Botswana
Botswana
The Ineos Grenadier Regional Tour made its way to Gaborone, Botswana this past weekend, offering a select group of fortunate automotive journalists the unique opportunity to take the rugged 4x4 for a spin and truly put it through its paces. The Gaborone segment of the tour unfolded at the Lions Park resort, situated on the outskirts of Gaborone. Here, the Grenadier was tested on a challenging 4x4 trail, complete with river crossings and demanding hill climbs and descents. This regional tour, which encompassed stops in Maun Village and the iconic Okavango Delta, featured a fleet of Ineos Grenadier demo models and proudly introduced the very first Ineos Quartermaster Pick-up prototype in the southern hemisphere. Local automotive journalists had the privilege of engaging with Ineos Grenadier experts and NMI Botswana staff. On the demanding 4x4 trail, the highly anticipated Grenadier proved to be an instant favorite among local journalists. Its exceptional build quality, power delivery, and 4x4 capabilities became evident right away. Climbing into the Grenadier Trail Master was a breeze, as the Recaro seats embraced the driver in unparalleled comfort, a feature rarely witnessed in most utilitarian 4x4 vehicles. The Grenadier, designed to fill the niche left by iconic models like the old Land Rover Defender, boasts a square and rugged exterior design. However, the similarities end there, as the vehicle's interior is a technological marvel. The Grenadier offers all the modern amenities one would expect from a 4x4, but the designers opted for well-placed physical switches on the dashboard and center console, eschewing the trendy touchscreen controls. Power is provided by a smooth 3.0L turbocharged BMW power plant, producing 183 kW with 550Nm, and it's paired with an eight-speed ZF gearbox, ensuring a seamless driving experience both on and off the road. In contrast to other modern 4x4 offerings, the Grenadier features a ladder frame chassis and coil spring suspension, delivering a unique driving experience.