GWM Steed vs JMC Vigus
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The GWM Steed wins on money kept: 65% retained after three years vs 60%, worth about R 39 616 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Steed | Vigus | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 307 950 | R 399 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 382/m | R 6 990/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 65% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 200 711 | R 240 327 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 107 239 | R 159 573 |
| Value after 5 years | R 158 841 | R 184 027 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Chinese (new entrant) |
GWM Steed →
GWM's bakkie stalwart has been on sale in SA in various forms since 2007, spanning Steed 3, 5, 5E and 6 versions. Today only the Steed 5 workhorse remains, one of the cheapest one-ton bakkies you can buy new. Small businesses buy it on price, though resale lags the established Japanese options.
Known for: long-running budget workhorse bakkie
JMC Vigus →
The Vigus first reached SA in 2016, was updated as the Vigus 5 in 2019, then disappeared when JMC quietly exited. Salvador Caetano relaunched it in late 2025 with double cab pricing from R399,900 and a 4x4 auto at R499,900, making it one of the country's cheapest double cabs. Older examples trade very cheaply.
Known for: one of sa's cheapest 4x4 double cabs
Common questions
Which holds value better, the GWM Steed or the JMC Vigus?
The GWM Steed. It keeps about 65% of its price after three years against 60% for the JMC Vigus, a gap of 5 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The GWM Steed loses about R 107 239 over three years and the JMC Vigus loses about R 159 573. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the GWM Steed runs about R 5 382 per month and the JMC Vigus about R 6 990, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.