New JMC bakkie does what the Chinese are best at. Copy.
We’ve scratched our heads why the Chinese in general try to reinvent the wheel with so many of their new bakkies. Why on earth try compte in a market dominated by 150 kilowatt 500 Newton-metre double cabs that can pack a ton and tow three and a half, with hairy-fairy hybrid and electric pickups that do nothing beyond scare the living wits out of the traditional buyer?
Well, it seems someone’s been reading our ongoing rants. Enter the 155 kW 500 Nm 2.5-litre turbodiesel JMC Grand Avenue good to tow your three and a half ton horse box, race car, caravan or whatever. It packs most everything you’d expect from your Hilux or Ranger, sips 7.2 litres per hundred. And as you’d suppose, comes in a half the price of some of its traditional rivals. Now that’s fighting talk!
A tuning step above the regular JMC Vigus two and a half litre turbodiesel, this one packs a larger variable turbo and redesigned intake set-up. Turning an eight-speed ZF auto box nicely inbetween the Hilux six and Ranger ten, Grand Avenue comes in regular rear, or Borg Warner four-wheel drive with two-wheel high, four-wheel high and four-wheel low modes, and a rear differential lock. More fighting talk, wouldn’t you say?
Grand Avenue sits squarely in traditional rival territory
5.5 metres long and riding on a 3.3 metre wheelbase, Grand Avenue once again slips right into the middle of the pack of its established double cab competitors. And speaking of those competitors, Chinese Ford partner JMC uses a co-developed version of the Ranger ladder frame chassis in this Grand Avenue.
Of course the platform has also been engineered with future hybrid, electric and fuel cell drive technology in mind. But JMC has chosen the smart option to deliver something this market loves and understands to start with.
Riding on 17-inch wheel and tyre with 18”optional, the smart, square Grand Avenue has distinctive daytime running LED head and fog lights and robust side steps. The 1.35 cubic metre cargo is deeper than most rivals and features tailgate assist, an integrated step and rear camera with parking sensors.
This JMC matches the best inside, too
Soft-touch leather finishes and wooden trim abound inside. On the seats, dash, armrests and door panels. The sizeable 12-inch touchscreen infotainment sits pride of place, supports CarPlay, Auto and Bluetooth and can even tilt twelve degrees to dodge that sunny South African glare.
A digital instrument cluster sits behind the multifunction steering wheel, there’s keyless entry, push to start and proximity locking and unlocking. Rear passengers benefit handy 75 degree opening doors and a 60-40 split folding backrest and base bench seat
“Grand Avenue is an important product for JMC,” Salvador Caetano PR Manager Bianca Naude concludes. “It’s developed first and foremost with an understanding of local buyers and the South African bakkie market.”
Of that, we cannot argue at all. In fact, we’d be surprised if this half-price full-spec bakkie does not gain rapid traction in this market. At R529K for the 4x2 and R579K for the 4x4, it wouldn’t be wise not to go take a look. Even if you’re convinced about that next traditional bakkie buy. – Michele Lupini
