Ineos Automotive’s opening gambit to the bakkie segment, the Grenadier Quartermaster is a bakkie unlike any other. It’s a true-blue off-roader that inspires its driver to venture off the beaten track and, then, even further.
Just like the Grenadier station wagon, the Grenadier Quartermaster is available with the choice of two 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine options, both of which are equipped with breathing apparatus and coupled with ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmissions, from BMW; more specifically, the German marque’s B57 diesel and B58 petrol. At the local launch in the Eastern Cape Province, the press units were exclusively equipped with the 210 kW/450 N.m petrol powertrain.
Although the more popular of the two will arguably be the 183 kW/550 N.m turbocharged oil-burner, which transfers the full complement of torque to all four corners from a mere 1 250 r/min, in our market, I relished the higher-revving (than the turbodiesel, at least; though not as much as a naturally aspirated unit fuelled by unleaded) petrol. It’s a characterful engine, which, upon start-up and under hard acceleration, provides a grin-inducing soundtrack.
Speaking of starting up the engine, Ineos has decided to, along with myriad other design items of the Grenadier Quartermaster, keep it old-school. For example, the double cab goes without keyless start and electrically adjustable seats. The reason? Well, in short, the fewer electronics onboard, the less can go wrong. It’s a refreshing take on a modern off-roader.
However, that’s not to say that the double cab is completely sans tech. Among other items, the Grenadier Quartermaster is equipped with a 12.3-inch display, sited centrally atop the dash. The single, touch-enabled screen doubles as instrumentation and (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-enabled) infotainment, and displays an array of off-road information, such as altitude, tyre pressure, roll and pitch, and the temperature of several mechanical items.
There is also heating functionality for the front pews. Although a reverse-view camera, supplemented by park distance sensors, is included, a 360-degree surround-view setup would be a welcome addition to the package. Measuring 5 400 mm in length, manoeuvring the Grenadier Quartermaster can be a tricky task in city environments.
A Pathfinder navigation system, which allows you to record your route for when you can’t find your way back home, is also standard fitment. However, before finding your way back home, you’d want to venture even further off the beaten track … and then some. The Grenadier Quartermaster inspires the driver to continue exploring the roads less travelled and, indeed, paths unexplored.
The Grenadier Quartermaster’s Recaro pews are well-bolstered and comfortable, with the tall seating position and omission of traditional instruments providing the driver with a commanding view of the road — whether motorway, stretch of gravel, or up steep mountain passes — and river crossings ahead. The Grenadier Quartermaster fared admirably on each surface, though off-road is where it is most at home. Staying true to the proviso its maker has set out for it, Ineos’ bakkie is a true no-nonsense, utilitarian 4×4.
The Grenadier Quartermaster underpinned by a ladder-frame chassis, replete with Carraro solid-beam axles, and is equipped with Eibach five-link coil springs. Our Trialmaster Edition press unit’s old-school-cool, 17-inch steel wheels were wrapped in 265/70-size BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres. In addition, it’s worth noting that, whereas most modern 4x4s are now equipped with electrically assisted steering, the Ineos, favouring off-roading above ‘round-town driving, makes do with a recirculating-ball setup.
Related: Watch: Ryan O’Connor rides in the new Ineos Grenadier
The Grenadier Quartermaster made easy work of the rocky road leading towards our campsite in the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve and the challenging, barely-there road leading up towards the summit of the mountain pass we traversed on the launch. Riding 264 mm from the ground, the double cab boasts approach, break-over and departure angles of 36.2, 26.2 and 22.6 degrees, respectively. With a keen eye on the press unit at the front of the convoy, I noticed the impressive wheel articulation. The Grenadier Quartermaster cleared obstacles in fuss-free fashion.
Boasting a wading depth of 800 mm, the Ineos is equally adept to crossing rivers. Engaging Wading mode (via a button sited on the overhead console) deactivates the park control system and, most importantly, fans. The Trialmaster Edition we sampled was equipped with a snorkel. With a grin on our faces, the Grenadier Quartermaster brought us safely (and dry) to the other side of the river.
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Summary
The Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve is a must-visit destination. However, to truly explore it, you’d need a suitable off-roader. Although there are many rugged 4×4 bakkies available in SA, the Grenadier Quartermaster sits in the upper echelons of its segment. Priced from R1 717 100, it is expensive, yes; yet, there’s arguably no other bakkie like it.
