JMC has expanded its presence in South Africa with the public debut of the Grand Avenue at Festival of Motoring, a double cab bakkie the brand positions as its most significant model yet in the local market – certainly priced at R529 900 for the 4x2 and R579 900 for the 4x4 adds weight to that.
It is built on a newly developed ladder frame chassis – the Ford Ranger – that retains features first seen on the Vigas, including double wishbone front suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels. The chassis has one of the largest longitudinal cross sections in its segment at 182 millimetres, a design choice that supports structural integrity and torsional stiffness while accommodating a 3,5-ton load capacity.
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The platform has also been engineered with future powertrain options in mind, including hybrid, electric and fuel cell technology alongside the current internal combustion engine.
A chance to drive the newcomer on good Cape roads, albeit somewhat misty, confirmed the ride quality, our launch vehicle running on the optional 18-wheels as opposed to the standard 17-ones.
On the tar the Grand Avenue was solid, stable and responsive to steering input that was accurate and precise.
In terms of dimensions, the Grand Avenue measures 5 450 millimetres in length on a 3 270 millimetre wheelbase, placing it alongside or slightly ahead of several established competitors in the double cab segment.
Exterior features include LED headlights and daytime running lights, side steps measuring 15 centimetres in width, and fog lights. The rear cargo box offers 1,35 cubic metres of load volume, which JMC notes is deeper than most rivals in the class. A tailgate assist system, integrated step and rear camera with parking sensors are fitted. The rear doors open to 75 degrees.
Inside, the cabin uses soft-touch leather finishes on the dashboard, armrests and door panels, with wooden trim surrounds and leather seats as standard. A 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and can tilt through 12 degrees to reduce glare.
The digital instrument cluster and multi-function steering wheel are complemented by keyless entry, push-button start and proximity locking and unlocking. Rear passengers benefit from a 60-40 split bench in which both the backrest and base fold, with the base locking into position via the hinge mechanism to allow taller items to be carried.
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Scott Seed, Marketing Director of Salvador Caetano says the vehicle has been designed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, with a drag coefficient of 0,38. “Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, four crash bags and a collapsible steering column.”
Power comes from an upgraded version of the 2,5-litre turbo-diesel engine introduced in the Vigas, now producing 155 kW and 500 Nm. It features a redesigned intake system and a larger variable turbocharger, and is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. JMC quotes fuel consumption of 7,2 l/100 km but after a brief 4x4 excursion our final numbers for the day showed 9,5 l/100 km . A Borg Warner four-wheel drive system is available, with two-wheel high, four-wheel high and four-wheel low modes, along with a rear differential lock.
The short off-road test showed more than ample capability from the vehicle, handling steep inclines and descents with nary a whimper. The vehicle features an electronic rear diff lock that switches in and out as the need arises.
Two automatic models are offered at launch, both using the same engine: a four-by-two and a four-by-four. Bianca Naude, PR Manager of Salvador Caetano South Africa for GAC Motor and JMC Motor, said described the Grand Avenue as an important product developed with an understanding of local buyers.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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