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Why not expand into the one-ton pick-up segment? Who knew more than 2.4 million of these vehicles are sold annually? No wonder French automotive brand, Peugeot have created their very own version.

The LandTrek is the name bestowed to this French workhorse. And let me tell you, its not a mule! Aesthetically the LandTrek is imposing. It garners a staring gaze and for good reason. Its bold looks are uniquely finessed with Peugeot’s distinctive grille and lion insignia.

With a 3.5-ton load capacity and a length of 5.33 to 5.39 meters x 1.92 meters in width, the Landtrek offers the most accommodating cargo box in the segment.

Still not sure if the French can make a pick-up worthy of competing against the likes of the Hilux, Ranger and Amarok? Well, the design provided by the Peugeot brand is in very close collaboration with numerous referent international suppliers (Europe, Japan, USA...). To ensure its reliability, the LandTrek has been through 2 million km of rigorous testing in a variety of conditions. Its one-ton capacity can reach 1.2-tons on select models.

Running boards, thermoformed body protection, hard-top glass, chrome roll bar, alarm, protective mats... In total, there are more than 40 dedicated accessories available for the LandTrek to customise to your personal and business needs.

The interior is adapted to the one-ton pick-up segment with a two-spoke steering wheel echoing that of the Peugeot 3008 SUV and a 10" HD screen at the top of the dashboard inspired by that of the brand's flagship vehicle, the Peugeot 508 sedan. Connectivity (USB and Bluetooth sockets), automatic dual-zone air-conditioning, 10" HD touch-screen compatible Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and 10 GB hard drive.

Safety is ensured by 6 airbags and an ESP with the following functions: Hill Descent Control, a system that keeps the vehicle at a very low speed and allows you to concentrate solely on steering, bringing control and safety in situations known to be anxiety provoking; ASR (enhanced traction) for 4x2 and 4x4 versions'; Trailer Swing Control, to avoid cold sweats when towing a trailer. ESP acts directly as soon as a weave occurs. Drivers can also rely on Lane Departure Warning, an audible and visual lane departure warning (depending on the versions). Like the other vehicles of the Brand, the headlamps are worked in the top-of-the-range versions with LED light signatures both at the front and at the rear.

The vehicle can be fitted with 1 to 4 cameras to facilitate manoeuvring both in town and on the road. The off-road camera (in the passenger rear-view mirror) and 360° vision support the driver when negotiating obstacles or narrow trails. In addition, they can be set to automatically activate when obstacles are detected.

The style and construction of the seats are in line with this upmarket feel. As a result, the look, feel and tactility of the interior is upmarket and more in line with what one can expect in modern SUVs.

The modularity of the rear bench seat is unique in the segment, with the possibility of folding the backrest 60/40 or 100%. When folded down, the backrests can support a load of up to 100kg. In addition, two ISOFIX attachments ensure the safety and stowage of child seats.

At the front, there is a choice between 2 independent seats with a central armrest or a 3-seater Multiflex bench seat. The latter is inspired by the brand's expertise in commercial vehicles and offers the possibility of folding down the central backrest to make room for an armrest/work table or to load bulky objects weighing up to 75kg by folding down the central   and the passenger backrest.

The Landtrek is driven by a 1.9 L turbocharged diesel capacity 110kW/350 Nm. This efficient engine is designed to offer reduced daily life-cycle costs in combination with controlled mixed fuel consumption. I can attest to its frugality over my 8 days spent with the vehicle that saw highway, urban and accelerated sprints racking up a very decent 7-l per 100km. Debatably the only notable flaw that stands out is the turbo lag at pull-off, with ample power kicking in at around 1700 rpm. A highlight is the wonderful, slick-shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox.

As a first step into the one-ton market, Peugeot have certainly presented a very compelling product. Perhaps its most obvious shortcoming is its initial pull off lag. With its most notable positives being is large load bay, upmarket interior and imposing looks that garnered many a favourable glance.

The competition

Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, Fiat Fullback, Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok

The pricing

ALLURE 6AT 4X2 Double Cab R579 900

4ACTION 6AT 4X4 Double Cab R669 900

Service and warranty

The LandTrek comes standard with a 5-Year / 100 000 km Warranty 5-Year / 100 000 km Service Plan.

www.peugeot.co.za