Gung-ho Grenadier 4x4 ute camper coming
New LandCruiser 70 Series rival will be ripe for a hardcore camper conversionQueensland expedition vehicle specialist SLRV usually focusses on top-end truck based, go-anywhere motorhomes based on MAN, Unimog and Iveco platforms, but a much cheaper, LandCruiser-sized hardcore campervan could be on the cards when the Gold Coast-based business starts selling the all-new INEOS Grenadier hardcore off-roader around mid-2022.
SLRV along with fellow Queensland RV retailer Caravana Brisbane have been named among a number of Australian sales and service outlets for the clean-sheet, 3500kg tow rated off-road 4x4 wagon when it launches in Australia in July 2022.
An indicative Australian starting price of $84,500 has been announced for the entry-level INEOS Grenadier two-seat panel van, which will be offered with the choice of BMW-sourced turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines for the same price.
But INEOS, which is owned by British chemical industry billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who named the Grenadier after his favourite London pub, will also offer a five-seat passenger version of the clean-sheet off-road 4x4 wagon when it launches in Australia next year.
A long wheelbase dual-cab 4x4 ute derivative of the INEOS Grenadier will also be produced and sold Down Under, although it won’t arrive here in time for next year’s launch.
SLRV said it plans to have on display both the wagon and dual-cab ute at its Molendinar showroom, and already has a "few ideas" in regards to offering a canopy or camper conversion suitable for serious off-road adventures.
Online reservations for the Grenadier opened in late-September for early ‘hand-raisers’ and from October 14 for all other interested buyers. INEOS is forecasting about 1000 sales in Australia in the first 12 months.
Reservation holders will be given the chance to experience the INEOS Grenadier 2B prototype that recently arrived in Australia for testing and promotional duties over the next 12 months.
The INEOS Grenadier is inspired by the long-lived previous-generation Land Rover Defender and does share a similar exterior look. Inside, it’s far more luxurious and modern.
The Grenadier is based on a new steel ladder-frame chassis and has been designed as a serious off-roader. It will have a maximum 3500kg braked towing capacity, while retaining a decent payload.
Along with BMW engines, the mechanical package will include a ZF eight-speed auto and Carraro beam axles.
The most direct competitor for the INEOS Grenadier, which will be built in a former Smart plant in France from the third quarter of next year, in Australia will be the legendary Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, although unlike the Toyota the Grenadier will come standard with an auto transmission.
However, it has been confirmed the Grenadier will not carry a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The 70 Series is five-star, but it was awarded way back in 2016 and applies only to single-cab models, with dual-cab and wagon versions unrated.
INEOS will launch with just 16 ‘agency’ dealers in Australia plus four in New Zealand.
INEOS has confirmed it will launch the Grenadier with a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assist program, while a five-year service package will be available at additional cost.
The start-up off-road 4x4-maker has entered into an arrangement with Bosch Service Centres, which alongside Grenadier retailers will be its aftersales and service partner across both Australia and NZ.
INEOS says it will offer specialist technical support to enthusiasts, modifiers and those who wish to work on their own vehicles, including access to online interactive 3D workshop manuals and parts catalogues. Where parts are not immediately available, INEOS says it is targeting 24-hour delivery.
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