Vive la difference

A surprisingly effective head-turner and conversation starter. Capable, too

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Our time is up with the out-of-thebox Peugeot Landtrek. With the Renault Alaskan not making it to our shores, this is the sole representative in the bakkie segment that hails from France; notwithstanding that manufacture takes place, as with most items these days, in China. It is a bold move by Stellantis, a company well aware of the extent to which locals stick to their favourite brand for extended periods. We did manage a few journeys that entailed some proper bakkie work. A trip to the family farm - which is basically just a mountain nature reserve equidistant between Worcester, Robertson and McGregor - had us loading up a half-tonne of horse feed plus passengers to see how the Landtrek would cope. Firstly, the typically firm ride has been noticeably improved and bumps were effectively smoothed out without upsetting the composure or cornering ability. The other observation was that the steering, usually on the heavy side, was lightened slightly and improved the feel agreeably. Power was still more than adequate thanks to the superior torque output of the turbodiesel. We noticed the windscreen does fog up quickly at times, so it helps to keep the air conditioning on to dry