INES shows no quarter

Launched locally in late 2023, the Grenadier 4WD wagon now has a stablemate in the form of the Quartermaster dual-cab 4WD ute. The ute and wagon share the same mechanicals and stripped back, functional body styling, with the Quartermaster – which is also available as a cab chassis – targeting heavy-duty 4WD utes like the LandCruiser 79 Series. While Ineos has its work cut out convincing Aussies to switch allegiance from Australia’s most trusted 4WD brand, the Quartermaster has a clear edge in the under-bonnet department.

Toyota has switched from V8 to fourcylinder turbodiesel power across the 70 Series range, where Ineos offers the choice of two BMW-sourced inline six-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel engines. The Quartermaster diesel’s outputs of 183kW/550Nm are more than a match for the ’Cruiser’s 150kW/500Nm, while its eight-speed automatic transmission boasts two more cogs than the Toyota’s.

Under the Quartermaster’s aluminium body panelling are a sturdy steel ladderframe chassis, beam axles and long-travel coil spring suspension, endowing the Quartermaster with a hefty 3500kg tow capacity, although payload capacity trails the Toyota. Off-road ability is assured via a full-time 4WD system with centre differential lock and a two-speed transfer case, with front and rear differential locks available. Prices start at $105,000 (RRP) for the base Quartermaster and rise to $118,000 (RRP) for the Fieldmaster and Trialmaster, with petrol and diesel engines priced identically.

Read more on the INEOS website.