Order books open for Defender-inspired Grenadier
BY MIKE FOURIE
British firm Ineos Automotive’s modern reinterpretation of the legendary original Land Rover Defender – the Grenadier – has garnered much attention among off-roading enthusiasts. Set to go into production next month, the model is now available for order in Australia and New Zealand.
The unashamedly boxy Grenadier is priced from $84,500 (plus on-road costs) in entry-grade two-seat/five-door Utility Wagon form, while five-seat/five-door wagon Station Wagon versions retail from $85,500 (plus on-road costs).
The model is powered by either a 210kW/450Nm turbo-petrol or 183kW/550Nm turbo-diesel 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine. The powerplants (sourced from BMW) direct their power to all four wheels via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Station Wagon, for example, has 264mm of ground clearance, an 800mm wading depth, an approach angle of 36.2-, break-over angle of 28.2- and departure angle of 36.1 degrees. Braked towing is rated at 3500kg and roof-top load is rated at 150kg dynamic and 420kg static.
Both the Grenadier Utility Wagon and Station Wagon is offered in specialised variants, including the off-road-oriented Trialmaster Edition and practical Fieldmaster Edition. The well-equipped variants are priced from $95,494 in Utility Wagon format and $96,495 in Station Wagon guise.
The four-wheel drive Utility Wagon has been designed as a “blank canvas” for those requiring a pared back workhorse with the ability to carry loads. The utility variant is equipped as standard with a full-height cargo barrier ahead of its 1200 x 800mm load floor (with 2088 litres of cargo space) and is available with a metal panel or rear-side windows at no extra cost.
Trialmaster Edition variants – whose design is inspired by UK utility clothing manufacturer Belstaff – places functionality and versatility as its top priorities, says Ineos Automotive, and is aimed at customers who are “passionate about hardcore off-roading and tackling the toughest terrain”.
No-nonsense Trialmaster Edition variants are equipped as standard with front- and rear differentials locks, shod with BF Goodrich KO2 All-Terrain T/A tyres and come with Ineos’ Rough Pack and Smooth Pack (see details below), which is optionally available elsewhere in the range.
Finally, the Fieldmaster Edition – named after yet another Belstaff jacket – is aimed at outdoorsy types with adventure-based lifestyles.
Equipped with Ineos’ Smooth Pack, but not Rough Pack, the variant includes additional technology items, Safari Windows and 17-inch alloys, as well as leather upholstery and heated front seats.
All Ineos Grenadier variants are offered with a wide array of options and accessories. Many of these are bundled into logical packs, however there is the option to pick and choose those items required, building a vehicle that is suited to an individual’s specific needs.
Ineos Automotive says its open-source approach to customisation means buyers can affix existing kit and utilise pre-wired electrical points to ensure the Grenadier suits their requirements.
Option packs – in addition to the Rough Pack – include the Smooth Pack replete with park assist, power-heated wing mirrors, lockable central storage box, puddle lamps and ambient door lighting, auxiliary charging points, 17-inch rims, 18-inch steel or alloy wheels and locking wheel nuts.
Other options include an exterior utility belt, an access ladder, a lockable spare-wheel storage box, heat-reflective privacy glass and Safari Windows.
For off-road enthusiasts, the Grenadier offers factory-fitted accessories including an auxiliary battery, differential locks (front and rear), snorkel, compass and altimeter, 5500kg winch, rated recovery points and a front towing plate.
Inside, the Grenadier may be optioned with leather upholstery, front seat heaters, a Saddle Leather steering wheel, carpet flooring and floor mats. Interior utility rails, auxiliary charging points, an overhead switch panel and a cigarette lighter and ashtray are optionally as well.
Solid white is the only no-cost option with five other solid colours adding $900 to the build sheet. Metallic hues, of which there are four, add $1230, while a contrasting roof is a further $1690.
You may further choose to powdercoat the ladder frame in red or grey for an additional $1410, or contrast wrap the nose cone for $1400. The rear doors may also be contrast wrapped for $1060.
The Grenadier’s chief rival is the long-serving Toyota LandCruiser 76 Series Workmate and any number of ute-based 4WD wagons, including those from Ford, Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Toyota.
To learn more about the Ineos Grenadier or configure your own, visit ineosgrenadier.com/en/au/.
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