BANG FOR YOUR BUCK (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 115

Most pick-ups are bought by companies as a taxable expense, driven into the ground and rarely sold on for anything but scrap. There are exceptions though. 'Lifestyle' pick-ups are becoming increasingly popular as used buys, the growth fuelled by a tax loophole. The Proton Jumbuck doesn't really fall into either category. It's got enough load space for light commercial duties but lacks the rear seats required of a proper leisure pick-up. As a result, it's possible to pick up a nearly new Jumbuck for far less than you thought. If you've considered what you need your vehicle for and decided that a small pick-up fits the bill, a used Jumbuck is well worth a look.

Modelsword count: 15

Models Covered: 2003-to date: Jumbuck 2 door pick up/ 1.5-litre petrol [GL, GS, GLS, GSX]

Historyword count: 114

Although it was launched in 2003, it's possible to trace the Jumbuck's underpinnings right back to the launch of the original Persona in 1993. It shares the car's 1.5-litre powerplant and although the Persona morphed into the Wira in 2000, it's unlikely you'll mistake the Jumbuck's chassis for something state of the art. That's not such a bad thing though, as if you want a rugged vehicle of this type, tried and tested mechanicals are often your best friend. The handling package for the Jumbuck was conducted by Lotus and as a result, the Jumbuck is one of the few light commercial vehicles that don't turn to blancmange at the sight of a corner.

What You Getword count: 442

Jumbuck customers are invited to select from three trim levels. The GL option forms the base of the range by taking a less-is-more approach to equipment and price. Your outlay will secure remote central locking, power steering and a protective grille for the rear window along with height adjustment capabilities for your steering column, driver's seat and headlights. Next comes the GS and the up-spec GLS costs more again but it gives more in return by including fabric seat upholstery, 14" alloys, a Clarion CD player and electric controls for the windows and door mirrors. A Jumbuck GLS will be instantly distinguishable from a more workmanlike GL or GS model by its two-tone paintwork, wheel-arch extensions and side mouldings. At the top of the line-up is the GSX, a model that adds stainless steel sill rails and styling bars, "15 alloys, roof-mounted work lights and silver tiger graphics down the vehicle's sides. The payload capacity in the Proton Jumbuck GL is 645kg, with the weight of equipment in the GLS lowering the maximum to 635kg. This is roughly equivalent to the load-carrying capacity of a small hi-cube van, though the mainstream UK pick-ups are usually able to haul around 1,000kg. The load is accessed via a drop-down tailgate that's simply released by a centrally-located handle. In standard form, the load space is unlined and uncovered but a swift foray into the options list can soon put that right. There are Truckman add-on covers available for just under £1,000 as well as a load liner, roll-over bars, specially designed roof attachments and even purpose-built carriers for bikes and sail boards - all are reasonably priced. Inside, the Jumbuck has inherited an interior of some quality from its Wira parentage. There's nothing in there that's going to send designers at Audi or BMW scurrying back to their drawing boards but in terms of quality and functionality, buyers should have little cause for concern. The seats are covered with vinyl in the entry-level model - something which might develop into a sticky issue on hot summer days - but the air-blowers seemed to perform powerfully and they should help take the edge off things. Cabin storage space for large items is limited, with the door pockets a little tight for anything bulkier that pens or paperwork and a confined glovebox but there's room for your smaller odds and ends in a covered pot between the seats or a useful recess in the dash. It might be worth taking a road test in the rain because the windscreen wipers tend to leave a lot of water on the screen and, consequentially, a lot to be desired.

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