Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer carrying a crew, the JMC Vigus Pro’s five seats, four doors and 8-speed automatic make daily use far easier. It also brings a locking rear differential, reversing camera and 8-inch touchscreen. The Isuzu D-MAX is the harder-working choice: its 2.2-litre diesel produces 161 hp and 400 Nm, against 139 hp and 340 Nm, while weighing 190 kg less. Its 76-litre tank and five-year/150,000-km warranty suit higher-mileage work, but this is a two-seat manual pick-up with far less cabin equipment.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX if you need 400 Nm, a 76-litre tank and five-year/150,000-km cover more than rear seats or an automatic.
Pick the JMC Vigus Pro if you need five seats, an 8-speed automatic and a reversing camera for mixed work and family use.
Key differences
- Power and torque: Isuzu D-MAX 161 hp/400 Nm; JMC Vigus Pro 139 hp/340 Nm.
- Transmission: Isuzu D-MAX 6-speed manual; JMC Vigus Pro ZF 8-speed automatic with manual mode.
- Seating and doors: Isuzu D-MAX 2 seats/2 doors; JMC Vigus Pro 5 seats/4 doors.
- Kerb weight: Isuzu D-MAX 1,805 kg; JMC Vigus Pro 1,995 kg.
- Warranty: Isuzu D-MAX 5 years/150,000 km; JMC Vigus Pro 3 years/100,000 km.
- Fuel tank and annual road tax: Isuzu D-MAX 76 litres/RM571; JMC Vigus Pro 68 litres/RM439.
D-MAX
- 161 hp and 400 Nm from the 2,164 cc diesel
- 190 kg lighter than the Vigus Pro
- Five-year, 150,000-km warranty
- Only two seats and two doors
- 6-speed manual instead of an 8-speed automatic
- No reversing camera, parking sensors or touchscreen
Vigus Pro
- Five seats, four doors and ISOFIX on both outer rear seats
- ZF 8-speed automatic with manual mode and paddle shifts
- Locking rear differential, reversing camera and 8-inch touchscreen
- 139 hp and 340 Nm trail the D-MAX
- 190 kg heavier despite its smaller 1,998 cc diesel
- Three-year, 100,000-km warranty is shorter
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,121 | RM98,888✓ |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Direct Injection |
| Capacity | 2,164 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 161 hp✓ | 139 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm✓ | 340 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5 | 9.7 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Manual | 8-speed Auto Transmission with Manual Mode |
| Gears | 6 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,330 mm | 5,305 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,905 mm |
| Height | 1,770 mm | 1,835 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 3,085 mm |
| Weight | 1,805 kg | 1,995 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 68 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 4 |
| Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Front Tyre | 205R16C | 265/70R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 205R16C | 265/70R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full-size 16" Steel |
| Factory Tyres | — | Maxxis Bravo All-terrain |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Solid Axle with Leaf Springs |
| Front Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" 2-tone 12-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" 2-tone 12-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Locking Rear Differential |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | — | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For Front Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Hill Descent Control |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | Fixed Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Single-zone |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 1 Front |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | 8" Infotainment Touchscreen with 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual Key Ignition | Manual Key |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | — | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | Heated Door Mirrors |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM571 | RM439✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used D-MAX & Vigus Pro for sale
D-MAX vs Vigus Pro FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX or JMC Vigus Pro better?
The JMC Vigus Pro is better for carrying people and easier daily driving, with five seats and an 8-speed automatic. The Isuzu D-MAX is better for work-focused use, thanks to its 400 Nm output, lower 1,805 kg weight and longer 150,000-km warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX costs RM103,121 and the JMC Vigus Pro costs RM98,888, so the D-MAX is RM4,233 more expensive. The JMC counters with the automatic gearbox, five-seat cabin, camera and more convenience equipment.
Which pick-up has the stronger diesel engine?
The Isuzu D-MAX has the stronger diesel, producing 161 hp and 400 Nm from 2,164 cc. The JMC Vigus Pro’s 1,998 cc diesel makes 139 hp and 340 Nm.