We experienced this during our visit to one of far-flung areas in the country (my home) Ganalaagte-NW province recently. Talk off road assignments…
The purpose was to give this beau a rigorous test off road and came out with flying colours. So, agreed the admirers but the only snag my Gran had to be helped to climb, as it seemed way too high for her but not for untarred, rugged roads.
JMC, or Jiangling Motors, is one of China’s biggest commercial vehicle makers.
The Vigus, is a more modern proposition and one of the biggest bakkies available in South Africa, we’re told to believe.
The torque could reach its peak between 1500rpm and 2600rpm, and the driver can still enjoy the great pleasure of overtaking with great lightening acceleration with a speed of 60-100km/h. There’s a wide range of models to choose from with JMC offering a choice between petrol and diesel, 4×2 and 4×4 as well as two specification levels.
But we tested the diesel model and burnt the oil in the form of a 2.4-litre turbodiesel credited with 88kW and 290Nm and according to JMC these models will consume between 8.0 and 8.2 litres per 100km and, if pushed, reach a top speed of 160km/h.
The Vigus 4×4 model gain additional features such as an arm rest, wheel arch mouldings, side steps and 16-inch alloy wheels, and Opt for the base LX version and you get air conditioning, electric windows, CD/MP3/USB audio system, remote central locking, dual front airbags and ABS brakes.
If you upgrade to SLX, JMC will reward your deeper pockets with leather seats, a touch-screen DVD system and a multifunction steering wheel, as we experienced.
Yes, the leg room is one of the outstanding features, as one overweight neighbour raved on and on. As a result, I’m expecting orders from the Chiefs’ Palace and boere farmers to start trickling in; so does my Commission (ahem), stru!
The Vigus is good value for money, so does GWM Steed, Foton Tunland, and others in the same market.
It comes in Spacial Silver, Pearls Black and Snow White colours.
The JMC Vigus has a R25 000 discount that can be used for trade in assistance, deposit, accessories, 3 year/100 000km warranty and 5 year/60 000km service plan.
Retailing:
Vigus Diesel D/C 4X4 Lux R345 990
Vigus Diesel D/C 4X4 SLX R375 990
Vigus Petrol D/C 4X2 SLX R279 990
Verdict:
1-10 (Performance) 8
1-10 (Diesel) 7
Vigus, as the name tag suggests is either very practical or very impractical and unpredictable, finish & klaar!
