Review | First drive
INEOS Grenadier Commercial
On Sale: May 2024 Key Rival: Land Rover Defender 110 Hard Top
I
NEOS Automotive founder Jim Ratcliffe is well-known for his determination to create a tough go-anywhere 4x4 that could be an effective successor to the old- style Land Rover Defender. He succeeded with the launch of the Grenadier, with the double-cab pick-up Grenadier Quartermaster appearing in 2023. Te line-up has now been extended
with the arrival of the determined-looking Grenadier Commercial. Based on the two-seater Grenadier Utility
Wagon, and unique to the UK, like other Grenadiers it is assembled at the INEOS plant in Hambach, France, which used to be occupied by Mercedes-Benz. Devised as
a working tool rather than a leisure vehicle, it is converted into a van in South Wales by leading Pontypool-based light commercial vehicle engineering specialist EDC. EDC is the parent company of MS-RT, well-known for the work it does for Ford. A solidly-constructed off-roading cargo area, Grenadier
van with a 2m3
Commercial comes with a six-cylinder 249hp/550Nm 3.0-litre BMW B57 diesel engine married to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. A 286hp 3.0-litre BMW petrol engine is available as an alternative. A two-speed transfer case is fitted with up to three locking differentials. Access to the load bay with its flat,
purpose-built, cargo bed is by means of a hinged door on each side and by twin asymmetric rear doors split 30/70. A full- height steel mesh bulkhead has been fitted to protect both the cab’s occupants should the load shift forwards. However, with six tie-down points in the
floor, two above each wheelarch, and two more in the roof, there is little excuse for failing to lash down cargo properly. Aluminium panels have replaced the
rear nearside and offside windows and the glazing in the rear doors is opaque. Good to see that the cargo bay boasts a 12v power point and is well-protected against scratches and scrapes.
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