ORIENTAL FUSION

Vigus a product of many blends

The JMC Vigus 2.4 TDCi DC 4WD SLX is an interesting prospect – something of a fusion of the best of the West with the Chinese mainstream as the-Ranger-based machine bridges divides to deliver a double cab 4x4 bargain of note.

To begin with Vigus’ interior clearly benefits those Ford genes – its contemporary dash now improved with a smart infotainment touchscreen interface with USB, DVD and a multifunction steering wheel, electric windows, air conditioning and airbags for driver and passenger. That’s offset by a few plasticky bits that feel Made in China, but at the price, who are we to complain?

Vigus looks the part, albeit that it takes a neutral path – nothing too exciting, but quite modern and fresh. Handling, road and trail manners are more than pleasing with cornering another upside over previous JMC bakkie pioneers and braking is more than ample with vented discs up front aided and abetted by ABS and EBD.

But Vigus struggles when it comes to performance and that much is immediately evident by the meagre 88kW and 260Nm offered by its ex-Ford Transit ex-Land Rover Defender lump turning a Mainland China-sourced gearbox, so dreary performance is its only real downfall. Look, it is pleasant to drive and gets along, but don’t be in a hurry with this one.

But that’s only half the story, for at R379K for a fully stacked diesel double-cab that still looks the part and is pleasant to live with, does the bakkie grand prix really matter?

Vigus still represents an important step forward in Chinese motoring – JMC has been in South Africa for ten years now and this bakkie represents a huge step forward from the first one they sent us for this contest back in ’09. The interesting poser is therefore where the brand will be when the new Vigus arrives next year? Let alone in ten years’ time.

Special thanks to JMC Paarl – 021 871 1317

BEST BAKKIE 2019 FINALIST 2: JMC Vigus 2.4TDCi DC 4WD SLX

Engine: 88kW 290Nm 2402cc turbo diesel I4

Drive: 5-speed manual 4x4

Payload: 850kg

Braked Towing: 1990kg

TESTED:

0-100km/h: 14.56 sec

400m: 19.0 sec @ 108km/h

80-120km/h: 13.07 sec

Fuel: 8.2 l/100km

CO2: 218g/km