Chinese bakkies are getting better

The JMC Vigus 5 is definitely worth a look at

WE recently tested the GWM Steed 5E, which is a no-nonsense workhorse from perhaps a decade or so ago. It makes no pretence to lull you in luxury or conquer any terrain, but it’s got just the right specification to work as a leisure vehicle or light-load workhorse for the entrepreneur.

The JMC Vigus 5 on the other hand aims to compete at a mid-level, like a Galaxy A Series smartphone but in a Galaxy S20 Ultra kind of world.

RIGHT MIX OF INGREDIENTS

Let’s take a look at the Vigus 5 offering without the badge in mind; it comes with 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that punches out 103kW and 310Nm of torque, which is more impressive than some of the other bakkies from more premium brands.

Shunt is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, but you can also opt for a 4x4 version that gains a low-range transfer case.

In fact, as far as China-make bakkies go, this one is a collection of some of the biggest names in the business when it comes to automotive components, with several reports showing that the bakkie makes use of BorgWarner, Getrag, Bosch, Honeywell, Valeo, ZF and Denso parts.

THE RIGHT SIZE

The Vigus 5 measures in at 5 382mm in length, 1 907mm in width and it stands 1 800mm tall. Its wheelbase measures in at 3 085mm, which is on par for the segment.

Styling wise, it looks good, but it does look cheap in some instances where the plastics and mouldings are concerned.

With a little more refinement, the bakkie can really excel and serve as a nice place to be, but it just has this overwhelming sense of hardness that makes it challenging to live with.

The standard 16-inch alloys also give it a nice stance and presence. Sharp lines and a nice coat of paint also add to its good looks.

SAFETY KIT INCLUDED

Anti-lock brakes come as standard in the JMC VIgus 5 and you also get a pair of airbags upfront.

To keep things on the straight and narrow, you also get electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) that controls the amount of bias or lock on each corner to ensure you track as true and straight as possible when standing on the middle pedal in an emergency.

WORTH CONSIDERING AS AN ALTERNATIVE

JMC is no stranger to the world of commercial vehicles and its trucks do extremely well in the fleet and logistics sectors.

The latest Vigus 5 is trying something a little different, trying to give you a little bit of style, combined with a decent engine and reliable five-speeder package that’s been-tried-and-tested in this segment before.

Overall, it’s not the most exciting bakkie out there, and it’s not the most affordable either, but it is rather rare and it has a certain allure to it with the right set of after-market mag wheels on it.

It’s a worthy consideration at the price point. With a threeyear/100 000km warranty and a fiveyear/60 000km service plan there’s added value in the asking price too. Give a Vigus 5 a spin at your JMC dealer.

OUR PICK OF THE RANGE

Vigus 5 2.4TDCi double cab LX 4x4 manual R374 990

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