In 2020 we brought you a story of a brand new name to the automotive arena. Newly formed Ineos Automotive announced that it would be producing a no-frills, go-anywhere off-roader. Two years ago already, the British firm confirmed the new model’s introduction to the SA market (as you can read here). Double Apex was invited to experience an Ineos Grenadier 4×4 prototype on local soil.

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Local flavour

Ineos has already set up shop in SA. The company has hired an ex-boss of BMW SA, Tim Abbott, to head up local operations, which shows its intent towards the local market. The company has identified and appointed dealers in the three major metropolitan areas, as well as partnered with select BMW dealers for after-sales back-up (you learn why in a moment).

Hard-core

Ineos Automotive founder, Jim Ratcliffe felt that there was a gap created in the market with the demise of the original Land Rover Defender. He has stated quite clearly that the Grenadier is intended as a “spiritual successor” to the boxy Landy. Its shape lies on the same side of the utilitarian spectrum as the Defender and the rugged G-Class. No surprise to learn that its form followed function. 

Even more interesting is that the Ineos Grenadier 4×4 prototype vehicles have all been built by Magna Steyr, the same folks who build the G-Wagen, in Austria. Full-scale production will take place at a facility in Hambach, France, near the German border.

First-tier suppliers

Ineos has managed to acquire several first-tier suppliers for the key components that make up the basis of the Grenadier. Among these are BMW, from which the engines are sourced. Owners can choose between petrol- or diesel-fed turbocharged inline-six. The former produces 210 kW/450 N.m and the latter makes 183 kW/550 N.m of torque.

Drive is permanently sent to all four wheels through a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic. All versions will be fitted with front, centre and rear differential locks inside solid beam axles. Notably, this is a rarity in a production vehicle, which should ensure go-anywhere capability. 

Rough and tested

Part of Ineos’ pre-production roll-out plan (production starts in July 2022) has been testing, lots and lots of testing. When all the Ineos Grenadier 4×4 prototype units roll back into their final resting place (most likely before being fed into a crusher) over 1,8 million kilometres will be accrued.

Vehicles have been driven in all sorts of terrain, from the freezing climes of Iceland to the hot, sandy deserts of Morocco and pretty much everything in between. Of course, there has been testing on local soil as well.

Not quite a drive

Ineos has three units of the Grenadier in SA at the moment. We were invited to check out the cars and get a brief taste of what they have to offer. As these are all prototypes we were not allowed behind the wheel but got a quick passenger drive on the dirt tracks of a wine farm.

Initial impressions are that it feels like a hardy off-roady. The diesel version that we rode in has loads of punch with a little hint of lag. The ride from the coil-sprung suspension was decently resolved and nowhere near as jiggly as I expected considering the ladder-frame construction. 

Although not quite finalised, and with data collection tools present, the cabin feels spacious and has a utilitarian feel about it. Major controls are chunky as they were designed to be operated with gloves on. We are told that you’ll be able to wash out the cabin. The company smartly insulated all the ECUs and fiddly electronic bits. Also, there are drain plugs to remove the water – neat.

Product vacuum

When Land Rover announced that it would be replacing its evergreen Defender many wondered how it could follow up such an iconic vehicle. The new version, we are told (as we’ve not experienced it yet) is capable off-road. However, it has moved into the same space as other luxury SUVs. There was a major vacuum left in this space. To illustrate, some 75 000 people have now shown interest as prospective buyers of the Ineos Grenadier.

It seems Jim Ratcliffe was on the money when he decided to modernise the recipe abandoned by JLR. The story goes that he even offered to buy the IP and tooling from parent company Tata, but he was turned down. Perhaps that was a blessing as the ground-up Grenadier feels like a solid prospect. 

Pricing

Ineos Grenadier 4×4 petrol R1 395 000
Ineos Grenadier 4×4 diesel R1 395 000