Well finally on 05102023 , 502 days after ordering, we picked up Gimli and I followed my wife 250km home via the central highlands of Tasmania. It was a bit bleak up there, so photo opportunities were limited.
Trialmaster , petrol , Magic mushroom - with rock sliders, bullbar , winch , safari roof, saddle leather and lockable spare wheel cover (latter to be delivered - Ineos paperwork error). I have a cargo barrier on order and the FR 3/4 rack to go on top.
The safari roof seals have been replaced with the new ones and the drains needed replacing.
To me , this a brilliant amalgam of old and new, analog with digital overtones. It's like a combination of my 80 series Landcruiser , Discovery 1 and wife's last car , a Mercedes GLC.
With of course a general nod to my S3 Landrover.
Points to note:
- my passenger was my 82 yo father in law. He pulled himself up into the cabin without problems, and slid out as one does with no side steps.
- ample power , smooth transmission
- handles very well (there were some hairpins which had my f.i.l. grabbing the bars as I explored the limits!
- controls easily learnt
- android auto worked intermittently due to poor connectivity - many blackspots in Tasmania , you make do with what you're given)
- visibility excellent - side mirrors no problem at all for me
- footrest no issue at all (seating position easily adjustable and it's nice that the steering wheel can be moved in and out)
- steering absolutely not an issue , but I'm used to old school cars so acclimatised immediately. Saddle leather wheel , handbrake cover and grab bar look and feel sensational.
- turning circle better than I had imagined.
- some tyre noise to be expected (All Terrains)
- some wind noise (no more than expected)
- no rattles
- briefly tried the centre lock on the dirt road near home - slotted in with a bit of shove whilst on the move.
Exactly the same as my Discovery 1.
- fuel economy was 14.1 L , noting some city driving either end , and there was a fair bit of hill climbing and some heavyish right foot to test the engine note and corner exits...
- the main issues are electronic - odometer stuck on 0000 (Edit: it worked later , then didn't work...), compass/elevation not working, warning for doors/seatbelts seem mixed up left/right
Much more to learn re dynamics offroad but for now , it fits like a glove
Well done Ineos , and well done Jim for putting your money where you heart wanted to go in 2017
My 6 yo dream has come true. And I feel like a 6yo again!
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