JMC Vigus ute approved for Australia as Chinese brand returns

Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) has been granted Australian road vehicle type approval for its Vigus dual-cab ute, signalling the brand’s return to a market that’s now far more competitive than when it last dipped its toe in.

The Key Details

The Finer Details

The Vigus isn’t JMC’s latest and greatest – that honour goes to the newer Dadao and Grand Avenue models sold in China – but it’s still a sizeable ute with some modern touches.

Approval documents confirm the budget-focused workhorse is earmarked to return with a turbocharged 3.3-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (AWD).

Dimensionally, it’s a big unit: 5335mm long, 1882mm wide and 1892mm tall with a 3150mm wheelbase.

Ground clearance is listed at 210mm, while suspension sticks to the tried-and-true formula of double-wishbones up front and leaf springs at the rear. Braking is handled by ventilated discs front and rear.

Inside, the Vigus offers a 12.8-inch central touchscreen and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, along with air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and central locking.

Safety kit includes ABS and dual front airbags, but active driver-assist tech such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is notably absent.

Towing capacity is listed as zero in the approval documents, suggesting certification is still pending.

The Road Ahead

Pricing and launch timing remain under wraps, but expect JMC to pitch the Vigus as a value play against other budget-friendly Chinese utes like the GWM Cannon and KGM Musso.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au