KUALA LUMPUR: In a surprising twist to the Malaysian one-tonne pick-up truck segment, Jiangling Motors Company (JMC) Vigus Pro 4x4 pick up truck may be the one to look out for now that it has been officially launched.
Arriving only in one variant with four different colours to choose from (Steady Brown, Solid White, Brilliant Silver and Glossy Black), the Vigus Pro comes with solid specs at a very competitive price that makes for a fiery contender on paper.
With a recommended retail price of RM98,888 (on the road without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia and RM100,888 for East Malaysia), it comes with an advanced 2.0-litre turbocharged Puma diesel engine featuring a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system, variable geometry turbocharger, intercooler and EGR cooler bypass valve to produce an output of 141PS at 3,600rpm and 340Nm from 1,500rpm to 2,600rpm.
The turbodiesel engine is mated to the highly-acclaimed 8-speed ZF automatic that is operated through an electronic gear selector with manual shift mode function. The combined powertrain performs at a fuel consumption of 7.8L/100km (UNECE R101 testing).
The truck's ladder frame rigid structure is designed to absorb impact forces in the event of a crash and is capable of a maximum load of 850kg. The front suspension is a fully-independent double-wishbone type with reinforced stabiliser bar while the rear rests on a solid axle with leaf springs aimed at superior load-bearing capability and durability.
Off-road performance is governed by a 4WD system developed by BorgWarner. Users can switch between 2WD, 4WD and low-range 4WD modes via a rotary dial to cater to changing surface conditions. The rear axle is also fitted with an Eaton limited-slip differential lock which is able channel torque to the wheel with superior traction when wheel slippage is encountered.
Additionally, it is also equipped with Hill Descent Control which automatically modulates the braking of vehicle when going downhill on steep slopes (up to 8km/h), thus allowing the driver to focus on manoeuvring the truck. Other features such as Hill Start Assist, ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control also come standard.
Physically the truck's front-end styling is highlighted by the large hexagonal grille with chrome inserts, slim headlamps and distinctive C-shape LED daytime running lights which also accentuate the profile of the front bumper, finished off with a lower bumper guard.
The aggressive theme continues on the sides with flared overfenders in body colour while a a prominent character line runs from the front door through to the 3D tail-lamps. It is fitted with a sports bar featuring an integrated high-mount third brake lamp, side steps, auto-folding wing mirrors with LED indicators and two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels.
A step is incorporated in the rear bumper, complimented by a lower tailgate with a distinctive moulding, to ease access to the spacious cargo bed.
Cabin features a multi-functional steering with steering controls for the infotainment system, cruise control and voice calls via Bluetooth connection. The leather-wrapped two-spoke design wheel also comes with gearshift paddles.
One of the main highlights of the cabin of the Vigus Pro is the first-in-class electronic gearshift selector, a feature normally found in premium cars. Compared to traditional automatic gear levers, the electronic gear selector sits on the centre console which is said to require less effort when selecting "Drive" or to engage "Park".
The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission also allows the driver to manually change gears via the electronic selector and steering wheel gearshift paddles.
Its infotainment system includes an 8-inch colour touch-screen, Bluetooth connectivity, MP5 video playback and reverse camera. Other amenities that come standard include powered side mirrors and windows folding via the remote control and also heating function on the side mirrors.
"We at Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM) 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."
"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 Warisan TC Holdings Bhd chief execuive officer and ATM executive director Tan Keng Meng.
"When ATM 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 Mayflower Car Rental Sdn Bhd general manager Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
The JMC Vigus Pro is locally assembled (CKD) at the modern Tan Chong Motor plant located in Serendah, Selangor and is now available for viewing and test drive across 13 ATM dealerships across the nation with a complementing network of 13 aftersales services workshops. Every vehicle comes with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first.
New vehicle deliveries to customers are expected to commence at the end of this month with a 10-day waiting period. ATM hopes to sell at least 350 units by the end of the year.
ATM says more CKD JMC vehicles can be expected in the near future as of the signing of the Vehicle Technology Licensing agreement on July 2020 between the two companies.
The current agreement grants ATM the sole right to manufacture, assemble and sell the JMC Vigus Pro 4x4 pick-up truck and related parts and components in Malaysia.
