Sixth generation Vigus certain to disrupt bakkie market
A familiar brand in South Africa for 20 years, JMC has launched its completely redesigned sixth generation Vigus double cab bakkies. Now locally distributed by Portuguese giant Salvador Caetano Auto and completely redesigned from the drivetrain to the body shape, the new Vigus Double Cab certainly looks the part as much as it carries a six-generation pedigree.
Having sold over a million Vigus bakkies over 25 years, JMC explains that one in four new vehicles sold in South Africa is a light commercial and that 48% of the bakkie market are double cabs versus single cab 32% pickups. So Vigus sits squarely into a 24% slice of the entire new car market.
JMC further pointed out that 98% of all bakkies sold in South Africa are diesel powered, while transmission choice has grown from 64% to 82% automatics in the past 5 years. Auto boxes are increasingly recognized as a reliable, more frugal and significantly more convenient choice. To that end, all three sub-R500K Vigus 6 double cabs are turbodiesels, while two are automatics.
Testing, testing!
JMC conducted vigorous testing on Vigus with128 prototypes pounding over four million kilometres. Including 1111 hours in extreme Chinese mountain high altitudes, at temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees C and as high as 50 degrees in Arabian Desert conditions. The engine was also bench tested for 48 000 hours, of which over 1200 were at full throttle.
Set apart by edgy squared off lines, a bold grill and square headlights, a major plus inside is the use of real knobs and buttons. It’s dominated by an HD quality 12.8” central touch screen Car Play and Auto wireless infotainment dock. Car like soft padded leather trim in auto and cloth in the manual have plastic where necessary. Automatic versions gain climate control.
The rear cab features three place bench with comfy leg and head room. Impressive 75 degree door opening angle makes for far easier passenger or load access. The all-new Vigus has a most practical 1.3 square metre 1.55 by 1.6 m lined loadbay with low and of 15% quicker to load 750 mm bak height.
Best of all it has buttons and knobs
All three new Vigus are powered by a frugal and handy 123 kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with 430 Nm and 7.1 l/100 km in the auto and 410 Nm and 7 /100 km in the manual. Gearboxes are the 6-speed manual with a self-adjusting clutch or an 8-speed automatic. The flagship 4×4 gets a Borg Warner four wheel drive system with a push button low range transfer case.
Our short drive proved a pleasant experience in a comfy seating position. The all-new front double wishbone suspension with lateral stabilizer bar provided a trust inspiring balanced comfortable ride. Steering response, minimal body roll and brakes are all good for a bakkie.
The new turbodiesel delivers excellent low down torque with 310 Nm from idle and a healthy 380 Nm all the way from 1200 rpm to 3000 rpm. Makes for pleasant no fuss highway driving with more than acceptable road or wind noise. Driving Vigus on the road is much like a sedan or a modern SUV.
Vigus took extreme 4×4 in its stride
An off-road course delivered a full workout. Vigus 4×4 took it totally in its stride. Even across the most challenging body twisting tests and steepest rises and drops, where the descent braking control function was impressive. More than capable off-road, the forthcoming Outdoor Edition is a suggestion if you are inclined towards the extreme.
Soon due to follow the launch range, the Vigus Outdoor Edition will gain a bigger wheels and raised off-road suspension. In wide wheel arches, a rugged new front bumper and roof rack among its many plusses.
Our short time with the all-new JMC Vigus proved it to be a surprisingly serious contender in the vicious South African double cab bakkie market. Boasting a pleasant bold presence, a solid feel and great build quality, it’s stable on and off the road, usable and comes with proven reliably.
The JMC Vigus certainly ticks all the boxes, especially at this eye wateringly attractive price point. – Michele Lupini
Additional reporting by Ken Hawkins
Pricing
JMC Vigus 2.5TD DC 4x2 6MT R399K
JMC Vigus 2.5TD DC 4x2 8AT R459K
JMC Vigus 2.5TD DC 4x4 8AT R499K
