Took delivery Saturday of a Grenadier Utility Petrol and have now driven 170 miles home plus 30 miles locally. Key points:
1) Very smooth on the road - relaxing, quiet (no rattles and little wind or road noise) and easy to drive.
2) Steering as expected with its rugged old school design is in my view ‘spongy’ and requires concentration at high speed. Cornering is very good compared to G-Wagens and Landrovers. This doesn’t feel like driving a shed when you come to a chicane. I’ve yet to test the limits though.
3) Brakes are excellent
4) Vision is good through mirrors and side windows. Rear vision via door is poor as expected.
5) MPG of 24 on run of 170 miles at between 50 and 70 mph
6) “The Bulge under my left foot” - At over 6ft once I’d adjusted the steering and seat was fine - perhaps not perfect but not worth worrying about
7) Windscreen wipers - Not an issue
8) Engine - terrific - quiet, powerful and always responsive. Surprisingly nippy at overtaking (can’t believe I am saying that).
9) Door closure - these do not close gently and require a fair degree of effort as does the bonnet. As I discovered failure to close the door will prevent you from driving away
10) Warnings - the number of warnings appearing on central display is alarming at times.
11) Lack of central speedo - I think this is an improvement as your eyeliner is less cluttered. Speed is easily seen in central display
12) Rear loading bay - would have preferred rubber matting to slippy tray where anything lose slides around
13) Quality - I’m not into fine detail like some but panel gaps all look fine to me.
I am delighted with the vehicle although some of my options remain outstanding so will have to have these fitted at a later date. Given the Ineos story I can accept this especially as they seem to have created something special.
NB. My tips for the doubters, sign the contract, don’t change your order, pay when asked and be patient. You will ultimately be very very happy with your decision.
