Astara Philippines, the authorized distributor of JMC vehicles in the Philippines, offered a glimpse into its future pickup trucks with an exclusive preview event at The General’s Farm in Tanauan, Batangas. The occasion was marked by the unveiling of two eagerly anticipated models, the JMC Grand Avenue and the JMC Vigus, ahead of their official launch at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
The preview event also allowed us, the members of the media, to get a firsthand experience with the truck.
JMC Grand Avenue: Comfort Meets Capability
The JMC Grand Avenue promises to be the ultimate adventure companion, blending comfort with off-road capability seamlessly. Under its hood lies a potent 2.3-liter turbodiesel engine, churning out an impressive 174 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Power is efficiently managed by a Borg Warner 4×4 system, mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
But the Grand Avenue isn’t just about raw power; it’s also a visual spectacle with its imposing exterior design, highlighted by a commanding grille. Inside, occupants are treated to a well-organized and somewhat upscale cabin adorned with a plethora of amenities and tech features.
Entertainment is taken care of by a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The interior has leather-clad seats, a push-to-start button, and ample USB charging outlets.
Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, with the Grand Avenue boasting a comprehensive suite of safety features including anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, hill descent control, and more.
JMC Vigus: The Workhorse
On the other end of the spectrum lies the JMC Vigus, a no-frills truck tailored for those seeking practicality and reliability. Powered by a robust 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine, the Vigus delivers 128 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque, making it a capable workhorse for various applications.
Despite its simplicity, the Vigus commands attention with its rugged exterior design, complemented by striking headlamps that add to its allure.
JMC PH has provided a glimpse into the pricing of these upcoming models, with the Grand Avenue slated to retail between Php 1.221 million to Php 1.569 million, while the Vigus will come in at a more accessible price range of Php 1.0 million to 1.11 million. However, detailed specifications and variant information will be unveiled at the 2024 MIAS.
Enthusiasts eager to experience these new offerings firsthand can mark their calendars for the 2024 Manila International Auto Show, scheduled to take place at the World Trade Center in Pasay from April 4 to 7, 2024.
Initial Impressions: A Brief Off-Road Adventure
Following the unveiling, we had the opportunity to put both the Grand Avenue and the Vigus through their paces on a short off-road course. I was particularly impressed at how the Grand Avenue tackled the rather advanced off-road course with relative ease, proving its mettle beyond the imposing aesthetic.
The preview event a tantalizing teaser for what promises to be an exciting debut at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show. But with what we’ve seen and experienced so far, JMC PH could have a winner in its hands.
