Ineos is back… With a Bakkie...

Ineos is back… With a Bakkie...

I spent some time with the Ineos Grenadier in Scotland earlier this year and was thoroughly impressed, especially considering it was Ineos's first attempt at a vehicle. Its off-road capability, supplied by its three diff-locks, impressive ground clearance and solid BMW engine, provides you with one of the most versatile SUVs you can find on the showroom floor.

This rugged off-roader inspires adventure and offers a comfortable, technologically advanced cabin. If paired with a double cab variant, it would be a seamless fit for the more hardcore and work-focused clients. It's hardly a surprise that soon after the Grenadier's debut in South Africa, we glimpse a new model from the brand – a bakkie.

This new iteration will continue to hold the G-Wagen feel and will likely continue using BMW power. From the images we have seen, this variant does not differ too much from the current SUV, as the cabin and the front end remain unchanged from the Grenadier. We can expect a longer wheelbase, from 115" in the SUV to 125" in the pick-up model.

We have seen a similar product from brands like Jeep with their Gladiator. They manufactured an extended wheelbase model, adding a bed to the essentially unchanged SUV cabin from the Wrangler.

The Quartermaster design team is toying with the idea of utilising a smaller bed to ensure the length of the vehicle is not drastically extended. However, this will compromise the bed capacity slightly.

What we do know is that this double cab will be a workhorse capable of tackling some of the most challenging obstacles out there. Ineos has also built a good reputation for customisation, meaning you can modify your vehicle to suit your personal needs without voiding the warranty.

Suppose you fancy putting a full camping canopy over the bed, adding a winch or two and beefing up the suspension. In that case, Ineos will happily provide you with their recommendations and aftermarket choices.

Considering that the Ineos Grenadier has just arrived on our shores and the brand is pushing to fill the market with its latest vehicles, we should see the Quartermaster land on our bakkie-loving shores in the next year or two. 

Currently, we only have the teaser image, so more information from Ineos will inevitably follow. The bakkie will be unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Motoring on the 13th of July.

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