Watch out, Hilux – the RM99k JMC Vigus Pro 4x4 has landed in Malaysia

By daryl, 13 October 2021

2021 JMC Vigus Pro 4x4 launched in Malaysia –RM99,888 Chinese pick-up truck aims to undercut the Hilux and co. 

JMC Vigus pro pick-up truck

Following the first hint of its impending arrival earlier this month, the JMC Vigus Pro has been officially launched in Malaysia, where it's priced from just below the RM100k mark in a serious attempt to destabilise the status quo made up of the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton and co. Locally-assembled in Serendah by Tan Chong Group subsidiary Angka-Tan Motor (ATM), the JMC Vigus Pro is priced at RM98,888 in West Malaysia (RM100,888 in the East) on-the-road without insurance. 

For the money, you get a product of a lesser known brand that pools together some of the most recognisable components in the automotive market. For starters, the engine is Ford's familiar 2.0-litre Puma turbodiesel mill which makes 141PS at 3,600rpm and 340Nm from 1,500rpm to 2,600rpm. This four-pot engine with VGT is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox manufactured by ZF, the same guys behind the slick-shifting eight-speeders used in most modern BMWs. Said transmission is engaged via a 'first-in-class' electronic gearshift selector, which isn't too dissimilar from the ones you'll find in an F30 3er. 

Want to go off-road in the kampung or brave KL's notorious flash floods? The Vigus Pro's 4WD system is supplied by BorgWarner while an Eaton limited-slip differential lock is fitted to the rear axle to optimise torque distribution on uneven terrain. Hill descent control is also standard, and works up to speeds of 8kph.  

JMC Vigus pro pick-up truck
JMC Vigus pro pick-up truck

ATM claims its all-star powertrain combo is good for a fuel consumption average of 7.8 litres per 100km as per UNECE R101 testing regulations, touting the Vigus Pro as one of the most fuel-efficient one-tone pick-up trucks currently sold in Malaysia. That said, the actual maximum payload is 850kg, which means that it's still more of a lifestyle pick-up than the commercial workhorse some might instantly associate ATM with. 

To that end, the Vigus Pro is equipped with creature comforts such as an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment, reverse camera and heated wing mirrors. To be honest, it doesn't look half bad, inside and out either – the strong shoulder lines and bold 'JMC' badging will certainly evoke some comparisons with a certain three-lettered American brand.  

Although the JMC brand remains largely unknown to the masses, ATM is backed by the Tan Chong Group and its proven distribution network of parts and vehicles. The Vigus Pro is already available for viewing and test drive across 13 ATM dealerships nationwide, with 13 aftersales workshops to match. Every pick-up sold comes with a three-year warranty capped at 100,000km and deliveries are expected to commence by the end of the month. 

For under RM100k, would you consider one over a more familiar Japanese pick-up?