Chinese cars, are they as bad as everyone thinks?

Review: 2026 Changan Deepal S05 REEV

Verdict

The Changan Deepal S05 is a well-executed premium EV that proves cost-effective to run. Its competitive starting price makes it an appealing package. It features a generous standard equipment list, high interior quality, and a silent drive. An overbearing focus on software requires a learning curve for daily driving functions. Beyond this, it remains a well-rounded experience with visual presence and a satisfying cabin layout.

Changan Deepal S05 REEV specifications
Price: R699 000
Powertrain: single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor + 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
Transmission: direct-drive single-speed automatic
Driven wheels: rear
Power: 160 kW
Torque: 320 N.m
Fuel consumption: 1.7 L/100 km (combined; claimed)
Energy consumption: 15.9 kWh/100 km (claimed)

 
JMC launches single cab Vigus workhorse bakkie: pricing and specs

South Africa’s bakkie drivers love their double-cabs for the outdoors and school runs, but contractors, farmers and fleet owners look for simplicity and practicality. The JMC Vigus comes in to close that gap as a two-door, strong diesel with a big bed and a price that doesn’t require a second mortgage.

The All New JMC Vigus Single Cab 4x2 manual is now on sale through the Salvador Caetano Group.

JMC Vigus single cab price and engine specs

Priced at R329,900, it undercuts many lifestyle-focused rivals while matching the core numbers businesses actually care about. The 2.5-litre turbo-diesel produces 123kW at 3,400 rpm and 410Nm of torque from a low 1,400rpm through to 2,400rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox drives the rear wheels.

The cargo bed measures 2,310mm long by 1,595mm wide and arrives with a factory spray-in bedliner. Payload is limited to 1,000 kg, while braked towing capacity sits at 2,000kg, and unbraked at 750kg.

Those figures place it among the practical single-cab options for hauling tools, materials or a small trailer without stepping up to a more expensive double-cab.

Fuel costs remain front of mind for operators. The Vigus carries a 73-litre tank, and JMC claims consumption as low as 7.0 litres per 100 km when the six-speed is used sensibly. On paper, that points to a useful range between stops, whether the day involves multiple deliveries or long drives.

The chassis has conventional double-wishbone coil springs at the front and leaf springs at the rear. Ground clearance is 210mm, with approach and departure angles of 27 and 22 degrees, respectively.

 
New JMC Vigus Single Cab launched in South Africa: 2026 price and specs revealed

The new JMC Vigus Single Cab has launched in South Africa, with the Chinese Automaker announcing local pricing and specs. See pricing below…

JMC Vigus Single Cab standard features and safety equipment

As standard, the Single Cab features air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual USB charging points. Safety features include dual front airbags, an anti-lock braking System (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and rear parking sensors.

2026 JMC Vigus Single Cab price in South Africa

Locally, the updated Vigus Single Cab is priced from R329 900. A five-year/100 000 km warranty is included as standard, with a service plan available as an option.

JMC Vigus 2.5TD Single Cab — R329 900
JMC Vigus 2.5TD 4×2 Double Cab MT — R399 900
JMC Vigus 2.5TD 4×2 Double Cab AT — R459 900
JMC Vigus 2.5TD 4×4 Double Cab AT — R499 900


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Geely files flurry of Zeekr trademarks in SA

Geely recently filed at least nine trademark applications in South Africa relating to its Zeekr sub-brand, giving us an idea of what might be on the menu for Mzansi…

- Geely makes nine new Zeekr trademark filings
- Zeekr sub-brand “coming soon” to Mzansi?
- Global range includes BEV and PHEV models

The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group has filed several fresh trademark applications in South Africa relating to its Zeekr new-energy vehicle sub-brand, potentially hinting at which models might be on the cards for Mzansi.

As a reminder, Geely returned to SA late in 2025. Though the Hangzhou-based automaker initially suggested it had plans to launch the Zeekr marque (which was established in 2021) locally before the end of 2026, Geely Auto SA has since told us its management team is “still in discussions on timelines”.

That said, a dedicated South African page has been added to Zeekr’s global website, which lists the brand as “coming soon” to the local market (and includes a “keep me updated” form that allows users to register their interest).

Regardless of exactly when the first Zeekr units are due to touch down, it’s interesting to note the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group filed at least nine separate Zeekr-related trademark applications with SA’s intellectual property regulator from late August to early September 2026 (after having registered the “Zeekr” name locally in 2025).


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New JMC Vigus Single Cab launched in South Africa: 2026 price and specs revealed

The new JMC Vigus Single Cab has launched in South Africa, with the Chinese Automaker announcing local pricing and specs. See pricing below…

JMC Vigus Single Cab standard features and safety equipment

As standard, the Single Cab features air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual USB charging points. Safety features include dual front airbags, an anti-lock braking System (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and rear parking sensors.

2026 JMC Vigus Single Cab price in South Africa

Locally, the updated Vigus Single Cab is priced from R329 900. A five-year/100 000 km warranty is included as standard, with a service plan available as an option.

JMC Vigus 2.5TD Single Cab — R329 900
JMC Vigus 2.5TD 4×2 Double Cab MT — R399 900
JMC Vigus 2.5TD 4×2 Double Cab AT — R459 900
JMC Vigus 2.5TD 4×4 Double Cab AT — R499 900


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The Vigus Dickus

 
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