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[genocache]

So I just did a build, if money was no object,  I'm a simple guy chose the Trailmaster option, came up to $81,055.00 of course we don't get the diesel.........   I was thinking of the factory winch install at $2,000 might be worth it but didn't chose it.

[LN11AAB498A]

Well...
I've just driven one 150 miles today (a combination of motorway, country roads and the delightful A303) and still love it! ....

Hi Mark, what a hard life you must lead, I don`t envy you at all 

I really like the look of the Grenadier, it's different and yet somehow familiar. And, unlike other modern SUV`s, its distinctive and for me that counts for a lot. A very very tiny criticism though, those inboard front lights look a bit odd, I`d move them out to make a twin set.

And in spite of any problems it may have, what a great place to start from, how much better will the next generation be 

[diffwhine]

The winch is quite a tool! You need to order it as an option - its not available as an accessory.
I have theory about winches which many may not agree with. I should add that having driven twice from London to Cape Town and once from London to the Eastern Siberian seaboard, I am yet to regret not having had a winch on any of those expeditions...

A winch on the front is a bit limiting. I like a winch on the back so I can pull myself back out of the poo I've got myself in to. I can also use the same winch to pull a following vehicle through the poo if I've got through it OK. I'd only want one on the front if I'm trying to cross the Darien Gap. I think the Red Winch rear mount demountable winch they offer would be my choice. Slots into a 2" receiver on the rear and when not needed - keep it in the shed at home. Cheaper too!

Going completely OT here, I priced up a winch on a new Defender last night...

I think quite a lot will be bought for pose value as Chelsea Tractors, but I think those sort of buyers will realise that its not right for that purpose. Its no shopping trolley. My guess is that once the rush is over, quite a few people who bought for style over function will be looking to offload quite soon. I'm watching out for one of those, or one of the pre production ones that are homologated and legal for sale. Not sure if any will become available though.

[diffwhine]

Hi Mark, what a hard life you must lead, I don`t envy you at all 

I really like the look of the Grenadier, it's different and yet somehow familiar. And, unlike other modern SUV`s, its distinctive and for me that counts for a lot. A very very tiny criticism though, those inboard front lights look a bit odd, I`d move them out to make a twin set.

And in spite of any problems it may have, what a great place to start from, how much better will the next generation be 

Believe me... my life ain't perfect! That said, to get paid to test drive and support a brand new 4x4 is hardly onerous!
Good philosophy though - give them / us time to develop it. My wife made some constructive criticism about it today which was interesting and will be fed back to those who need to know. I know people listen which for a car manufacturer has to be good.

[Exile]

DW, could you put up a pic of a Grenadier with the absolute minimum of "options"?

I want to like it - through utter disillusion with JLR - but it just seems too bulky and heavy for me.

I would prefer it without an RAI, side runners, roof rack, or blobby bits attached to the doors.

The Toyota-esqe inner headlights would look better out of the front grille too.

However, I think the killer for me, for everyday use is its width. (See Strang's photo above, of it parked next to a Defender).

Ideal for crossing Africa but perhaps a pain in British car parks?

[Worf]

new "Defender" width (mirrors in) 1996mm
Grenadier width (without mirrors) 1930mm

(Original Defender is narrower however 1791mm)

All new vehicles seem to be bloated.

[Exile]

I was comparing with the Classic Defender.😉

Both of the newer vehicles are too wide.

[Worf]

What is 8 inches between friends 

Don't answer that.

[ChrisJC]

New vehicles are wide to allow them to have side-impact protection. You have effectively got a crumple zone down the side of the vehicle.

Fancy doing this in an old Defender?

https://youtube.com/shorts/5vEKRHICOTg?feature=share

Chris.

[Exile]

New vehicles are wide to allow them to have side-impact protection.

The problem being that the width of car parking spaces has not been increased to suit.

[Mycroft]

This looks car park friendly and quite fun for less than half the price:

[2286]

This looks car park friendly and quite fun for less than half the price:

Is there still a waiting list for them?

The original was capable off road and then some.

On road it was tiring on all but short journeys.

1999-up new car launch have rocketed in price, where as you could not give them away at one stage.

I thought I saw a gren in the flesh the other day but as it neared it was g wagon

[jonhutchings]

very different kettle of fish, they are fun, small and sadly no longer imported to the uk (terrible emissions) they carried on for a bit as a "commercial" but even these are drying up so grab one now if you can
https://cars.suzuki.co.uk/new-cars/jimny/

Of no use if you want to tow anything beyond a small trailer

[Mycroft]

very different kettle of fish, they are fun, small and sadly no longer imported to the uk (terrible emissions) they carried on for a bit as a "commercial" but even these are drying up so grab one now if you can
https://cars.suzuki.co.uk/new-cars/jimny/

Of no use if you want to tow anything beyond a small trailer

I didn't know they'd stopped importing them - shame! I quite like the no nonsense fun angle and back to brick looks.

[2286]

UK never got the diesel version of the last variant either.

I think crash safety as well as emissions saw its demise, sounds not unlike the defender??