A few weeks ago, JMC hosted a brand launch where they teased the all-new Vigus double-cab bakkie, along with another surprise expected further down the line. The pricing announcement alone left us stunned, and after patiently waiting, we finally got behind the wheel of the all-new Vigus, and it was a surprising one for sure.
So, where do we start?
Kicking things off with the exterior, the Vigus is quite a looker; it’s got a clean styling element to it. There are no crazy lines or styling cues that desperately try to grab your attention, but rather it’s a relatively boxy bakkie with smooth edges that lend it that American look, and we like that. It’s simple, and it works.
Things get a little more exciting on the top-spec 4×4 variant with different bumpers, beefed-up wheel arches and a different set of wheels with all-terrain tyres. It brings forth a more aggressive adventure appeal to the bakkie but still maintains a clean aesthetic, and again, we like that.
As for the dimensions, the Vigus is decently sized (5,335mm x 1,882mm x 1,834mm), but it’s the cargo bed that deserves particular attention. A lower bed height of 750mm is a notable practical element, which JMC says improves loading efficiency by 15%, thanks to the tailgate sitting closer to the ground when open, reducing strain when loading and unloading. We are yet to put that to the test, but the logic makes sense.
Enough about that. What about the interior?
Climbing into the all-new Vigus, it’s honest, simple, and easy to navigate the setup. It’s not an over-the-top fancy cabin but a more practical one, with the star of the show being a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the automatic transmission-equipped variants. It’s a large, responsive infotainment display with sharp resolution, and that same quality carries through to the reverse camera, which offers a clear, detailed image.
As for the rest of the cabin, it’s relatively plastic-heavy, with softer materials utilised mainly on the resting points for elbows – quality fairly expected at this price point. My only real complaints involve driver adjustability, as the steering wheel only adjusts for tilt and not telescopic reach, something which may frustrate shorter or longer-armed drivers. The seats similarly lack height adjustment. Fortunately, the natural wheel position suited me well enough, but it’s worth flagging for those who are finicky about their driving position.
Despite those niggles, the cabin impresses where it counts. We were three up at launch, and all of us had ample room. At 1.8m tall and with a preference for sitting further back, I was comfortable, and the passengers behind me were too. Cabin space is genuinely one of the Vigus’s stronger suits.
So, how does it go?
Unlike some brands from the East we’re accustomed to, throttle calibration is good. There’s a bit of a lag when accelerating with intent before the turbo spools up, but it’s not bad enough to warrant a complaint. The suspension leans more on the firmer side, which has commercial duties in mind, but lifestyle may find the ride quality a touch unforgiving on everyday roads. While stiff suspension on bakkies often translates to an unsettled rear at highway speeds, particularly over rough patches, the Vigus does the opposite. It feels planted and composed on the open road, which is a welcome surprise.
Under its bonnet is a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 123kW and 430Nm in the variants equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission. The 6-speed manual versions take a slight knock in torque, producing 410Nm, but the trade-off is better fuel efficiency. The power figures aren’t segment-leading, but the torque arrives low in the rev range, which is exactly what you want when the terrain gets technical, as we found out…
Off the beaten track, part of the launch drive included tackling a series of obstacles, from axle twisters to muddy ruts and, of course, 35-degree hill climbs and descents. Overall, the Vigus was amazing; it had what it takes to work its way through the course effortlessly. We even deliberately dropped the bakkie into a rut to see if its systems could work themselves out, and they did. Not even pushing it further by reversing back up a 35-degree incline could stop it; it didn’t flinch.
The only off-road limitation is the 210mm ground clearance. While it never stopped the process, there was unavoidable contact at breakover points, which was a reminder that, despite being capable, it isn’t a dedicated off-roader. The upcoming Outdoor Edition, which brings larger wheels and raised suspension, should address that comfortably.
The verdict
The all-new JMC Vigus makes a solid case for itself in the bakkie segment. With a starting price of R399,900 to R499,900 for the range-topping 4×4, it punches well above what the price might suggest, and first impressions point to it deserving to be taken seriously. It’s rugged enough for the work site and sufficient enough for everything in between. At this price point, it’s easy to overlook the few gremlins, and the full verdict awaits an extended test.
Pricing
- JMC Vigus M/T 4×2: R399,900
- JMC Vigus A/T 4×2: R459,900
- JMC Vigus A/T 4×4: R499,900
The all-new JMC Vigus comes with a 5-year/200,000-kilometre warranty and a 4-year/65,000-kilometre service plan.
Words: Niki Louw
