Summarize

Something of a fusion of the best of the West with the Chinese mainstream, the JMC Vigus 2.4 TDCi DC 4WD SLX makes for an interesting bakkie prospect. The Ford 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 all the bits; a multifunction steering wheel, electric windows, air conditioning and driver and passengers’ airbags. That’s offset by a few plasticky bits that bring a bit of a Made in China feel, but does that matter at the price?     

Vigus takes a neutral path but also looks the part - modern and fresh even if it’s nothing too exciting. Road and trail manners are pleasing, while cornering is another upside over those JMC pioneers and braking benefits vented front discs, ABS and EBD. 

Vigus however 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 sluggish pace is it’s only real downfall. Vigus is pleasant to drive and gets along, but don’t be in too much of a hurry.

That’s only half the story, though – 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 a step ahead in Chinese motoring – JMC has been in South Africa for ten years now and this bakkie is a huge improvement on 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. – Mario Lupini

QUICK TEST: 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

CLAIMED

Fuel:              8.2 l/100km                           

CO2:                218g/km

Warranty/Service: 3y 100K/5y 60Kkm  

LIST PRICE: R379K

RATED:    76%