WATCH: Peugeot bakkie makes a comeback in Mzansi

It’s taken the French carmaker more than three decades to return to the local bakkie scene, but they are back with a bang with the Peugeot Landtrek.

The Landtrek made its highly-anticipated arrival on Tuesday, becoming the brand’s first local bakkie since the legendary 404 series in the 1970s.

The Peugeot Landtrek has a tough task on it’s hands trying to enter a market dominated by the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max, but the designers have at least given it a fighting chance.

They say first impressions last and therefore the Peugeot Landtrek should bowl most first-time observers over at first sight by its robust yet elegant styling.

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The good looks are backed up by a solid if somewhat firm ride, a solid engine, a comfortable and modern cabin, generous safety spec and a generous amount of specification.

The Landtrek, which was jointly designed by Peugeot and Chinese carmaker Changan Automobile, will at first be only available locally with one engine and transmission combination and in two trims levels.

The 1.9-litre turbodiesel mill sends 110 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque to the Allure’s rear wheels and to all four the 4Action’s wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Both derivatives have a towing capacity of 3 000 kg, while the Allure has a payload of 1 085 kg and the 4Action 1 015 kg.

Standard specification on the exterior includes 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome mirrors caps and handles, LED lighting elements and longitude roof bars.

The cabin features a ten-inch infotainment touchscreen, 10 GB on-board storage, voice control and auto wipers and lights as standard.

Safety spec include ESC, ABS with EBD, emergency brake assist, wheel traction control, dynamic steering control, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Stability Control, tyre pressure monitoring, Park Assist and cruise control.

The 4Action gets 18-inch wheels, side steps, chrome window surrounds, full leather trim, on-board navigation, 360-degree camera system, six-way electrically adjustable driver and passenger seat and Lane Departure Monitoring and Warning.

Pricing

Landtrek 1.9D Allure AT- R579 900
Landtrek 1.9D 4Action 4×4 AT – R669 900

Prices include a five year/100 000 km warranty and service plan. Service intervals are every 10 000 km.

For more information on the Peugeot Landtrek, click here.