New Models / 28 September 2026 / Warren Hawkins

New Chinese bakkie launched in South Africa

Salvador Caetano South Africa – the local distributor for Chinese car brands GAC and JMC – has confirmed that the all-new JMC Grand Avenue has launched in our market.

Arriving earlier this month, the premium bakkie is offered in two double-cab derivatives, comprising a rear-wheel-drive and an all-wheel-drive model, with prices starting from R529,900.

“Built entirely from the ground up, the Grand Avenue doesn’t just enter the segment; it towers over the competition, offering an unprecedented blend of robust capability, premium comfort, and forward-thinking technology,” said JMC.

“Whether navigating the daily school run in supreme comfort, towing a heavy boat for a weekend getaway, or conquering rugged off-road trails, the Grand Avenue is the ultimate companion for the modern South African family.”

Performance

A turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing 155kW and 500Nm powers the Chinese double-cab, which JMC has mated to an 8-speed ZF Automatic Transmission.

This configuration lets the bakkie accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a relatively brisk 10.4 seconds, regardless of drivetrain, while both models also maintain an average fuel consumption of 7.2l/100km.

The 4×4 models feature an advanced part-time all-wheel-drive system developed by BorgWarner, a double wishbone front suspension, and a thick longitudinal beam section for class-leading torsional stiffness.

As a result, the double-cab boasts an impressive 800mm wading depth, 3,500kg braked towing capacity, and an 870kg payload carrying capacity.

Features

JMC built the Grand Avenue on the larger end of South Africa’s double-cab segment, resulting in 5.45 metres in length, 1.94 metres in width, up to 1.9 metres in height, and a 3.27 metre wheelbase.

In terms of styling, the bakkie sports muscular lines and a bold front grille flanked by a pair of LED headlights with daytime-running functionality.

For convenience, it also features wide-opening rear doors that open up to 75 degrees, a standard Tailgate Assist system, and integrated rear parking sensors and a dynamic rear-view camera that assist with tricky parking scenarios.

Inside, the Grand Avenue features an all-black interior with premium leather seating and wood-touch finishes across the centre console and soft-touch door panels.

The Chinese double-cab also features a 12.3-inch tiltable infotainment touchscreen, which is adjustable up to 12 degrees towards the driver or front passenger, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The cabin features Advanced NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) technology, combined with a thick acoustic windscreen to ensure a quiet ride, as well as flexible rear seatbacks that fold down for extra storage.

Standard safety features across the Grand Avenue range include 4-wheel disc brakes and a comprehensive suite of active safety systems, including ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP).