Arcane. It means: ‘Known only by a few’. Although in this case it also means: ‘Bought only by a few’. The Ineos Grenadier continues its journey away from the original idea of a simpler, back-to-basics off-roader – what the Defender should have been. And now that journey is not only accelerating, it’s going on a detour.
Ineos has formed Arcane Works, to create short-run limited-edition versions of the off-roader. And the first version is called the Detour. Whether that name works depends on your state of mind. On the one hand: endless roadworks, being sent down small lanes only to find the detour signs disappear, getting lost. On the other: ‘let’s go down this lane, it looks interesting and we’ve got some time to go exploring, such fun.’
So you’re now off the beaten track and your satnav has shrugged and gone for a lie-down. What vehicle do you own to conquer this terra incognita? We start of course with a stock Grenadier, with the 3.0-litre straight-six engine, either diesel or petrol. The only change is, in the petrol version, an exhaust system that more loudly announces its presence. That’s an indication that the Detour is more about appearances, outside and in, rather than any uprated engine, suspension or chassis changes.
Read the full article in the October issue of Overlander 4×4 –
