The launch of the JMC Vigus bakkie officially marks the Chinese brand’s return to South Africa’s competitive bakkie market. Here’s pricing for the 3-strong line-up…
- Chinese marque JMC revived in South Africa
- Vigus bakkie kicks off at just under R300 000
- Single cab has 2.4TD; double cabs use 2.0TD
Jiangling Motors Corporation – or “JMC” for short – is officially back in South Africa, with the Chinese brand’s local range comprising the JMC Carrying Plus truck and the JMC Vigus bakkie at (re)launch.
Now distributed locally by Salvador Caetano Auto SA (the company that’s also responsible for GAC Motor in Mzansi), JMC announced its return to SA back in July 2025. Around a year prior, Cars.co.za discovered trademark filings suggesting JMC was indeed lining up a local revival.
JMC says it plans to hit a total of 40 dealerships across the country within the next year. In addition to the Carrying Plus truck (which is offered in a trio of body styles), the Chinese marque marks its return with the launch of the Vigus ladder-frame bakkie. It says “additional model ranges” (including the larger Grand Avenue bakkie) will follow in due course.
But for now, the Vigus portfolio includes a single-cab derivative and a pair of double-cab variants. The Vigus 2.4TD SC 4×2 5MT is priced at R299 900, making it one of the most affordable options in its segment. It slots between the Mahindra Pik Up 2.2CRDe SC S4 4×2 6MT (R289 249) and the GWM Steed 5 2.0VGT SC S 4×2 6MT (R307 950).
This 2-door derivative is powered by a Ford-derived 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which delivers 103 kW and 310 Nm to the rear axle via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Key standard features include a rubberised load bay, 17-inch alloy wheels, front foglamps, a 4-speaker audio system, cruise control, rear parking sensors, ABS (with EBD) and a driver’s airbag (with a front passenger airbag listed as “optional”).
What about the double cabs? Well, the Vigus 2.0TD DC 4×2 8AT is priced at R439 900, while the Vigus 2.0TD DC 4×4 8AT comes in at R499 900. Interestingly, the 4-door versions – measuring the same 5 305 mm from front to back as the single cab – switch to a newer (likewise Ford-sourced) 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor, which delivers 104 kW and 350 Nm (to either the rear axle or all 4 wheels) via a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission.
Compared with the single-cab workhouse, these double-cab derivatives gain items like side steps, a 9.7-inch touchscreen (with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), a reverse-view camera, a front passenger airbag and the option of leather upholstery. JMC South Africa has yet to announce load capacity or fuel economy claims for any of the 3 derivatives.
For the record, the Vigus is known as the “Yuhu” in its domestic market of China. The single-cab derivative now available in SA appears to be related to the Yuhu 7 (as opposed to the Yuhu 5 previously offered in our market). The SA-spec double cabs, meanwhile, seem closer aligned to the Yuhu 9, which itself is based on the Yuhu 7.
What does the JMC Vigus cost in South Africa?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| JMC Vigus 2.4TD SC 4×2 5MT | R299 900 |
| JMC Vigus 2.0TD DC 4×2 8AT | R439 900 |
| JMC Vigus 2.0TD DC 4×4 8AT | R499 900 |
The prices above include a 5-year/100 000 km warranty. Service-plan details have yet to be confirmed, with JMC SA thus far saying only that “service plans vary per model”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the JMC Vigus Bakkie
Q: What are the three variants and their prices in the new JMC Vigus line-up in South Africa?
A: The JMC Vigus line-up in South Africa consists of three derivatives: the JMC Vigus 2.4TD SC 4×2 5MT (Single Cab) priced at R299 900, the JMC Vigus 2.0TD DC 4×2 8AT (Double Cab 4×2) at R439 900 and the JMC Vigus 2.0TD DC 4×4 8AT (Double Cab 4×4) at R499 900.
Q: What are the engine specifications and transmissions used for the single-cab and double-cab Vigus models?
A: The single-cab model uses a Ford-derived 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine (103 kW and 310 Nm), paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The double-cab models switch to a Ford-sourced 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine (104 kW and 350 Nm), which uses a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission.
Q: What features do the Vigus double-cab models gain over the entry-level single-cab derivative?
A: The Vigus double-cab models gain several features compared to the single cab, including side steps, a 9.7-inch touchscreen (with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), a reverse-view camera, a front passenger airbag and the option of leather upholstery. Both double-cab versions come standard with the automatic gearbox and the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.
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