May 29, 2019 Grant West JMC, Vigus 5, Carrying Plus, LCV, MCV, Double cab
JMC launches ViGUS 5 double cab bakkie and Carrying Plus 4-tonne MCV
At a launch function late last week Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) South Africa officially revealed both the new Vigus 5 and Carrying Plus models from their stable to the media and dealers. Both vehicles and their derivatives are now available in South Africa.
The Vigus bakkie line was Introduced locally in 2014 and has gone on to become JMCSA’s best-seller. Its latest version the Vigus 5, is expected to build on the solid foundations of its predecessor. The Vigus 5 encompasses many improvements while calling on a legacy of rugged design and ownership affordability.
It retains a body-on-frame construction with the chassis comprising no less than eight lateral braces, resulting in a stiff, flex-free platform: this rigidity has handling and safety benefits. Independent, double wishbones with coil spring front suspension and a solid rear axle suspended on leaf springs complement an all-disc high-performance braking system with ABS and EBD. This vehicle is capable of carrying a load of up to 815 kilograms.
Key numbers are a 5.38 metre overall length and a wheelbase of just under 3.1 metres. The bak is a generous 1.475 metre square, with a 500mm depth. All versions are shod with 265/70 rubber on 16-inch alloys, with the 4x4 versions identified by side steps.
A willing yet refined four-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel with 103 kW and 310Nm there’ll be no waiting around. This ‘Puma’ engine is the result of JMC’s successful collaboration with Ford and is renowned for its long and trouble-free service life, combined with low service costs. This is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard and both two- and four-wheel drive versions are available.
A sophisticated cabin with soft-touch panels with a new feature in this generation being the large touchscreen, mounted high up in the centre of the dashboard. Trimmed to LX – luxury Extra – level, which includes a height adjustable steering column and leather-clad seats. A pair of multifunction stalks take care of lights and wipers while steering wheel controls allow for the cruise control to be operated, along with the key functions of the entertainment system and phone. Reducing driver load still further is standard rear Park Distance Control. Passengers too benefit from the likes of standard air conditioning, electric windows and central locking. With Bluetooth, dual 12 Volt outlets along with Aux and USB ports, staying in touch and in charge is easy.
The latest Vigus double cab bakkies represents a significant step forward. The proven reliability of the drivetrain and overall ruggedness of the design has been complemented by significantly improved comfort and refinement. Hassle-free ownership is ensured by a three year or 100 000 km warranty and a six-year or 60 000 km service plan.
With the introduction of the Carrying Plus, JMC South Africa has moved up a weight division.
The Plus boasts a 4-tonne payload yet is priced below R300 000 in drop-side configuration. This price includes the security of a 3-year/90 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km warranty. Key updates include a spacious and safe cabin, efficient aerodynamics, two wheelbase options – 2 800mm and 3 360mm and two cabin widths – 1 880mm and 2 050mm. It is available in drop-side, tipper and box van configurations.
Longer, larger and safer the Carrying Plus boasts a dual-tyre rear axle, enabling it to comfortably manage a four-tonne payload.
Testing mileage exceeded two million kilometres, in every conceivable condition, to ensure that all possible scenarios have been investigated. Mechanical downtime is the thief of productivity in the commercial vehicle market and with this in mind the engineers at JMC have worked closely with top automotive suppliers to ensure the Carrying Plus is rugged and reliable.
Standard features such as power steering, a radio, reverse warning alarm, front foglamps, dual sun-visors and generous cabin oddment space, and - on Lux versions - air conditioning and electric windows. Well-padded and ergonomically-designed seats (supplied by Lear Corporation) ensure that driver fatigue will not be an issue while hard-wearing materials and quality plastics are designed with long life in mind.
Powered by a proven Isuzu-derived 2,8-litre turbodiesel mustering 84kW and 210Nm, the all-new JMC Carrying Plus incorporates an 83-litre fuel tank maximising operating range.
A heavy-duty braking system includes ABS and an exhaust brake and drive is to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox and 16-inch wheels. The Carrying Plus has a tare weight of 2 480 kilograms and has a gross vehicle mass of 6 500 for a payload of 4 020 kilograms thanks to the dual-tyre rear axle.
When fitted with a drop-side body the extended wheelbase (3 360mm) Carrying Plus boasts a cargo area of 4 155mm by 1 940mm, with a depth of 380mm. The latter number increases to or 2 050mm in wide-cabin guise. With a box body, dimensions are 4 080mm by 1 910mm/2 050mm (normal and wide-body respectively) and a height of 1 930 or 2 050mm.
JMC claims that by partnering with global suppliers the Carrying Plus has resulted in a rugged and reliable vehicle which can handle tough operating conditions without complaint. Because these suppliers are household brands in the motor industry, it also means parts are both affordable and readily available from JMC’s network of 25 service outlets.
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