I finally had the opportunity to drive an Ineos Grenadier, and although it was a short drive, it was enough to make me like the vehicle and appreciate its off-road capabilities.

While other serious modern 4x4s could have handled the chalky course I drove, not all would have done so with such ease.

The version I drove was the Utility Wagon, which does not have the locking front and rear differentials found in the Station Wagon model. However, it still features a locking center differential, low-ratio gear set, hill descent, and stability control systems. Although it may not have the full range of terrain-adjustable features like a Land Rover or a Jeep, the hardware is solid.

Initially, I had doubts about whether Ineos would be able to find enough buyers for a car priced at £70,000, as it doesn’t offer the luxury of a high-end off-roader nor the affordability of a utility pick-up truck. However, my skepticism diminished when I encountered another new owner recently.

While I am cautious about relying solely on anecdotal evidence, this individual is the fourth person I know who owns and enjoys the Grenadier. They appreciate its on-road performance, which they consider to be better than an old Land Rover Defender and on par with a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. They also appreciate the sturdy and practical design elements of the vehicle.

Additionally, they jokingly mentioned that the smaller of the two boot doors can be opened to fit a sausage dog inside without having to open the larger door. On a more serious note, this feature is helpful when towing a trailer, as it prevents the rear door from hitting the trailer’s jockey-wheel handle, a common issue with my 2005 Defender.

The fact that Ineos is already aware of the existence of “flippers” – individuals who intend to quickly resell cars for profit – is a testament to the strength of the demand for the Grenadier. Despite this, Ineos plans to produce 15,000 Grenadiers by the end of the year.