2021 JMC Vigus Pro 2.0 TDCi 4x4 Review

The pickup truck market in Southeast Asia has always focused on the balance between practicality and cost-effectiveness. The 2021 JMC Vigus Pro 2.0 TDCi 4x4 targets users who need a multifunctional vehicle – one that offers daily commuting comfort while also being capable of light off-roading or meeting cargo requirements. The core selling points of this vehicle revolve around its spacious interior, four-wheel-drive system, and affordable pricing. The purpose of our test drive is to verify whether it truly meets the needs of its target users in real-world scenarios.

In terms of exterior design, the Vigus Pro adopts a rugged style without excessive decorative elements. The front features a large intake grille with the JMC logo in the center, paired with halogen headlamps on both sides. Automatic headlights and front fog lights come standard, emphasizing practicality. The body lines are straight, with dimensions of 5305mm, 1905mm, and 1835mm in length, width, and height, respectively, and a wheelbase of 3085mm. These dimensions make it particularly elongated among pickup trucks in its class. The rear design is simple, with vertically arranged tail lamps and clearly visible rear fog lights. The height of the cargo bed sides is moderate, making daily loading and unloading easier. Overall, while the exterior doesn’t stand out dramatically, it is visually pleasing and aligns with the "tool-like nature" expected by pickup truck users.

Inside, the interior design is primarily practical with a clear layout on the central console, which is free of complicated buttons. An 8-inch touchscreen sits atop the center console; although the size isn’t large, it operates smoothly and supports basic multimedia functions. The steering wheel is multifunctional, with the left side controlling volume and phone calls, while the right side features paddle shifters – a rare configuration in its class and a pleasant surprise. The instrument cluster is a backlit analog design with clear readings; however, it lacks the modern feel of a fully digital display. The seats are manually adjustable, with decent support in the front. The rear seatbacks are fixed in position, which might feel cramped on long drives. However, considering the vehicle’s positioning as a pickup truck, this performance is quite reasonable. The cabin provides ample storage spaces, including door storage pockets and a center armrest box that can accommodate daily items. Additionally, the front row comes standard with a 220V power outlet, which is convenient for charging external devices.

Space is one of Vigus Pro's major advantages. The front row offers plenty of headroom, leaving over a fist’s width of space for a 180cm passenger. Rear legroom ranks above average for a pickup, with a two-fist gap between the knees and the front seatback. However, the fixed angle of the rear seatbacks might be less comfortable for long trips. Although the official cargo bed dimensions haven’t been provided, judging from the vehicle’s length, it should have adequate capacity to accommodate daily hauling needs. The rear also features ISO FIX child seat anchors, which are particularly practical for families with children.

As for performance, the 2.0T diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 141PS, with peak torque kicking in at just 1500rpm. It’s paired with an automatic transmission. While the initial acceleration isn’t particularly brisk, the diesel engine’s low-end torque is evident, providing strong power at low to moderate speeds. When overtaking, stepping on the gas pedal prompts the transmission to downshift quickly, ensuring smooth power delivery. The addition of the four-wheel-drive system enables it to handle light off-road scenarios, such as unpaved roads or small slopes. Once the four-wheel-drive mode is engaged, traction improves significantly. However, at highway speeds, engine noise becomes quite noticeable, especially beyond 100km/h, when wind and tire noise also seep into the cabin, affecting the driving experience.

The handling performance is average, with a relatively heavy steering wheel and general directional stability. However, for a pickup truck, such a setup helps maintain stability at high speeds. The front suspension is a double-wishbone independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a leaf spring solid axle. With this combination, the ride comfort in the front row is acceptable when filtering bumpy roads, but the rear row tends to be quite bouncy. Especially when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the vibration is relatively pronounced. The braking performance is good, with a clear feedback from the brake pedal and linear braking force output, providing confidence for daily driving. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.8L/100km. During our test drive, the city driving fuel consumption was around 9L, while highway fuel consumption dropped to 7L. For a diesel vehicle, this performance is at a normal level.

Overall, the 2021 JMC Vigus Pro 2.0 TDCi 4x4's core advantages lie in its space, 4WD system, and cost-effectiveness. Compared to models of the same level such as the Hilux or Ranger, it is priced lower and is not poorly equipped. Although its brand influence is not as strong as Japanese models, it is a good choice for users with a limited budget who need a versatile vehicle. Suitable buyers for this vehicle include small business owners who need to haul goods, outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy light off-roading, and practical-oriented family users.

In summary, the Vigus Pro is a model with both prominent advantages and disadvantages. Its space and 4WD system can meet the needs of most users, and its features are relatively practical. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of interior quality and noise control. If you need an affordable pickup truck that is both functional and versatile, the Vigus Pro is worth considering.