JMC Vigus Pro – Latest Pick-up Truck In Malaysia
The popular one-tonne pick-up truck segment gains a new entrant in the JMC Vigus Pro 4×4. Locally assembled and distributed by Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM), it wears an attractive price tag of RM98,888. The JMC Vigus Pro is assembled at the Tan Chong Motor plant in Serendah, Selangor and is now available for viewing and test drive at 13 ATM dealerships nationwide. For a start, there are also 13 aftersales services workshops. JMC is a brand of Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd of China and counts Ford as a shareholder.
The facade of the JMC Vigus Pro is dominated by a large hexagonal grille with chrome inserts. Just under the bonnet line are a pair of slim headlights, and distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights further down accentuate the profile of the front bumper. The squared and flared overfenders are prominent from every angle and a character line runs from the front door through to the 3D tail lamps. The Vigus Pro also comes with a sports bar with integrated high-mount third brake lamp, side steps, auto-folding wing mirrors with LED indicators and two-tone 16″ alloy wheels.
To further emphasise its rugged looks, the front is fitted with a lower bumper guard while the rear has moulding on the lower tailgate. Further, a step is incorporated into the rear bumper for easy access to the cargo bed.
Inside, the Vigus Pro gets a host of modern conveniences like the 8″ colour touchscreen display with MP5 video playback capability, reverse camera view and Bluetooth connection, and leather wrapped 2-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles. A key highlight is the inclusion of an electronic gear selector which is a first-in-class. Compared to traditional automatic gear levers, the electronic gear selector sits compact and neat on the centre console and requires less effort when selecting “Drive” or to engage “Park”.
Other standard fittings include powered side mirrors that can be folded via the remote control, and also heating function on the side mirrors. This pick-up however, does not come with climate control, electronic parking brake nor push button start. Whether or not these are deal breakers relative to the price tag depends on the individual’s preference.
The Vigus Pro is powered by an advanced 2.0L Puma turbocharged diesel engine with a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system, variable geometry turbocharger, intercooler and EGR cooler bypass valve. It is capable of 141 PS @ 3,600 rpm and 340 Nm from 1,500 rpm – 2,600 rpm. The powered is delivered via an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that is claimed to be smooth and efficient. ATM claims that the Vigus Pro powertrain provides an excellent fuel economy of 7.8L/100km (UNECE R101 testing), making it one of the most fuel efficient one-tonne pick-up trucks currently sold in Malaysia.
The Vigus Pro is built on a robust ladder frame chassis to offer stability over various surfaces. The front suspension is a fully-independent double-wishbone set-up with reinforced stabiliser bar while the rear rests on a solid axle with leaf springs for load-bearing capability and durability. The truck has a maximum load of 850 kg.
Off-road performance of the Vigus Pro is provided by a 4WD system developed by BorgWarner and can be switched between 2WD, 4WD and low-range 4WD modes via the rotary dial. Further, the rear axle is also fitted with an Eaton limited-slip differential lock which is able channel torque to the wheel which has more traction.
Other features provided include Hill Descent Control which automatically modulates the braking of vehicle when going down steep slopes (up to 8km/h), Hill Start Assist, ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control, and cruise control.
“We at Angka-Tan Motor are thrilled to welcome a new brand and an all-new model. The JMC Vigus Pro is a stylish and versatile pick-up truck developed with premium engineering. Whether it’s for work or play, the Vigus Pro is ready to meet the demanding requirements of pick-up truck users in Malaysia after proving itself as the second best-selling pick-up truck in the Chinese market,” said Tan Keng Meng, CEO of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd and Executive Director of Angka-Tan Motor.
Prior to this launch, ATM had sold a fleet of Vigus Pro to Mayflower Car Rental Sdn Bhd. “The past 18 months has been a challenging period for everyone, and we are grateful for the co-operation and support accorded to us by Jiangling Motors Company (JMC) as well as Tan Chong Group in making this a reality. Additionally, we would like to express our gratitude and congratulate Mayflower Car Rental Sdn Bhd for becoming our pilot fleet customer with an initial order of 30 units of the Vigus Pro. Their trust and confidence is a strong testament to the Vigus Pro and ATM,” said Mr Tan.
“Congratulations to Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd for the successful launch of the JMC Vigus Pro 4X4 pick-up. When Angka-Tan Motor first approached and worked with us, we were quickly convinced and captivated by the Vigus Pro’s attractive styling and premium features. We had no hesitation in placing an order for 30 units to add to our growing fleet of high-quality vehicles. I’m sure that our rental customers will welcome this option when they book a vehicle with us,” added En. Abdul Rahman Bin Mohamad, General Manager of Mayflower Car Rental Sdn Bhd.
The JMC Vigus Pro is available as a single variant with 4 different body colours i.e. Steady Brown, Solid White, Brilliant Silver and Glossy Black. It is covered by a 3-year / 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first). The recommended retail prices (on the road without insurance) for the Vigus Pro are RM98,888 (Peninsular Malaysia) and RM100,888 (East Malaysia). For more information, visit www.jmcmalaysia.com.
New vehicle deliveries to customers are expected to commence at the end of October 2021.
