JMC Vigus Pro 2021 Review

In Malaysia's pickup truck market, models that combine household comfort and light off-road capability have always been in demand—after all, many users need them for carrying goods to construction sites while also taking the family on weekend outings. The 2021 JMC Vigus Pro 2.0 TDCi 4x4 aims squarely at this niche market, with pricing starting at just over 90,000 MYR, standard four-wheel drive, and a practical feature list that garnered considerable attention upon its release. This time, we got a hold of the actual vehicle, and our main goal is to test whether its static practicality and dynamic performance truly meet the needs of “work and family use.”

From the exterior, the design of the Vigus Pro leans towards rugged practicality with no excessive flashy elements. The front features a large trapezoidal grille paired with chrome trims and rectangular halogen headlights on both sides, offering decent recognition. The side profile showcases straight lines, and its 5305mm length and 1905mm width give it a burly appearance. Black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and the 265/70 R16 tires further strengthen its off-road vibe. The tail design is straightforward, with vertical tail lights and reflective strips on the rear bumper emphasizing functionality. However, the rear cargo bed does not come with a roll bar, so users who need it will have to get it installed aftermarket. As for lighting configuration, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, and front and rear fog lights come as standard, sufficient for daily use. However, the halogen lamps are only moderately bright at night, so users with higher lighting demands might need to consider aftermarket modifications.

Sitting inside, the interior design is predominantly dark and comprises mainly hard plastic materials, which is in line with the positioning of pickups in this price segment. The dashboard layout is fairly organized, with an 8-inch touchscreen as the central visual element. The screen supports basic Bluetooth and multimedia functions, and while the operating smoothness is acceptable, the interface design appears slightly outdated. The multifunction steering wheel comes with physical buttons, and the paddle shifters are a rare feature on pickups, offering some manual gear-shifting control when desired. The instrument panel features backlit analog displays with clear readings, showing information like RPM, speed, and fuel level at a glance. In terms of features, keyless entry, push-button start, and a front-row 220V power outlet stand out, especially the 220V power supply that makes it convenient for charging tools or appliances outdoors. However, the seats are all manually adjustable, and the fixed rear seatbacks could impact long-distance comfort. The air conditioning system is single-zone and manually controlled, with decent cooling performance, but without rear air vents, back-row passengers might feel hot in summer.

Space is one of Vigus Pro’s strengths, with a 3085mm wheelbase ranking as one of the longest in its class. Once the front seats are adjusted, a 175cm tall passenger has enough space to leave about a fist and a half of headroom and ample legroom. Rear legroom offers about two fists of space, with roughly one fist of headroom. Although the backrest angle cannot be adjusted, it remains fine for short trips. However, the middle seat does not include a headrest, making it uncomfortable for long rides. In terms of storage, door panel pockets can hold two bottles of water, there is a small storage compartment under the dashboard, and the glovebox space is average. While the official cargo bed dimensions are not provided, it appears large enough to fit two large suitcases or some tools, meeting the requirements for daily hauling tasks.

In terms of power, the 2.0T diesel engine provides a maximum output of 141PS and maximum torque that peaks at 1500rpm, paired with an automatic transmission. Acceleration from a stop is not particularly quick, but the low-end torque advantage of the diesel engine is evident, and it responds well with lighter throttle inputs when fully loaded or climbing hills. During standard driving, the gearbox shifts smoothly and upshifts promptly, maintaining a speed of 80km/h at about 1800rpm for relatively quiet highway cruising. Switching to four-wheel-drive mode allows it to handle muddy or slightly waterlogged roads with ease. However, the rear suspension uses leaf springs, which can feel bouncy on rough roads and offers only average vibration absorption.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a moderate heaviness with minimal slack, making daily driving feel nimble. The front double wishbone independent suspension performs well on smooth roads, but when encountering potholes or speed bumps, the rigidity of the rear leaf springs becomes evident, causing noticeable bumps for rear passengers. The braking performance is average, with clear pedal feedback, and the braking distance from 100km/h is approximately 45 meters, which is acceptable for a pickup truck. During fuel consumption tests, urban driving consumes about 8.5L per 100km, and highway driving takes 7.2L per 100km, slightly higher than the official 7.8L combined fuel consumption. However, considering its 4WD system and vehicle weight, this performance is reasonable.

In terms of comfort, the Vigus Pro's noise insulation is average. Wind and tire noise become quite noticeable after speeds exceed 80km/h, and the sound of the diesel engine can also be heard at idle. The seat padding is relatively firm, which may cause some discomfort to the lower back during long drives. Although diesel vehicles don’t typically feature energy regeneration, the brake pedal offers a linear response, which makes daily driving easy to get accustomed to.

Overall, the key advantages of the 2021 JMC Vigus Pro 2.0 TDCi 4x4 are the space brought by its long wheelbase, practical features (such as a 220V power outlet and 4WD system), and its affordable price. Compared with competitors in the same class, such as the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, it offers more features at a lower price, but its brand recognition and interior quality are relatively less competitive. This vehicle is suitable for users who need a practical pickup truck for both cargo and occasional off-road driving, while also meeting family needs—for example, small business owners, construction site workers, or families who enjoy weekend outings. If your budget is under 100,000 MYR and you’re looking for a balanced and practical pickup truck, the Vigus Pro is worth considering.