I attended today and had a great time - vehicle is fantastic off road - it does not have tires, it has claws! Sadly reading many reviewers that say the steering is horrific on road - hopefully they address.Maybe those attending today can share their experience, and inquire what their plan is for the storm.
Had the great pleasure of driving a Grenadier today. We did a 20min “out and back” along a dirt track with some ruts, a little mud and some short hill climbs and descents. It has been 20+ years since I’ve been to Rowher Flats, and that was in a UNIMOG 404, so today was “different” from that last visit.
Overall the Grenadier handled everything exceptionally well. Steering was just fine, similar to my current ‘83 110 Rover, so no surprises there. Ride was comfortable and visibility was excellent. We did an appx 25 degree rutty cross slope with no worries. Hill descent speed is adjustable… was a bit quick going down our first hill, so clicked it back to about 2mph on the second.
Nice mix of units to see and the INEOS folks were super helpful with our questions. Interior build quality left a little to be desired, however these are not production units, so that may change for the better.
I look to mount some ham radios, however just like pretty much all current vehicles, that is something of a challenge. I appreciated my INEOS co-pilot’s candor, “Yes, I see where that will take some thought”.
Overall a competent vehicle that will suit my needs quite well with room to explore and grow. Thank you INEOS team for a great day!
Those who have not driven this type of steering setup, that would be most of the reviewers, will initially have the feeling of weightlessness or vagueness as they say at some stage on a hard surfaced road, usually when cruising in a straight line you may not feel that directness...we adapt very quickly and it will not bother you...it also has the ability to take the shock out of potholes as you will find off road, it does not want to ripe the wheel out of your hands...yesteryear we drove with our thumbs on the outside of the steering wheel off road to save having them twisted up by rucks that would straighten your wheels and rip the steering wheel smashing your thumbs with the spokes...I still by habit drive that way...the Ineos Grenadier has come a long way and one less spoke...happy drivingI drove one as well today - very capable. I am concerned with many journalists who have been very supportive of the vehicle are noting that the 'on road' steering is truly aweful - no feel, 4-6 inches of play in the steering wheel, and vague non-confidence performance. That is concerning - I'm carefully looking at every reviewers road thoughts at this point. Off road is one thing - but since most of us drive to off road it sounds as though it needs some attention.
I, too was taught to keep my thumbs outside the wheel when driving offroad, to keep my thumbs properly aligned and joints intact. This was in the USBP driving course at the academy and later throughout the FTO program. It doesn't take but once to hit a hole wrong and have the steering wheel rip 90* and you realize the "why".Those who have not driven this type of steering setup, that would be most of the reviewers, will initially have the feeling of weightlessness or vagueness as they say at some stage on a hard surfaced road, usually when cruising in a straight line you may not feel that directness...we adapt very quickly and it will not bother you...it also has the ability to take the shock out of potholes as you will find off road, it does not want to ripe the wheel out of your hands...yesteryear we drove with our thumbs on the outside of the steering wheel off road to save having them twisted up by rucks that would straighten your wheels and rip the steering wheel smashing your thumbs with the spokes...I still by habit drive that way...the Ineos Grenadier has come a long way and one less spoke...happy driving
I’d love to see a review as bad as you note above.I drove one as well today - very capable. I am concerned with many journalists who have been very supportive of the vehicle are noting that the 'on road' steering is truly aweful - no feel, 4-6 inches of play in the steering wheel, and vague non-confidence performance. That is concerning - I'm carefully looking at every reviewers road thoughts at this point. Off road is one thing - but since most of us drive to off road it sounds as though it needs some attention.
Thank you, I was just mumbling this under my breath after reading some questions and comments.Note to all new "test drivers'
Prototype: "An early sample or model built to test a concept or process"
You have had the privilege of driving a pre-production engineering test bed, an experience you will NEVER get with probably any other manufacturer!!
It's an extensive 'work in progress...."
Wait for the final production version!!
I would expect there to be a better aftermarket option for rebuilding the steering gearbox if it's that bad. That said, it shouldn't have that much play. I just replaced mine on my truck and it had that much slop, but only because it was worn out to hell. If anyone can take pictures of it and how accessible it is, it would be appreciated.Those who have not driven this type of steering setup, that would be most of the reviewers, will initially have the feeling of weightlessness or vagueness as they say at some stage on a hard surfaced road, usually when cruising in a straight line you may not feel that directness...we adapt very quickly and it will not bother you...it also has the ability to take the shock out of potholes as you will find off road, it does not want to ripe the wheel out of your hands...yesteryear we drove with our thumbs on the outside of the steering wheel off road to save having them twisted up by rucks that would straighten your wheels and rip the steering wheel smashing your thumbs with the spokes...I still by habit drive that way...the Ineos Grenadier has come a long way and one less spoke...happy driving