about this is that when you need the power to overtake quickly, it’s there.  Smooth acceleration may not always be on the cards, but this is one compromise I’m willing to live with.  With power I always ask, what about the brakes?  With the Landwind ABS and EBD braking system you definitely have what you need.  Never forget though that any SUV, especially when loaded, will need space and time to stop the weight it’s carrying.

Engine Type	4G63S4T, transverse, inline, four-cylinder, water-cooled, four-stroke, electronic control unit, Turbocharged
Acceleration (0 -100)	11
Braking System	Four wheel disk brake, Hydraulic double line  Vacuum booster and Hydraulic operation with ABS + EBD
Transmission	6 Speed gearbox

Leaving the best for last.  Safety and Security.  The Landwind 4x2 MT Lux once again ensured that they have the necessities for your comfort as this is not worth compromising on when buying any vehicle.  Some may find the Child-Safety Rear door locks frustrating at times, but any mom would agree that this is a key feature.  When parking an SUV, one of the hardest things to do is to see every angle of the vehicle to ensure that you don’t bump anything or anyone.  The three sensor park distance control sounds an alarm to help you navigate your way in and out of tight spots with ease.  Some alarms like your seat belt might be incredible annoying at times, but it remains a safety feature that we should never neglect.

Doors	Auto and Central locking
Brake Lights	LED high mounted Brake Light
Windows	Remote control windows
Air bags	Dual Airbags

Some extras I’m not willing to do without is the automatic windows.  Although I would recommend a different rear view mirror, you may feel differently as it’s considered to be anti-glare.  Overall the balance between safety and the interior/exterior features is really good.  Now, the question I was asked a lot, "Is this a car you would buy?" In other words is there a market for the Landwind SUV buyer, especially considering it is not one of the well-known brands we see on our roads every day.  Considering that the Landwind SUV is available for only R289 880.  It’s a reasonable price compared to the copious amounts of money you would pay for many traditional manufacturers.  Price and safety being important personal choices, I would say you need to make this decision yourself once you’ve test driven one.  Although I’m in no position to comment on the Landwind SUV long term durability and reliability at this stage.   

Today Hyundai, Kia and some other well-known manufacturers are considered some of the most desirable and luxurious vehicles to own.  Was it time that allowed for this reputation? It seems that it was a combination of time, great product and manufacturer support in South Africa.  It may help you to know that JMC was established in 1947 in China. Today the JMC Group has ties with large international corporations such as Ford, Isuzu, Bosch and others boasting 600 outlets in China, 1 227 showrooms and 763 service centres internationally. JMC is investing directly into South Africa and has the support of the Chinese government and banks. Through global partnerships, JMC has implemented leading international product technology, manufacturing processes and management concepts, applying highly efficient and transparent operations and high-standards of business management. More importantly, test drive one. After all, test driving a vehicle is part of the fun! www.landwindsa.co.za