VEHICLE REVIEW
transmission and a 4x2 drivetrain. With a claimed fuel consumption of 7.3 L / 100 km and a load capacity of 1.2 tonnes, the PLUS SC is positioned as a cost-effective workhorse.
Importantly, it avoids the stripped-out feel often associated with entry-level bakkies. Standard features include cruise control, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, alloy wheels and a multifunction steering wheel. A 5-year / 100 000 km warranty further strengthens its appeal for business owners focused on running costs and reliability.
At the other end of the spectrum sits the JMC Vigus PRO Double Cab, designed to balance workday practicality with weekend versatility. It is powered by a 2.0-litre Puma turbo-diesel engine, delivering 104 kW and 350 Nm, and is paired with an automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with the latter featuring a BorgWarner four-wheel-drive system.
MODERN SAFETY AND EVERYDAY TECH
JMC has placed notable emphasis on safety and usability, particularly in the PRO range. Features include Bosch 9.3 Electronic Stability Programme, tyre pressure monitoring, reversing camera and radar, and additional driver-assistance systems that are increasingly expected in modern bakkies.
These are not headline-grabbing gimmicks but practical technologies that enhance day-to-day driving, whether in urban traffic, on long highway journeys or on uneven terrain.
ON-ROAD COMFORT AND OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY
During the launch event, the Vigus was driven both on-road and off-road – the only way to properly test any bakkie destined for South African conditions.
On tar, the Vigus PRO impressed with its composed ride quality and refined road manners. Steering is light enough for urban driving while remaining stable at highway speeds, and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly without hesitation. Cabin comfort is well judged, making it suitable for daily commuting as well as longdistance travel.
Off-road, the Vigus PRO demonstrated reassuring
capability. The BorgWarner 4WD system provides confident traction on loose gravel and uneven surfaces, while suspension tuning strikes a balance between comfort and control. It feels like a bakkie engineered with genuine off-road use in mind, rather than one merely styled to look the part.
A VALUE-DRIVEN DISRUPTOR
The real significance of the JMC Vigus lies in its positioning. In a market where prices continue to climb, a competitively priced bakkie that delivers solid build quality, modern features and credible performance stands to attract serious attention.
While it may not immediately challenge the entrenched dominance of established nameplates, the Vigus presents a compelling alternative, particularly for buyers willing to look beyond badge loyalty in favour of value and practicality.
THE FINAL SAY
The JMC Vigus does not feel like a tentative first step into the South African market. Instead, it arrives as a confident, well-considered offering that understands the demands of local buyers.
With its blend of affordability, capability and modern specification, the Vigus has the potential to carve out a meaningful space in one of the country’ s most competitive segments and, in doing so, may well become one of the more interesting new bakkie launches of the year. IB
MARCH 2026 / INBOUND SA 61