The JMC Grand Avenue goes on sale in September but this special version will arrive in 2027.
Image: Jason Woosey
Chinese brand JMC used the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami to pull the covers off its Grand Avenue, which is set to launch in South Africa next month.
Although it shares its basic platform with the new-generation Vigus bakkie that was launched earlier this year, the Grand Avenue boasts beefed-up styling, as well as a more powerful engine and higher-end cabin appointments.
Alongside the regular Grand Avenue, JMC also revealed a version of the attention-grabbing Grand Avenue Pro, a beefed-up, off-road-oriented version that will have a different name in our market.
JMC Grand Avenue.
Image: Supplied
The JMC Grand Avenue is 115mm longer than the Vigus and is powered by an uprated version of the firm’s 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, which produces 155kW and 500Nm. That’s 28kW and 70Nm more than the Vigus’s motor. It pairs up with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. That theoretically gives it the power to tackle mainstream Japanese rivals such as the Toyota Hilux.
JMC did not release any info on the special 'off-road' version that was previewed at the show, and local adaptations could certainly be made. But for what it's worth, overseas versions boast uprated suspension, complete with a multi-link rear axle, featuring Watts Linkage, and optional K-MAN Nitrogen Shocks. Local specifications have not yet been confirmed, however.
The cabin of the new Grand Avenue features a tiltable 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as automatic climate control and a leather-covered dashboard, among other more premium-level trimmings.
Pricing and other specifications will be released closer to the vehicle’s official launch, which takes place in a few weeks.
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