Two months into life with the Peugeot Landtrek, the novelty may have worn off, but the appeal hasn’t. Where most bakkies start to show their compromises in daily use, the Landtrek continues to slot into routine life without complaint. This month, the focus shifts from its spec sheet to what it’s actually like to live with, both behind the wheel and from the passenger seat.
In its second month on our fleet, the Peugeot Landtrek continues to turn heads and prompt unsolicited admiration from strangers. When filling up at the fuel station (or parked outside the local shops), there’s always someone with a comment. Most commonly: “Eish, this is a nice bakkie.” It’s a compliment the Landtrek earns on looks alone, but there’s more going on beneath the surface.
Our long-term test unit is the 1.9TD DC 4Action 4×4, and while Peugeot may be a relatively new player in the local bakkie space, it’s clear that the Landtrek is not here to be overlooked. From a styling point of view, it still stands out as one of the best-looking offerings in the segment. The bold front grille, LED daytime running lights, and sharp character lines help it strike a balance between utility and urban appeal. It’s also a sizeable thing. That becomes clear not just when parking, but also when loading. The rollbar-mounted work lights deserve a mention here. They’re bright, practical, and a real help when loading or unloading after dark.
PERFORMANCE FOR YOUR EVERYDAY
Out on the road, the Landtrek’s ride remains on the firmer side, especially when unladen. The leaf-sprung rear does little to cushion sharp impacts, and on rough gravel or badly corrugated dirt roads, there’s more shudder through the cabin than in some rivals. We recently took the Peugeot on a typical rural dirt road in Mpumalanga, and while it handled the terrain without issue thanks to its generous ground clearance and decent approach and departure angles, it’s not the most composed bakkie in these conditions.
Ground clearance, depending on tyre setup, ranges between 214 mm and 235 mm, which is more than enough to clear obstacles and take on uneven tracks without drama. Add to that a wading depth of 600 mm and a respectable turning circle of 12.4 metres, and you’ve got a bakkie that’s equally comfortable on- and off-road. Still, that turning circle becomes a talking point when you’re squeezing into tight parking bays or making a U-turn in a small street. It’s part and parcel of the segment, but worth noting for anyone coming from something smaller.
Where the Landtrek impresses is in its fuel consumption, Peugeot claims a combined cycle of 8.9 l/100 km. During a trip to Mpumalanga, the Landtrek averaged 8.3 l/100 km, which is more than acceptable for a vehicle of this size and capability. City driving, however, sees that figure climb to between 9.9 and 11.1 l/100 km, depending on traffic and driving style. With an 80-litre fuel tank, a real-world range of between 720 and 880 km is achievable without much effort.
PRACTICALITY AND A TOUCH OF PREMIUM
Cabin comfort remains one of the Landtrek’s strong points, particularly for front passengers. The electrically adjustable leather seats (offered for the driver and front passenger), lend the cabin a premium feel. The seats themselves are well-padded and supportive over long distances, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a further touch of SUV-like luxury. Visibility is good from the driver’s seat, and the overall layout of the cabin feels modern and uncluttered.
The surround-view camera system deserves special mention for its clarity and coverage. It makes parking far easier than you’d expect in a bakkie of this size. The only gripe is that the system stays active for longer than it should once you start moving again, which can be distracting until it switches itself off.
Rear-seat space is a slightly different story. While there’s decent shoulder and headroom, legroom for back passengers is more restricted than in some of the Landtrek’s direct rivals. Taller passengers will feel the pinch behind an equally tall driver, and the bench seat itself is relatively upright. On smooth tarmac, this isn’t an issue, but on choppier roads the rear cabin tends to get somewhat unsettled, especially with no load on the back.
An issue that did crop up this month relates to the fuel range indicator. On one occasion, the digital display showed 56 km of range remaining, only for the bakkie to come to a halt shortly afterwards. After refuelling, I had to manually bleed the diesel pump to get fuel flowing back into the system. Although range indicator systems are not perfect in many vehicles, the experience was less than ideal, and is something to keep in mind if you’re planning a long trip or venturing into remote areas.
LAST WORD
Despite a few quirks, the Landtrek continues to make a strong case for itself as a practical and stylish double cab. It’s well-priced, fuel-efficient, and capable off-road. More importantly, it delivers a confident driving experience that feels robust and composed when used as intended. It may not be perfect, but as a workhorse with weekend appeal, the Landtrek continues to prove it deserves its place in South Africa’s competitive bakkie market.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © BERNIE HELLBERG JR
