Ford-powered JMC Vigus Pro: Workhorse with big ambitions, this or the D-Max?

Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM), Tan Chong Group’s subsidiary, has just launched the JMC Vigus Pro 4x4 pick-up truck in Malaysia.

At its RM 98,888 price point, the JMC Vigus Pro does not compete against range-topping variants of its rivals; instead, it rivals cheaper, lower rung variants like the recently-launched Isuzu D-Max 4x2 Auto Plus (RM 100,999) and the Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 A/T (RM 105,990). 

To keep things brief, we will just compare the JMC Vigus Pro against the next cheapest rival, which is Isuzu D-Max 4x2 Auto Plus. 

Also Read: Ford-powered JMC Vigus Pro launched in Malaysia, Hilux rival priced at RM 98,888

Powertrain – Down on power, but can it beat the D-Max in terms of fuel consumption?

Under the hood of the Vigus Pro lies a Ford-sourced 2.0-litre turbodiesel that churns out 141 PS and 340 Nm. These power figures put the Vigus Pro toe-and-toe to rivals like the recently-launched Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2, which does 150 PS and 350 Nm out of its smaller 1.9-litre turbodiesel unit.

While the Triton A/T is the most powerful truck in this comparison, offering 181 PS and 430 Nm, its engine is also the largest, coming in at 2.4 litres. As a result, road tax payable annually is also the highest for the Triton. 

According to Jiangxi-based company, the Vigus Pro is able to return a claimed 7.8-litre/100 km fuel consumption figure under the UNECE R101 test cycle. By comparison, the most fuel-efficient pick-up truck we’ve tested to date is the Isuzu D-Max 1.9, which returned 8.0-litre/100 km.

Compared to its rivals, the Vigus Pro offers a far more modern transmission, in the form of a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. 

The Triton may cost a bit more than the D-Max, but it offers 4x4, putting it on par with the Vigus Pro. 

Exterior – Tiger-inspired design, or so they said

Judging from the looks alone, it’s hard to discern that the Vigus Pro is priced below the RM 100k mark, as it gets 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and a sports bar – features typically found on more expensive variants.

The D-Max 4x2, on the other hand, offers brighter Bi-LED projector headlights and larger 17-inch alloy wheels. As for the Triton A/T, it gets projector halogen headlights and halogen daytime running lights (DRLs), while riding on 16-inch wheels. 

Also Read: Priced from RM 101k, drift-ready Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 launched in Malaysia

In terms of colours, ATM offers four body colours with the Vigus Pro - Steady Brown, Solid White, Brilliant Silver, and Glossy Black. On camp Isuzu, five colours are offered on this D-Max variant: Valencia Orange, Sapphire Blue, Mercury Silver, Onyx Black, and Splash White.

Interior – What a throwback

Both trucks offer a fairly modern cockpit – there’s a touchscreen infotainment display on both trucks, but that’s where the similarities end.

The D-Max offers support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the Vigus Pro’s infotainment pales in comparison, offering only USB and Bluetooth support.

Audio is routed through a six-speaker set up on the D-Max, while the JMC only has a four-speaker system. The D-Max also offers a 4.2-inch colour multi-info display (MID) nestled between the instrument clusters. The Vigus Pro also offers a MID, albeit a smaller dot matrix one.

Common on both trucks are fabric upholstery, a leather-wrapped, multifunction steering wheel, manual air-conditioning, and traditional twist key start.

Where the JMC Vigus Pro claws back is the inclusion of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a slick gear shifter.

Safety – As barebones as it gets for a workhorse

In terms of safety, both the Isuzu D-Max 4x2 Auto Plus and JMC Vigus Pro are on par, offering dual airbags, ABS, EBD, Hill Start Assist (HAS), Hill Descent Control (HDC), and stability control.

Isuzu pointed out that the entire D-Max range has been awarded with a 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash test rating. ASEAN NCAP has yet to crash test the JMC Vigus Pro.

Aftersales – More than just on-paper specs

Beyond the on-paper specifications, after sales is also another crucial aspect, even for workhorse trucks like these.

The JMC Vigus Pro is backed by a 3-year / 100,000-km warranty. As for the Japanese trucks, the D-Max gets a 5-year / 150,000-km warranty, while the Triton offers the longest warranty package (5 years, 200,000 km).

Conclusion – Proven Isuzu reliability or want to try something different?

Deciding between these two trucks boils down to whether do you want a proven Isuzu powertrain, or want something that stands out like the JMC?

Opting for the Vigus Pro gets you a unique-styled pick-up truck, as well as a Ford-sourced Puma turbodiesel engine and ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission (two more ratios than the D-Max), though equipment count comes short.

Between these two trucks, which is your pick, dear reader?