Grenadier for Africa

The Ineos Grenadier, a vehicle inspired by the previous generation Land Rover Defender, is almost on its way to South Africa. Three prototypes were brought to Cape Town earlier this year and Drive & Camp had a look. The vehicles are indeed strongly reminiscent of the old Land Rover Defender and boast higher-grade parts by, among others, Magna Steyr, ZF Friedrichshafen, Carraro, and Bosch. There are two engine options: a 3 ℓ petrol and a 3 ℓ diesel, both from BMW. While it’s too early to share our driving impression here – the vehicles were early prototypes – we can confirm the interior is much larger than that of the old Defender. All buttons and switches are waterproof and mud-resistant, so you can literally wash the interior using a garden hose. Outside, provision is made for all kinds of equipment – it’s clear the Grenadier is focussed on practicality rather than relying on good looks alone. Ineos has received 75 000 orders from all over the world, thus far, including South Africa. Locally, the company has three official showrooms and workshops: in Johannesburg, with the SMH group, and in Durban and Cape Town, the SMG group. Other than that, there are also five BMW service centres in Polokwane, Mbombela, Bloemfontein, Gqberha, and George that have received training on the Grenadier. The Ineos Grenadier is available as a five-seater station wagon and a twoseater workhorse. They’re considering a double cab bakkie, but interest will guide whether it becomes a reality or not. Prices start at R1 395 000 and customers who placed orders last year will start getting their vehicles from July 2022.