French brand’s dual-cab ute on the radar for Australia; updates could improve safety level
The Peugeot Landtrek dual-cab ute that was revealed in 2020 and is based on a Chinese pick-up truck is still a chance to hit showrooms in Australia.
Despite lacking many of the safety systems that are expected by Aussie customers (if not required by law in this country) such as autonomous emergency braking, the French-badged ute could be in line for a significant upgrade to bring it up to scratch.
“We do not know what the global plans are for the Landtrek but as with any product that may become available to us from the factory, we’d work closely with them to determine suitability for the Australian market,” said Peugeot Citroen Australia’s managing director, Kate Gillis.
Following the launch of its first electrified vehicles in Australia this week, the Peugeot 508 GT Fastback Plug-in Hybrid and Peugeot 3008 GT Sport PHEV, Gillis refused to rule out the Landtrek as a way to further expand the local range.
Right-hand drive versions of the Landtrek ute are built in South Africa and are powered by a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that bangs out 110kW and 350Nm – enough thrust to tow 3000kg and lug up to 1200kg in the tray, according to Peugeot.
While its vital statistics are a far cry from the benchmark Ford Ranger ute, Peugeot Australia could significantly increase its market share with a ute in its portfolio.
“We certainly believe there is opportunity for Peugeot to grow within the Australian market,” Gillis said.
With its blocky, tough-looking exterior design that has shades of the Isuzu D-MAX about it, the Peugeot Landtrek was developed via Peugeot’s joint venture with Chinese car-maker Changan, which sells a version of the ute known as the Kaicene F70.
In South Africa, the Peugeot Landtrek has comparable specifications to many utes sold in Australia, such 235mm of ground clearance, 600mm wading depth, six-speed automatic transmission, 4×2 and 4×4 driveline options, low-range transfer box and locking rear diff.
Top-spec models get a 360-degree parking/off-road camera, lane departure warning, hill descent control, trailer sway control, six airbags, a 10.0-inch central touch-screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the option of a six-seat cabin configuration.
Peugeot has long struggled to break into the mainstream in Australia but the brand is confident it will continue to grow its sales volume this year.
“With the launch of the refreshed SUV range last year, we have seen the popularity of our GT Sport variants across the 2008 SUV and 3008 SUV ranges continue to build momentum and are pleased to now be offering this premium addition to our 5008 large SUV range,” said Gillis.
“In addition to this, with the arrival of the plug-in hybrid models and updated LCV range in Q1 as well as the highly anticipated new 308 launch later this year, there is a continued and broad offering locally.”
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Keyword: Peugeot Landtrek ute a chance for Oz