The INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster is now in Zimbabwe, positioning itself as a purpose-built 4x4 for drivers who spend as much time off the grid as on it.
In a market where off-roaders increasingly skew toward luxury, the Trialmaster takes a different tack: robust engineering first, comfort and usability a close second. It is, in short, a vehicle designed to work hard and travel far — without making the journey feel like a chore.
Engineered for rough stuff
The Trialmaster’s brief is straightforward: carry people and kit into remote places and bring them back again with minimum fuss. To that end, it features upgraded suspension tuned for heavy loads and larger off-road tyres that shrug off corrugations, rocks and ruts.
For river crossings and rain-swollen drifts, a raised air intake (snorkel) is available, boosting water-fording confidence. Factory-fitted roof racks add useful carrying capacity, while underbody bash plates and upgraded recovery points are there for when the trail bites back. An off-road display mode serves clear, relevant information to the driver when the terrain turns technical—useful when line choice matters and momentum is everything.
Built to last
The Grenadier’s construction leans on proven methods rather than fashion. A box section ladder frame underpins a galvanised steel body with bolt on panels, prioritising strength and repairability.
Permanent four wheel drive, a two speed transfer case and a locking centre differential provide the backbone of its drivetrain, with additional locking differentials available depending on specification. It is a formula familiar to overlanders and farmers alike: simple to understand, tough to break, and easy to maintain.
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Under the bonnet sits a BMW sourced three-litre inline six, offered in petrol or diesel depending on market. In diesel guise, outputs are up to 183kW and 550Nm — numbers that translate to muscular low down pull for towing and long gravel climbs. A ZF eight speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, known for its smooth, decisive changes and reliability in arduous conditions. Braked towing capacity is up to 3,5 tonnes (3 500kg), which puts sizeable trailers, boats and expedition setups well within its comfort zone.
Practical by design
Beyond its hardcore hardware, the Trialmaster pays attention to small details that matter day to day. Standard roof rails and roof protection strips expand utility, while auxiliary high beam lights, power heated side mirrors and heated windscreen washer jets support visibility in rain, cold and dust. Inside, the ethos is functional first.
Hard-wearing materials stand up to mud and grit, with heavy duty utility flooring available for easy wash down after a long day in the veld.
For those who prefer a touch of comfort, options such as leather upholstery — including Nappa leather in some markets — can lift the cabin without compromising durability. The split rear doors make loading simpler in tight spaces, and available safari windows aid ventilation and visibility on hot, slow-going trails.
Simplicity where it counts
Not every adventurer wants a screen for every function, especially when gloves, dust and vibration are in the mix. The Grenadier’s cockpit leans on clear analogue dials, chunky switchgear and intuitive layouts, including overhead toggles for off-road systems. The result is tech that stays out of the way but is easy to find when needed.
A suite of driver assistance features—such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and an anti-theft system — adds peace of mind without turning the driving experience into a software tutorial.
How it stacks up
Competitors in this space are formidable. The Land Rover Defender brings contemporary luxury, strong on-road manners and sophisticated technology. It is a superb long distance cruiser, though traditionalists may prefer the Grenadier’s simpler, utility first approach.
The Toyota Land Cruiser remains a benchmark for durability and global serviceability, with a reputation forged over decades.
It typically sits at a higher price point and has steadily added complexity, which may not appeal to buyers who want straightforward mechanicals.
The Jeep Wrangler, meanwhile, is a rock crawling icon with an open air experience few can match; however, its smaller cargo area and lifestyle leaning interior may not suit every expedition brief. Against this trio, the Trialmaster’s calling card is clear: heavy duty hardware, tow friendly torque and controls built for the field.
On the ground in Zim
The INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster is now available through TCC Automotive Zimbabwe, 76 Old Enterprise Road, Harare.
Prospective buyers can enquire at 0786 313 555. Given the variety of configurations and options — differentials, raised air intake, interior materials, roof solutions — shoppers are advised to confirm local specifications, pricing and lead times. Demonstrations and test drives are highly recommended; this is a vehicle best understood by feel, not just by figures.
Who it’s for
The Grenadier Trialmaster is aimed squarely at users who prioritise capability, dependability and ease of use over gadgetry: overlanders, conservation teams, safari operators, farmers, surveyors — and anyone who sees a gravel road not as an obstacle but as an invitation.
It is equally happy lugging equipment all week and heading for the hills at the weekend. Crucially, it delivers its toughness without punishing occupants; long stints at 100 km/h plus are relaxed, with the engine and gearbox settling into an easy rhythm.
Bottom line
In an age when many off roaders chase luxury first, the INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster makes a compelling case for a different philosophy. With serious off road hardware, a stout ladder frame, a proven three-litre inline six and up to 3,5 tonnes of towing, it is built to work and to wander.
The cabin is configurable from hose out hardy to comfortably appointed, the controls are glove friendly, and the technology is there to help—never to distract. For Zimbabwe’s mix of highways, gravel spurs and river crossings, that combination could be exactly what the terrain demands.
