Mbabane – The sixth generation JMC Vigus has arrived in South Africa as a budget-friendly double cab that punches above its price point, with the flagship 4×4 model coming in at R499,900.
The timing is deliberate. New vehicle sales in South Africa have been rising for 18 consecutive months, with a quarter of all new vehicles sold being bakkies and half of those being double cabs. That means one in every eight cars sold in the country today is a double cab bakkie, a trend driven by bad roads, the need for space and convenience, perceived safety from hijackers, and the fact that modern bakkies drive more like passenger cars than ever before.
JMC, which stands for Jiangling Motors Corporation, is not a new name in the industry. The company traces its origins to 1947, beginning as a small repair workshop in Nanchang before growing into one of China’s major commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Vigus nameplate itself has been around for 25 years, and the model on test here is the all-new sixth generation version, sitting above the Vigus Pro that made its local debut in January. 
The range comes in three derivatives: a manual 4×2 at R399,900, an automatic 4×2 at R459,900, and an automatic 4×4 at R499,900. All variants come with a five-year or 200,000km factory warranty and a four-year or 65,000km service plan.
The Vigus is not chasing the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux or Isuzu D-Max. Its competition sits closer to the Mahindra Pik-Up, JAC T8, Foton Tunland and GWM P300, targeting the budget end of the double cab segment.
The biggest surprise is what sits under the bonnet. The all-new 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine produces 123kW and 430Nm of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The combination delivers a noticeably smooth and responsive drive, with on-road performance more than adequate for everyday use.
“The drive from the all-new 2.5-litre turbodiesel powerplant, which offers 123kW of power and 430Nm of torque, combined with an eight-speed auto box, was surprisingly smooth. And the on-road urge is more than up to the task of hustling from A to B,” the reviewer noted.
The only criticism on the road was some scuttle shake through the steering wheel on rough surfaces around the Magaliesberg. Crucially, however, the Vigus was free of the throttle calibration problems, dull throttle response and jerky gear changes that commonly affect Chinese vehicles, making it an easy and predictable drive both on and off the road.
Off-road, the Vigus handled a session at Syringa Park without trouble. It does not offer a long list of terrain modes, but it does come with 2H, 4H and 4L settings, a diff lock and Hill Descent Control, which proved sufficient for the conditions encountered.
Inside, the cabin is a practical and reasonably comfortable place to be for the money. Rear doors open to 75 degrees, providing good access to the back seat. Hard plastics are present as expected at this price point, but seating comfort and ergonomics are good. The driving position is notably upright, giving the driver a commanding view over the bonnet, complemented by light steering that many buyers will appreciate.
The infotainment setup includes a 12.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a 9-inch floating instrument cluster. The system is functional and easy to use on a daily basis.
For Swazi motorists and businesses who shop across the border in South Africa for new vehicles, the JMC Vigus represents a genuinely competitive option in the budget double cab category. At R499,900 for the flagship 4×4, it offers a smooth powertrain, usable off-road capability and a reasonable interior package at a price significantly below the mainstream Japanese and American alternatives.
