The Grand Avenue is JMC South Africa’s new flagship double-cab pickup, serving as a larger and more comfortably appointed alternative to the more workmanlike Vigus tested in the August issue of Car Magazine.

Two models are offered, both powered by JMC’s 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The difference is their respective 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains.

Competitive pricing and capability

To say that the double-cab market in South Africa is important would be something of an understatement, so the arrival of any new model in this segment is bound to generate interest. Perhaps the most significant aspect of the Grand Avenue range, however, is its affordability.

In a leisure-oriented double-cab market where pricing north of R700 000 is increasingly common, the JMC Grand Avenue starts at R529 900 for the 4×2, while the 4×4 tested here costs R579 900.

Factor in healthy outputs of 155kW and 500Nm from an uprated version of the 2.5-litre turbodiesel used in the Vigus, along with genuine off-road ability courtesy of considerable axle articulation, 235mm of ground clearance, a BorgWarner-sourced four-wheel-drive system and an automatically locking rear differential. Add a sizeable load bed measuring 546mm deep, 1 546mm long and 1 595mm wide, plus an 870kg payload, and the Grand Avenue could appeal to buyers looking for a pickup that bridges the gap between workhorse and family vehicle.

Dimensions and Ford heritage

Perhaps the more pertinent question is what differentiates this model from the Vigus.

In terms of overall dimensions, the Grand Avenue is longer and wider than the Vigus, measuring 5 450mm in length, 1 935mm in width and 1 890mm in height, with a 3 270mm wheelbase.

The shared manufacturing and development ties between Ford and JMC date back to the late 1990s. These links are also evident in the architecture and design of the NB25 turbodiesel engine, which can trace some of its lineage to Ford’s ‘Puma’ series Duratorq diesels.

Those ties could also go some way towards explaining the rugged, boxy styling of both the Vigus and Grand Avenue, with the latter echoing elements of Ford’s Ranger and F-150 pickups.

Pricing and standard specification

The range-topping 4×4 costs R579 900, while the 4×2 is priced at R529 900. Both models come with a five-year/100 000km service plan and a five-year/200 000km warranty.

Standard specification includes keyless entry and ignition, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch TFT instrument panel, climate control, leather upholstery, tyre pressure monitoring, 18-inch alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors and cruise control.

The infotainment screen can also be tilted towards either the driver or passenger.

Segment rivals

At this price point, there aren’t many direct rivals. Mahindra’s 2.2CRDe Pik Up 4×4 S11 Karoo DC is similarly priced at R560 499 but doesn’t feel nearly as modern or powerful.

GWM’s LS-spec P300 2.4T 4×4 DC is closer to the Grand Avenue in terms of outputs and execution. Buyers opting for diesel-powered 4×4 automatics from more established players such as Isuzu, Ford and Toyota Hilux will pay upwards of R150 000 more than the range-topping JMC.

On-road and off-road driving

With 155kW and 500Nm on tap, the JMC Grand Avenue 2.5D 4×4 AT is one of the more powerful offerings in its segment. The ZF automatic transmission is assured in its shifts and doesn’t hunt through the ratios when pressing on, although it does feel quite highly geared.

This is a mixed blessing. The gearing seems to mask some of the urgency of the 500Nm of torque, but it also makes the Grand Avenue feel calm and long-legged on the open road.

The steering, often a weak point in Chinese pickups, is light and accurate. Perhaps we’re detecting the hand of Ford’s influence here, too. The ride from the double-wishbone front and live-axle rear suspension is composed, only succumbing to a degree of ungainly waddle when pressed into serious off-road work.

Off-road, the Grand Avenue 2.5D 4×4 AT is very capable, with good levels of axle articulation and a wide track. The BorgWarner system allows the driver to toggle easily between 2H, 4H and 4L, while the automatic electromechanical rear differential provides additional traction.

Its operation, however, means you need to stay on the throttle to keep it engaged. It activates when it detects wheelspin but disengages if you back off prematurely, taking the additional traction with it. This means some obstacles require a more committed approach than you might initially anticipate. Once you’re accustomed to this quirk, however, there’s little that will flummox the Grand Avenue off-road.

NVH suppression isn’t quite on par with more expensive rivals, with some engine boom penetrating the cabin under acceleration, but it is generally acceptable.

The cabin itself is spacious, particularly in the rear, where there is plenty of legroom even for six-footers. The interior finishes are more of a mixed bag. There are some nicely executed slush-moulded elements on the upper fascia, along with pleasingly soft, neoprene-like panels on the lower sections and door cards. The faux-wood inlays, however, look a little low-rent.

Thankfully, the driving position is high but comfortable, aided by rake-and-reach adjustment for the steering column and height-adjustable seats.

Verdict

From a bang-for-buck perspective, the JMC Grand Avenue 2.5D 4×4 AT is impressive, offering plenty of space, composed road manners and genuine off-road ability.

Its lower price does come with some caveats, though. There is an impression of thinner-gauge metal in the bodywork, evident in the unseemly ‘clank’ with which the doors and tailgate close.

And while it doesn’t feel spartan, the absence of features expected in a flagship double-cab, such as ADAS, automatic lights and wipers and electrically adjustable seats, is noticeable. That said, these omissions are unlikely to prove critical to buyers looking for a spacious and capable double-cab at this price.

Given its all-round capability, imposing presence and highly competitive pricing, the Grand Avenue 2.5D 4×4 AT is well worth investigating.

JMC Grand Avenue 2.5D 4×4 AT specifications

Price: R579 900

Engine: 2.5l, four-cylinder, turbodiesel

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Driven wheels: All

Power: 155kW @ 3 200r/min Torque: 500Nm @ 1 500–2 400r/min 0–100km/h: 10.4 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: n/a

Fuel consumption: 7.2l/100km (claimed)

CO2 emissions: 196g/km (claimed)

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The post Review: 2026 JMC Grand Avenue 2.5TD 4×4 appeared first on CAR Magazine.

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