The Grenadier is here!
Purpose-built off-roader makes its Namibian debut.
Imported to Namibia after being designed in England, manufactured in Germany, shipped to Durban, and trucked to the Land of the Brave.
The Ineos Grenadier is here. After five years of development, Ineos brings us an embodiment of rough and ready prowess set to take on all that the Namibian bushveld has to offer. In Namibia, we know gravel roads, gravel tracks and gravel paths that can test the bravest of drivers, but if you want to get to the most remote of our endless variety of beautiful locations, the all-new Grenadier will get you there.
At first sight, this automobile impresses with its solid lines and bulky frame, hinting at the power that lies beneath the bonnet. The BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres that come factory-fitted only add to the muscled look of the vehicle. The BMW straight six, three-litre, twin-turbo diesel engine ensures that looks match ability.
The Grenadier also comes in a petrol version.
“It will not disappoint,” says Tersius Joubert, who is eager to welcome anyone interested to their brand new showroom behind Auas Valley Shopping Centre in the capital. Coupled with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, putting that power into practice could not be simpler.
One of his favourite features to demonstrate in this awesome vehicle is the roof-mounted instrument panel in the cabin. Reminiscent of the style used in helicopter cockpits, the instrument panel allows the driver to control the front and rear differentials, turn the off-road mode on and off, engage traction control and downhill assist as well as push the wading button with which the Grenadier can tackle water to a depth of 800 mm without a hitch. The pitch of the spotlights built into the grill can also be adjusted while interior lighting and airbags can be switched on and off at the flick of a button. Activating the winch or the second battery system is just as easy.
Typical of the Grenadier's design approach, the speedometer is placed in the centre of the front display, allowing drivers to see exactly where their front wheels are. The switches to alternative between high range and low range and to activate the centre diff-lock are also on the front centre console. Also, the touchscreen functions are duplicated for use with the wheel knob in the centre console in case the driver needs to keep his gloves on.
The back offers plenty of space, accessible through the 30% rear door for quick gear deposits. Alternatively, open the rear doors all the way and get full access to the boot thanks to the design that allows the rear doors to open the entire width of the automobile, for bigger loads. Passengers in the rear seats enjoy all the leather comfort as well as the convenience of USB ports fitted with air-conditioning outlets.
Storage is ample, including in the rear-mounted spare wheel cover which has a built-in compartment perfect for dirty items like tow-ropes or soiled gloves. This is lockable and dustproof. A standard emergency medical aid kit is also built into the rear door.
The base model Grenadier will cost you around N$1.6 million, while optional extras can push the price up to about N$1.8 million. Extras like the safari windows in the roof allow for wildlife photography without having to exit the vehicle as the front passengers simply stand up through the open windows and click away. The Grenadier is built ready for customisation, as seen with the slots ready-made for the addition of a snorkel without the need to drill any extra holes.
A rock-slider sidestep or roof-mounted cargo rails are among the extras new owners can ask for directly from the factory.
There is no doubt that the ultimate in adventure off-roading has come home to Namibia. And for the truly wild and free off-road enthusiast, the good news is clear: The Grenadier is here!