Peugeot Landtrek gets 2.2-litre diesel at same price as 1.9

Peugeot has finally given its Landtrek bakkie a bigger engine, and it has done so without raising the price. According to The Citizen’s motoring team, the new 2.2-litre turbodiesel addresses the two biggest complaints about the bakkie since its local launch five years ago: weak performance and a high price.

More power, same price

The Landtrek, which is based on the Changan Hunter, previously came only with a 1.9-litre diesel producing 110kW and 350Nm. The new 2.2-litre makes 147kW and 450Nm and is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It sends power to the rear wheels in the Allure and to all four wheels in the 4Action, which gets permanent all-wheel drive for the first time.

The Allure 4×2 costs R666 900 and the 4Action 4×4 costs R759 900, whether you choose the 1.9 or the 2.2. The single and double cab Professional models and the Active double cab do not get the new engine.

The Citizen said the 1.9-litre 4Action was one of the slowest bakkies it had tested. In its 2021 test, that version needed 16.39 seconds to reach 100km/h from standstill. The 2.2-litre 4Action did it in 11.98 seconds, the same time as the Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Legend 55 4×4. Going from 60 to 140km/h, the kind of acceleration used when overtaking, now takes 19.0 seconds instead of 28.56.

Other changes

The styling updates are modest. They include a new grille with an integrated Peugeot logo, glossy black lamp bezels, a new front skid plate and a painted plastic rear bumper. Inside, the 2.2 gets an electronic gear shifter and an electric parking brake, because it moves from rear drum brakes to discs. The infotainment system is 10 inches and now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 4Action comes standard with:

• leather seats and a six-speaker sound system
• a 360-degree camera and tyre-pressure monitor
• side steps and 18-inch alloy wheels
• six airbags, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection

On a moderate off-road course at the Lion & Safari Park outside Johannesburg, the Landtrek showed good low-range ability. The reviewers noted that its 14-metre turning circle, compared with under 13 metres for many mainstream double cabs, makes tight corners harder.

What this means for buyers

If you were considering a Landtrek, the 2.2 gives you a clear performance improvement at no extra cost. However, The Citizen concluded that the bakkie is still a step behind the competition. It said the same money can buy a decent Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, while Chinese rivals with more technology are much cheaper. Compare specifications, prices and warranties before you commit.

This story is based on reporting by The Citizen.