The South African bakkie market has become an expensive place to do business. A new double cab can easily push past R700,000, and if you want a well-specced 4×4, you’re quickly approaching seven figures.
That makes the JMC Vigus 2.5TD Double Cab 4WD an interesting proposition at R499,900.
It takes a fairly simple approach. You get a double-cab bakkie, a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, an automatic gearbox and proper 4WD capability, without needing to spend half a million rand more.
Looks
The Vigus has a chunky, purposeful design. The large grille, squared-off body and muscular proportions give it plenty of presence.
My test unit was fitted with a bash bar and steel roof racks, which suited the Vigus particularly well. It looked ready for a weekend away rather than simply posing outside the shopping centre.
I like the overall design. It isn’t trying too hard, and it looks like a bakkie should. The roof racks did bring some additional wind noise at highway speeds, but that’s more a consequence of the accessories than the Vigus itself.
Inside
The cabin is straightforward and functional. There are plenty of hard plastics, and while that isn’t unusual at this price point, a few more soft-touch materials would make the interior feel considerably more upmarket.
The driving position is comfortable, visibility is good and there’s decent space in the rear. Everything is relatively easy to understand, which I appreciate in a vehicle that’s ultimately designed to work.
One small detail that caught my attention is the load-bin tie-down points. They’re positioned on the outside rather than inside the load bin. It won’t be a deal breaker for everyone, but I’d prefer the additional flexibility of having them inside the load area as well.
Drive
The 2.5-litre turbodiesel produces 123 kW and 430 Nm, giving the Vigus enough muscle for everyday driving, overtaking and hauling duties.
The eight-speed automatic works well with the engine. It’s smooth around town and doesn’t constantly hunt for gears on the highway.
The suspension does remind you that you’re driving a bakkie. With an empty load bin, the rear can feel a little busy over sharper bumps. Add some weight and it settles down nicely.
The 4WD system is one of the Vigus’ strongest points. It doesn’t feel like an afterthought. There’s enough capability here to comfortably handle gravel roads, loose surfaces and more demanding terrain when required.
Fuel consumption was another positive. Over the course of our test, we averaged 8.7 L/100km, which is respectable for a double-cab 4×4.
Verdict
The JMC Vigus 2.5TD Double Cab 4WD isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be.
At R499,900, you’re getting a proper double-cab bakkie with a 2.5-litre turbodiesel, 123 kW, 430 Nm, an eight-speed automatic and 4WD.
There are compromises. The interior could use some softer materials, the ride can be busy with an empty load bin and the external tie-down points won’t suit everyone. Long-term resale value is also something buyers will need to consider against the established players.
But then you look at the price.
The Vigus gives you a lot of bakkie for your money. It feels honest about what it is: a practical, capable and reasonably well-equipped workhorse that doesn’t require a massive monthly instalment.
In a market where new bakkies are becoming increasingly difficult to justify financially, that’s a pretty strong argument in the Vigus’ favour.
