Covers come off spiritual successor of Land Rover Defender

THE covers have finally come off the Ineos Grenadier - one of the most eagerly awaited automotive debuts of the decade.

Ineos Automotive has given the world its first look at a vehicle which is aiming to be the spiritual successor of the old Land Rover Defender.

The company said revealing the exterior design of its “no-nonsense 4x4 vehicle” was another step on the road towards start of production.

Created from the ground up on an all-new platform Ineos Automotive said it had been designed to be “a rugged, capable and comfortable go-anywhere working vehicle”.

Head of design Toby Ecuyer said: “The brief was simple. We set out to design a modern, functional and highly capable 4x4 vehicle with utility at its core.

“A design that is ‘easy-to-read,’ with no ambiguity about the Grenadier’s role in life. “There to do everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Nothing is for show.

“Modern engineering and production techniques ensure the Grenadier is highly capable, but we have been able to stay true to the essence of creating a utilitarian vehicle that will stand the test of time.”

The timing of the reveal took many by surprise. With the vehicle not going into production until next year a full reveal of the design would not normally have been expected until much later.

Just days ago the company said it would take the wraps of the Grenadier on July 1.

Ineos Automotive’s CEO Dirk Heilmann explained why.

He said: “We are delighted to be able to share the design of the Grenadier so early in the process.

“Most manufacturers would hold back, but we are a new business, building a new brand, and we want to take people with us on this exciting journey.

“Showing the design now allows