THERE was a time not too long ago where 4x4 pickup trucks didn't cost more than six figures, unless you were going for premium.
At the time, they were unsurprisingly all the rage as they could carry a tonne and yet didn't break the bank.
It also helped that they were close to being the largest and tallest wheels on the road besides commercial vehicles.
After a bout of slump, pickups are slowly inching their way back into the spotlight, as shown by last year's launch lineup.
These days, they are tailored towards lifestyle seekers with all of them offering modern quality-of-life improvements outside of performance. These features are most welcomed but come at a price that offsets the one area of their initial appeal.
Enter Jiangling Motors Company's (JMC) Vigus Pro. Give the locally assembled (CKD) 4x4 pickup a chance and you may find yourself a winner where it counts.
PRACTICAL AT HEART
Assembled at the Tan Chong Motor plant located in Serendah, Selangor, the Vigus Pro 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 (exhaust gas recirculation) cooler bypass valve.
The turbodiesel engine is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic that is operated through an electronic gear selector with manual shift mode function.
The combined powertrain produces an output of 141PS at 3,600rpm and 340Nm from 1,500rpm to 2,600rpm, and has a fuel consumption of 7.8l/100km (UNECE R101 testing).
The pickup'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 focusing on improved 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 that is able channel torque to the wheel with more traction when wheel slippage is encountered.
Additionally, it is also equipped with hill descent control that automatically modulates the braking of the vehicle when going downhill on steep slopes (up to 8kph).
Other features such as hill start assist, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and electronic stability with traction control also come as standard.
Physically, the pickup's front-end styling is highlighted by the large hexagonal grille with chrome inserts, slim headlamps and distinctive C-shape LED daytime running lights.
The aggressive theme continues on the sides with flared overfenders in body colour while a prominent character line runs from the front door through to the 3D tail-lamps. Its sports bar features an integrated high-mount third brake lamp, side steps, auto-folding wing mirrors with LED indicators and two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels.
The cabin features a leather-wrapped two-spoke design multi-functional steering wheel with steering controls for the infotainment system, cruise control and voice calls via Bluetooth connection, and gearshift paddles.
A first-in-class electronic gearshift selector sits on the centre console, which is said to require less effort when selecting "Drive" or to engage "Park".
The eight-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 eight-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.
The sole variant available in Malaysia has four different colour options, which are Steady Brown, Solid White, Brilliant Silver and Glossy Black.
It has a recommended retail price of RM98,888 (on the road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia and RM100,888 in Sabah and Sarawak).
It comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first.
Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM), through a Vehicle Technology Licensing agreement, assembles and sells the JMC Vigus Pro 4x4 pickup truck along with related parts and components in Malaysia.
The truck is available for viewing at ATM's flagship showroom in Klang.
THE DRIVE
Large and imposing, the Vigus Pro's size and front styling clearly made up for its otherwise average design.
The interior itself was what you would expect of modern pickups. The smooth hard plastic finishes were balanced out by the central infotainment system, giving the cabin a touch of updated modernity.
The pickup wants people to know it's a big boy inside and out. It wants you to know you are driving a huge vehicle.
Thus, it showed its true character at the wheel. The steering was a little stiff at first. Making hard turns and parking needed some getting used to but it was nothing anyone couldn't handle after some time with it.
What really drove home the rugged feel was the mild vibration the truck gave off throughout the drive.
We were told this could be a number of factors, from the tyre pressure to its suspension as the vehicle was fresh from the dealer, and the body rigidity.
Regardless, combined with its driver ergonomics, we were constantly reminded that we were driving a pickup through and through.
The infortainment system was also decent but nothing too complicated.
For comparison, most of the newer pickups focus their tuning on a smoother, nimbler drive feel. They also try to achieve a certain level of passenger exclusivity. However, the Vigus Pro positions itself truly at the base of those experiences.
But that's also part of its charm.
On one hand, it takes quite a bit of strength to make sure your body doesn't feel sore after reaching your destination. On the other hand, isn't this what makes a 4x4 pickup the go-to choice for tough-as-nails experience?
Circle back to the price factor and suddenly the Vigus Pro makes for a compelling argument.
VERDICT
Practicality is the focus when it comes to the Vigus Pro. You're not looking at an executive sedan but a 4x4 pickup truck.
So ask yourself one question; Why do you want a pickup truck? If you find yourself just wanting one with no real specifics, then the truck may be for you.
It's not the most swanky, powerful or fastest on the road but at present, it is one of the most affordable 4x4 pickup trucks in the market and the only one below RM100,000 before all the additional charges.
The Vigus Pro gets the job done where it matters.
