2Likes
-
1
Post By Chris Scott
-
1
Post By Chris Scott
|
18 Apr 2023
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,910
|
|
Ineos Grenadiers in Morocco
|
18 Apr 2023
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 332
|
|
Now they're being released I can talk about them, lol
They look cracking for overlanding (properly good approach and departure angles, wider than a Deafner), and the LWB crewcabs with full safari kit are suited to proper hard work - I especially like that the rollbars also cover the front wing area. I really like that the factory winch is tucked behind the number plate, and the options to have things like tiedown bars or windows in the roof. I also like some of the colour schemes. Not sure about the headlights aesthetically, though.
Put them next to the new generation of G-Wagon and they're much better suited to the task of off-roading in serious terrain.
Short version: I like them.
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
|
18 Apr 2023
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
|
|
So who is going to be first to ask to borrow one to drive it to Singapore?
|
25 Apr 2023
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,910
|
|
|
27 Apr 2023
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 332
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flashdog
That one fell of the ugly tree!
Very impressive wading in 6 inches of water though. No better than a ford fiesta
|
The video isn't a good representation of their capabilities, the factory snorkel works as intended
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
|
27 Apr 2023
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Germany
Posts: 92
|
|
my 2ct
I did a quick 10-15min tour around the block in a promotion car at a hunters/fishing exhibition, where they showed it in Germany last fall. Built quality, haptics and looks of the plastics inside the cabin felt like a delivery van from the turn of the century and the upholstery showed obvious signs of wear in this test bed vehicle with far under 100tkm. Not that I would dislike some agricultural touch in such vehicle, but the material didn´t convince me to be hard to break, easy to clean and long lasting under usage as a tool.
Though it was pretty close before the release date, the entire interior had kind of a "beta version" touch with sticker labelled switches and such in the childishly designed center consoles, mimicking something between a MIG-29 and a `80s ghetto blaster cassette recorder. The screen and BMW auto gear leaver are totally out of space in there and add another surface/material/look to it, like the gaming console style steering wheel. All a bit thrown together...
I did not expect a full metal interior like my Landy S2a, which you just could quickly hose down inside, wipe clean and go, but I expected much more practicability from the inside, than what was found, terrible surface design/architecture, from a clean surface = clean look point of view, from bumps in the floor sills, overlapping plastic covers and a touchscreen attracting dust and fatty fingers...
Drives like expected, it´s a heavy car, comfy seating position, sufficient power, bit spongy brakes. Not sure about the exact measurements, but it feels wide like a truck, you allways have to be aware of that front bumper when parking.
Despite the pouty looking front bumper, the outer design meets my expectations totally. I like it. Inside though, there is the problem with every modern car, when you look at it, how customizable it is for overlanding use. It´s not. Plastic covers and lots of angles and corners will make it a PITA for (aftermarket) outfitters to construct furniture/shelfs etc for the rear compartment. If you´d just throw in standard square boxes, you´d lose a lot of space due to it´s "topography" inside. Rear lay out did not do the job for me. If you want to throw in two MTBs, gear for a surf, ski or fit it out to a living/sleeping room, there is not much advantage compared to a station wagon and still little alternatives to a VW bus (which is lacking the offroad features...)
I left that test drive with a "never meet your hero" feeling (after such long rumors and waiting for this "true new Defender"), but understood, such a small series production attempt has to cut corners sourcing parts from different manufacturers, lacking a consistent look. After I went through their online configurator (decided for the light blue with white roof, optional sunroof, roof rack and ladder, steel rims nothing fancy inside and ended up north of 80k€, ridiculous for what you get) I stopped trying to feel, this would be my future overlander.
Dealer/service net philosophy is a bit strange, too. Ranging from BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai to even Land Rover dealer ships here in Germany. Hard to think, a Merc sales man would push this brand, nor a Hyundai mechanic would like to train service skills for a brand, that rolls into the workshop once in a year.
But it obviously closes the gap between the very agricultural Asian 4x4s starting from 45k€ and the totally luxury 4x4 brands, like Land/Range Rover and Mercedes G, reaching into six figure price tags, if you order the rubber mat set plus the off side mirror.
I´m still waiting for the classic shooting brake 4x4 design with modern tech, a long wheel base 2 door offroader like the 109/110 Hardtop Landys or the Toyo Troopys.
There is hope, Suzuki will launch a 2 door long wheel base version of the new Jimny, like they built under license in Spain in the 1980s as Vitara, but this little beauty would still have to grow about 10-20% to fit me comfortably.
Anyways, they don´t build them any longer, like they used to... I´d still throw half the money onto well serviced Defender or Toyo HZJ and wouldn´t mind to add a scratch or two.
|
2 May 2023
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 833
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flashdog
Another $80000 chelsea tractor, in 40 years of travels I've never seen this type of car, privately owned, in remote areas. When you do they are 20 years old and there is an established support network.
Mercedes 500? forged about it, only wasteful charities.
Range Rovers? same, only USA pop artists
Toyota Landcruiser 200? United nations and a few mad ausies.
Ineos? extensive dealer network? nope, field repairs?, nope; BMW support for the engine out in the sticks? nope; adequate low sulphur diesel to keep it running? nope.
|
The Landcruiser 200 was the only modern vehicle, who was really sold world wide. You find spares near anywhere. We did meet another J20 on our transafrica in the jungle of cameron at the border to congo.
Did was able to find a new frontscreen in Mauretania. We did found parts in Bolivia and Peru. Those parts are not just "ready for ordering", they are "on stock" at the regional toyota warehouse.
The Land Cruiser 200 was sold world wide, including US (LX570), central & south america, europe, australia, russia, china and in africa as UN/NGO base vehicle & armored vehicle.
There was never an vehicle before, who was not a Hilux - with that good availability of parts. Dont think that the Land Cruiser 300 will get a similar network..
But back 2 topic
I like the Ineos Grenadier also when the spares have to be shipped. 60 days of waiting, people on a world trip usually dont have such a thight time scedule.
Surfy
|
8 May 2023
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 218
|
|
The Grenadier is the same price as my new VW Multivan 4Motion.
I didn’t buy it as a status symbol as I am sure many Grenadier buyers won’t as well.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
16 Jun 2024
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Brighton/Bulawayo/Nairobi
Posts: 24
|
|
Grenadiers in Kenya
Just saw a sign for the Grenadier outlet in Karen - as we are looking for a vehicle I'd like to find out more!
|
17 Jun 2024
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 332
|
|
There's lots of videos of them being used on yoochoob now, I'd start there if I were curious
Edit: I forgot to mention, we had one through work that had been used as a press car for the Dakar rally, it looked like they didn't do any mods beyond adding a roof rack, sand ladders, and a rear winch. We've still got one of the LWB crew cabs too (unfortunately without the full safari kit), I think it might be being used as a staff car ... it looks like it's lasting better than most of the mainstream pickups after a couple of dings.
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|