The INEOS Grenadier off-roader has received a lot of press, with its brand new manufacturer promising big things – but what are they actually like? Visitors to this year’s Midlands Machinery Show (MMS) can find out for themselves on the popular 4×4 course.
Fencing and forestry contractor, Ben Willey, who helps to set up Newark showground for the show, is the proud owner of an INEOS. “Off the back of having a range of 4×4 vehicles over the years, I wanted something that promised to be a good and robust running vehicle,” he says.
He did thorough research before placing an order. “It was designed by Magna in Austria, so even though INEOS is a new manufacturer, there’s pedigree behind the vehicle,” says Mr Willey. “Its axles are made by an Italian tractor axle manufacturer, and it has a BMW engine and ZF auto gearbox, which I definitely wanted – this engine in various forms is well over 20 years old and tried and tested.
“It’s also being built in what is formally a Mercedes factory by their trained workforce – so it ticked all the boxes for me.”
When he placed his order in May 2022 for the two-seat utility model – which was still in the prototype stage – he hadn’t driven one for himself; until the 2022 MMS. “The first time I drove one was on the 4×4 course at the show last year. As soon as I drove it I knew it had the capability that I wanted,” he says.
For those who are on the fence about INEOS, they can head to the 4×4 course at the show, for a ride and drive experience – thanks to Sandicliffe and Chandlers Farm Vehicles.
There will also be a chance to be driven by a professional 4×4 driver, in a Ford Wildtrak from Woldmarsh.
Those who have their sights set on something larger can have a go at driving an HGV under the supervision of a professional trainer, thanks to Diamond Driver Training. “It’s for anyone – young or old – who would like to have a go, whether they are thinking of doing license training, or just want to experience driving an HGV,” says Karl Hunt, trainer at Diamond Driver Training.
“And anyone thinking of taking up training can have a chat with us and discuss the process.”
Visitors interested in getting into the hot seat of either the 4×4 or HGV driving experiences should head over to the respective stands to get booked in. “The driving experiences at the show are always a highlight for many visitors, and the show staff alike,” says Elizabeth Halsall, show organiser.
“We look forward to seeing the vehicles put through their paces by the visitors and the professional drivers on hand.”
Registration and parking are free but pre-registration is required for the Midlands Machinery Show, which runs on 8-9 November at the Newark Showground. NRoSO and BASIS points are also available for attendees. Register here: https://midlandsmachineryshow.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/visitor
About the show
The Midlands Machinery Show is organised by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS) and is a platform for agricultural businesses to showcase their latest range of tractors, machinery, services and technology to farmers, machinery operators, contractors and landowners. NNAS is an agricultural charity; its objectives include promoting and organising the show, as well as supporting young people with careers in agriculture, through its annual Education Awards and Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship awards.
