Ineos Grenadier offer a range of capable off-roaders

 The Ineos Grenadier range kicked off with the station wagon but already comprises a total of three models.

Ineos Automotive is one of the youngest automotive brands on the market, but they have quickly risen to significance, especially in the 4x4 and overlanding worlds.

Ineos Automotive was born in the wake of Land Rover discontinuing their Defender after decades of production. British Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted to continue the legacy and build a modernised version of the off-road icon, but when Land Rover told him their design was not for sale he set about creating his own.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe sketched his ultimate off-roader on a napkin in the Grenadier pub in London and five years later, at the end of 2022, the first model rolled off the production line, with a name inspired by that pub.

The basic idea was to develop an uncompromising 4x4, a no frills, no fuss vehicle that provides best-in-class off-road capability, durability and utility. Basically, a modern-day Defender, using only the best components from suppliers around the world.

Building a new car from scratch is no easy feat but with sound financial backing behind the company Ineos Automotive were able to source all the best components from suppliers around the world and appointed the best engineers, to put it together and make it work.

The brands first model was the Ineos Grenadier which features an exterior design that is simple and straightforward. The boxy design maximises space efficiency and a wheel at each corner ensures optimal off-road capability.

While the design is uniquely Ineos it does follow many of the same principles as the vehicle that inspired it.

Fitted with the best parts from around the globe

With the design locked in, Ineos went about sourcing all the best components to ensure that the Grenadier delivers on its promise of improving on the off-roading concept that was initiated by Land Rover.

Under the bonnet the Ineos Grenadier features either a six-cylinder diesel or petrol engine sourced from BMW, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission by ZF.

The backbone of the Grenadier is a full box-section ladder frame chassis, up to 3.5mm thick in places for excellent rigidity and stiffness and e coated for longevity. Suspension on a 4x4 is critical and here Ineos approached experts Magna in Austria. Torque distribution is taken care of by a two-speed transfer case built by Tremec that features a built-in centre differential which is lockable in both high and low range. Heavy-duty solid beam axles were developed in partnership with Carraro. The Grenadier rides on progressive front coil overs and regular coil springs at the rear, designed in conjunction with Eibach while braking is sorted by industry leaders Brembo.

A functional roomy interior

The interior blends functionality with comfort thanks to being ergonomically well designed. Switchgear favours analogue and includes many buttons and beautifully knurled knobs.

All driving information is located in one place on the Grenadiers Central Control System, an easy to read and control 12.3-inch touchscreen. Ahead of the driver is a small panel that only displays warning and information lights.

Adding a premium touch to the interior are eight-way adjustable Recaro seats that are a big contributor to overall passenger comfort.

Despite its retro appearance, the Ineos Grenadier also features a host of modern safety features including a total of eight airbags, Isofix child seat anchors, ABS, Electronic Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control.

The Ineos Grenadier range

The Ineos Grenadier range kicked off with the station wagon but already comprises a total of three models.

The Station Wagon is a boxy five-seat off-roader in much the same style as a Land Rover Defender 110.

The brands second model, the Quartermaster is their take on a double cab bakkie. While the underpinnings are identical the Quartermaster does ride on an extended 3227mm wheelbase, which is 305mm longer than the Station and Utility Wagons. This ensures a large and versatile load bay that measures 1564mm x 1619mm x 485mm and which is able to accept a standard 1200mm x 800mm Euro pallet with ease. With a payload of 835kg, the Quartermaster is capable of carrying five people and a substantial load.

The third model is the Grenadier Commercial. This derivative features all the same powertrain, underpinnings and features as the station wagon, but with a stripped out back portion and only the two rear seats. The Grenadier Station Wagon Commercial is designed to carry loads and comes with a full-height cargo barrier and full-length flat

floor capable of swallowing a standard Euro pallet, making this model ideal for humanitarian work across the harshest terrain or as a base for those travellers who would like to build their ultimate overlanding setup in the rear.

A remarkable story

What Ineos Automotive have been able to achieve in a fairly short period of time is impressive. The company has designed and built one of the best off the showroom floor 4x4s on the market today, complete with all the conveniences and safety systems that modern motorists want. The result is an impressive all-round package, no matter which of the three body styles you consider.

Motus Select offer a variety of new and pre-owned vehicles for sale, shop for your ultimate off-roader today at https://www.motusselect.co.za/buy-cars/all