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Waterfall Motoring

JMC VIGUS 5

By Alan Rosenmeyer

Increased power output for
easier cruising and overtaking.

J MC launched the updated Vigus 5 in mid-2019, and

we posted a short launch video on @MotorMatters
at the time. We had to wait a while to get a test
vehicle but JMC SA made up for this by giving us
the vehicle for a full month over the Festive Season.

Besides the longer test period, giving us a chance to
use the Vigus on a holiday trip, as well as commuting
once we returned home, we had another aspect that
we don’t usually experience with our test vehicles.
I’m often asked how vehicles ‘LAST’ over extended
periods and as they reach higher mileages. Will they Another interesting comparison for me was that we
start to rattle, squeak or have bits fall off? Media fleet actually took the previous version of the Vigus 4x4
vehicles are usually brand new and I seldom experience Double Cab on the same trip 2 years ago. One of the
any with more than 15 000km on the clock. biggest changes under the bonnet is that the Ford-
designed 2.4L diesel has had the power output increased
However, we received our range-topping 4x4 Double from 88kW to a far more respectable 103kW plus
Cab with 33 000km on the odometer, and then we 310Nm of torque. JMC are rightly proud of the Ford
added another 3 000km during our test. We used it association and the fact that the development of the
to travel down to the South Coast with 4 adults and a Vigus 5 was a joint venture between the 2 companies.
very full load under the tonneau cover. (As an aside,
JMC SA kindly fitted the tonneau cover especially Where the previous generation was a tad sluggish and
for this test). I can happily report that everything felt needed forward planning for overtaking manoeuvers,
as good as new on the vehicle and it handled the the increased power output certainly made this aspect
open road, as well as a few dirt road excursions, with far more comfortable. The 5-speed manual gearbox
aplomb and no obvious signs of any problems. allows for comfortable cruising, although a 6th gear

26 Waterfall Issue 3 2020