Skip advert
Advertisement

‘Ineos’s clean-sheet approach looks eerily familiar’

The styling of the new Ineos Grenadier is familiar, but editor-in-chief Steve Fowler has been impressed by Ineos Automotive’s original thinking

Starting a car company from scratch is a rare opportunity – something few in the automotive industry ever get the chance to do in their careers.

So it was no surprise that the guys behind Ineos Automotive were as excited to show me the new Grenadier as I was to see. For the record, I think it’s a great piece of industrial design. Pretty? No. Familiar? Very.

I’ve done extremely well to make it to just the third paragraph here without mentioning the original Land Rover Defender, because that’s the car that has clearly inspired the Grenadier more than any other. And it’s the car that its design will be most compared to.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Is that a bad thing? Well, Land Rover tried and failed to trademark the Defender shape, and it’s clear that there’s still a huge passion for the old Defender among enthusiasts. Whether those enthusiasts turn into Grenadier customers remains to be seen, though.

What struck me having spent time with the team behind the Grenadier, however, is the clarity of purpose. They referenced the Willys Jeep and how that car was designed by numbers; the US military decided what they wanted the car to do, and engineers did just that.

The same approach has been taken with the Grenadier. They decided what they wanted the car to be able to achieve, and built a car around that. “There’s nothing fluffy or extraneous,” designer Toby Ecuyer told me.

And if you’re going to design a car to do a specific thing, then maybe the original way is still the best way. As Ecuyer explained: “If you’re designing a hammer, it has to perform a certain function. And, pretty much, hammers all end up looking very alike.” Fair enough.

I’m impressed by much of the original thinking from Ineos so far – even if the styling is far from original. More than anything, I’m impressed by how the firm has listened to potential owners – giving it a much better chance of success.

Do you think the new Ineos Grenadier will be a success? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster long-term test: iKamper tent showcases 4x4's versatility
Ineos Grenadier Trailmaster long-term test - header image

Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster long-term test: iKamper tent showcases 4x4's versatility

Second fleetwatch: our Ineos Grenadier has returned from a service, and now has some useful additions
Long-term tests
30 Apr 2025
Best 4x4s and off-road cars to buy 2025
Best 4x4s and off-road cars - header image

Best 4x4s and off-road cars to buy 2025

After a four-wheel-drive vehicle with plenty of off-road clout? We have you covered
Best cars & vans
28 Apr 2025
Ineos Grenadier recalled for door button defect
Ineos Grenadier - full front

Ineos Grenadier recalled for door button defect

A lack of grease on the door button can prevent the door of the INEOS Grenadier to close properly, affecting both UK and US cars
News
13 Mar 2025
Ineos Grenadier review
Ineos Grenadier Goodwood - off-road front

Ineos Grenadier review

With echoes of the original Land Rover, the Grenadier is ready for the rough stuff
In-depth reviews
7 Mar 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025