VIVE LE FRENCH LOAD LUGGER
Landtrek will take on Hilux and Ranger in competitive pick-up market segment, writes Denis Droppa
Peugeot unveils its new Landtrek bakkie
Peugeot has unveiled a one-tonne bakkie that is expected to go on sale in SA next year to take on the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Known as the Landtrek, the pick-up is based on a Kaicheng F70 one-tonner, in a collaboration with China’s Changan. It will be built first in China and later in South America.
The Landtrek will not be sold in Europe and is aimed at emerging markets. It will initially be launched in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, including SA, before being rolled out to other regions.
The Landtrek will be available in single-cab, double-cab and chassis-cab versions, selling in workhorse and leisure derivatives. Peugeot says the bakkie will have a length of 5.33m for the double-cab version and 5.39m for the single cab, all with a width of 1.92m.
Along with a payload of up to 1.2 tonnes and up to 3.5-tonne towing capacity, the French bakkie is claimed to have the largest load box in the segment, with 1.22m between the wheel arches that is able to load two euro-pallets in the double-cab. The loading area is illuminated with LEDs and has a 12V socket for powering accessories.
The modularity of the rear bench seat is unique in the onetonne segment, with the possibility of folding the backrest in a 60/40 split.
There will be rear-wheel drive and 4x4 versions available, with a maximum ground clearance of 235mm. The 4x4 will offer a transfer case with high and low range, and the rear differential is equipped with an automatically activating eLocker system to provide extra traction.
Customers will have a choice of 155kW/320Nm 2.4l petrol or 110kW/350Nm 1.9l turbodiesel derivatives. The turbodiesels are available in six-speed manual, with the petrol versions offering a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
The Landtrek has reportedly racked up 2-million kilometres of testing.
Styling-wise, it incorporates Peugeot’s vertical grille featuring the lion in the centre and vertical
LED light signatures (depending on the version).
The modern interior features a two-spoke steering wheel echoing that of the Peugeot 3008 and a high-definition infotainment system inspired by that of the brand’s flagship vehicle, the Peugeot 508.
Safety measures include six airbags, stability control and (in the higher versions) lane departure warning. Cameras facilitate manoeuvring both in town and on the road. An off-road camera and 360° vision support the driver when negotiating obstacles or narrow trails.
Peugeot will make the bakkie available with more than 40 accessories including running boards, thermoformed body protection, hard top glass and chrome roll bar.