By THATCAR.co.za
It makes sense, really.
A double-cab bakkie can literally go anywhere. You don’t have to worry as much about potholes, expensive repair costs, and nowadays, some bakkies can keep up with Golf GTIs on the freeway.
You can throw your family’s luggage in the back, tow that boat and head off for the weekend.
Furthermore, they are often cheaper than those big SUVs.
Case in point: the new JMC Grand Avenue.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Even JMC admits to this.
They say their bakkie will “shatter expectations and elevate the lifestyle, leisure, and family travel experience. Whether navigating the daily school run in supreme comfort, towing a heavy boat for a weekend getaway, or conquering rugged off-road trails.”
Everyone says that.
Let’s look at the numbers.
THE SIZE
Whoever said size doesn’t matter clearly doesn’t own a bakkie.
In South Africa, bakkies are getting bigger, and the JMC is not about to be left behind.
The Grand Avenue boasts a commanding footprint, measuring 5.45 metres in length, 1.94 metres in width and up to 1.9 metres in height.
So, it’s imposing.
It’s big.
And we love BIG, don’t we, boys and girls?
INSIDE
You get a combination of leather and wood, because what is a plush cabin without soft-touch materials and big screens?
Well, it has big screens too.
There is a massive 12.3-inch tiltable infotainment touchscreen, adjustable up to 12 degrees left or right, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep everyone connected.
Advanced NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) technology, combined with a thick acoustic windscreen, is designed to ensure the cabin remains quiet.
The back seat is also flexible, allowing for additional storage.
Wait for our test and we’ll show you.
ENGINE
All that mass, space and comfort needs something to haul it forward.
Helping the JMC do that is an engine producing 155 kW of maximum power and 500 Nm of peak torque.
We don’t know about the “class-leading” claim, but it’s certainly a healthy lump of power.
It’s paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
ZF has been doing this for a while, so we’re happy with that.
And if you want to go off-road, there is a 4×4 version equipped with an advanced part-time four-wheel-drive system developed by BorgWarner.
It also boasts a staggering 800 mm wading depth.
Again, we’ll explain exactly what that means when we put it through our test.
SAFETY
When it comes to safety, you get all the expected features and more.
There is ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), among other safety systems.
PRICE
Now, here is where bakkies really start to make a case against SUVs.
The JMC Grand Avenue comes with a 5-year/100,000 km service plan and a 5-year/200,000 km warranty.
And then we get to the prices:
- JMC Grand Avenue Double Cab Diesel 4×2 GL (8-speed AT): R529,900
- JMC Grand Avenue Double Cab Diesel 4×4 GL (8-speed AT): R579,900
VERDICT
That price is very compelling.
We’ll have to reserve our final opinion until we’ve actually driven it.
But from the looks of things — or perhaps because we watch so much Madlanga — on the face of it, prima facie, this looks like a great deal.
Now, let’s drive it and see if the numbers translate into the real world.
