JMC has come out guns blazing with the launch of its Grand Avenue bakkie, which impresses not only in performance and efficiency, but most importantly, pricing. We drove it at the local media launch.
Right off the bat, the pricing demands attention. Starting at R529 900 for the 4×2 and topping out at just R579 900 for the 4×4, the JMC Grand Avenue radically undercuts every direct rival in South Africa. Distributed by Salvador Caetano South Africa – the network behind GAC Motor – this giant double-cab looks poised to throw the entire lifestyle bakkie segment into disarray.
How JMC managed to deliver an automatic, feature-packed double-cab at this price point was the central puzzle at the local launch. In a market where top-tier lifestyle bakkies routinely breach the R1-million mark, a sub-R600k flagship feels almost too good to be true. Naturally, we set off on our launch route with one primary mission: find the Achilles’ heel that explains the price tag.
Read more: Best Chinese double cab bakkies under R600k in South Africa
The JMC Grand Avenue certainly does not look cheap…
The Grand Avenue looks very American in its design, something we feel South Africans will appreciate. The boxy front grille with massive JMC lettering is a nice touch and the LED lighting on the top of the headlights finishes off the design well. Overall, the newcomer has a commanding presence, the kind you’d move out of the way for should you see it in your rear-view mirror.
Step inside and you’re welcomed by a neat cabin with the central focus being a 12-inch infotainment screen that you can tilt sideways to avoid glare.
Like so many new Chinese vehicles, the materials feel durable and nicely finished. The cockpit offers an appealing mix of soft-touch plastics and even some wood trim to add to the luxurious nature of the bakkie. Some scratchier plastics feature on the door cards, but considering the price tag, that’s hardly a criticism.
What’s most impressive about the interior is the sheer amount of rear knee room. Double-cab bakkies are often surprisingly cramped in the 2nd row, but not the Grand Avenue – it’s a proper family vehicle in terms of seating comfort.
What’s under the bonnet?
Powering this big bakkie is a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel producing an impressive 155 kW and 500 Nm of torque. An 8-speed ZF automatic is the only transmission offered and the combination makes for enthusiastic performance.
As mentioned, JMC offers a 4×2 and a 4×4, with the latter using a proven BorgWarner system incorporating a rear locking differential. To select various modes such as 2WD, 4WD and low range, a nifty switch is available, giving you access to the modes with ease.
Can it really off-road with the best of them?
To prove its new bakkie’s off-road capabilities, JMC incorporated a small 4×4 track into the launch route that included steep inclines and declines. Along the latter, we used hill-descent control, which worked very well.
The inclines, meanwhile, allowed us to experience torque-vectoring and how the diff sends power to the wheels with the most traction. By applying a constant throttle input, we easily got up the inclines, again proving that the Grand Avenue can indeed handle rough stuff.
With an approach angle of 30 degrees, ground clearance of 245 mm and wading capabilities of 800 mm, the Grand Avenue has what it takes to compete with the legacy brands.
However, as accomplished as it was off the beaten track, most lifestyle-bakkie owners simply use their cars to commute, so where the Grand Avenue needed to please us the most was on tarmac.
How does it drive on-road?
When the surface is smooth, this JMC is comfortable. Add some corrugations, however, and the suspension can start to struggle. Harsh bumps can send shockwaves into the cabin, which is something we’re used to “old-school” bakkies doing, especially when there’s no load on the back. It’s here where the JMC’s low price starts to be felt, but it’s certainly not so bad as to be a deal-breaker.
What will make consumers very happy is the fuel consumption. We averaged 8.6 L/100km during our drive, which is excellent for a large bakkie.
Is the Grand Avenue too good to be true?
The value proposition of the JMC Grand Avenue remains staggering. From its massive proportions and punchy 155 kW drivetrain to a generous standard specification list, this bakkie feels like it should cost at least R100 000 more than its asking price. Throw in a comprehensive 5-year/200 000 km warranty and 5-year/100 000 km service plan, and the ownership peace of mind is undeniable.
Compare their specs: JMC Grand Avenue vs Changan Hunter vs Foton Tunalnd G7
While unladen ride stiffness reveals where costs were saved, the Grand Avenue delivers where it counts most. For buyers priced out of the legacy brands’ inflated price lists, JMC has delivered a capable, commanding and affordable alternative. Expect to see plenty of them on South African roads very soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does the JMC Grand Avenue cost in South Africa?
A: The JMC Grand Avenue starts at R529 900 for the 4×2 model and tops out at R579 900 for the 4×4 derivative, undercutting direct competitors in the local lifestyle bakkie segment.
Q: What engine and transmission power the JMC Grand Avenue?
A: The Grand Avenue is powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 155 kW and 500 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Q: What are the off-road specifications for the JMC Grand Avenue 4×4?
A: The JMC Grand Avenue 4×4 features a BorgWarner 4WD system with a rear locking differential, an approach angle of 30 degrees, ground clearance of 245 mm, and a wading depth of 800 mm.
Q: What fuel consumption can you expect from the JMC Grand Avenue?
A: During launch driving tests, the JMC Grand Avenue achieved an average real-world fuel consumption figure of 8.6 L/100 km.
Q: What warranty and service plan come standard with the JMC Grand Avenue?
A: The JMC Grand Avenue includes a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km service plan as standard.
