by Peugeot Landtrek is an impressive representative of the pickup segment that embodies style, functionality, and high performance. Now, in Ukraine, where pickups play a key role in difficult times of war, the Landtrek steps onto the stage, offering an alternative to the leaders of this segment.
Back in 1938, on the eve of the start of the Second World War, the French brand introduced a compact commercial pickup based on the PEUGEOT 202 model. The history continued with a similar version for the PEUGEOT 203 model, which debuted after the war. Then there were covered versions of the PEUGEOT 403 and 404. Finally, in 1979, the PEUGEOT 504 became the Brand’s first pickup, which officially received a version called “Pickup” in its lineup.
So what’s the connection? Ironically, on the eve of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Peugeot introduced a new pickup to the market. And very unexpectedly, but timely, this model once again unexpectedly became a kind of magical wand for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and beyond. Of course, our soldiers mostly use outdated pickups from Britain, Lithuania, Poland, and other countries, brought by volunteers, including the friendly fund Life Territory.
Fortunately, there are cases when military and state structures buy new Peugeot Landtrek. Why Peugeot pickup? Firstly, it is relatively cheap. Secondly, in terms of equipment, the Landtrek does not lag behind the monsters of the segment like Mitsubishi L200, Toyota Hilux, and Nissan Navara. Full drive, low range, economical diesel, good geometry, and, of course, solid ground clearance (230+ mm).
So, TopGir, with the same irony of fate (not the one with “With a Light Steam”) decided to use a Peugeot pickup for a trip to our defenders to deliver them gifts in the form of charging stations from EDG GROUP. Yes, a little advertising, but there is a reason – it’s a token of gratitude for caring and real assistance, not for show.
And now about Pizhik. First of all, it is worth noting that this “baby” looks quite impressive and brutal, especially with the “kangaroo bar” on the test car. Sitting in it for the first time, your organ immediately grows to road clearance levels (well, maybe a little less – ten centimeters per ten). You sit high, the steering wheel is pleasant, the ergonomics are not like in a typical van but almost like in a car. And there is plenty of room in the back.
The cargo compartment is generally huge – an open body of 1.6 x 1.6 m. In the photo, you can see that you can easily fit a Christmas tree over 2 meters high here (cut down at the nursery, so, Greenpeace, well… you get the idea).
By the way, you can drive the LandTrek literally anywhere. The main thing is that the connection between the seat and the wheel is correct. Then the central and rear differential locks will come in handy. And they are here and work excellently. In normal mode, the front wheels are engaged only when necessary on slippery roads (slippery surface, sand) or off-road.
And now about the engine. Frankly, its power seemed a bit lacking to me. Not too much, but just a bit lacking. The 1.9-liter turbo diesel produces 150 hp of power and 350 Nm of torque and, by the way, is only available with a 6-speed manual. Compared to the same Elka from Mitsubishi, there are some efforts felt during acceleration. It feels like the little car is straining. But this is not a race, and it fulfills its tasks. Moreover, there is a plus – the fuel consumption for this dinosaur is at the level of 8.5-9.5 liters. And that is a considerable range and savings.
New Peugeots are known for their interesting interior design, and the LandTrek makes a first impression similar to a stylish off-roader. The steering wheel is typical for the new Peugeot with multifunctional controls in front of an intuitively understandable driver display and an infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen. The only criticism is the use of unpleasant plastic on the door cards. However, the rear seats in the double cab provide additional flexibility with a modular rear seat installation. The backrests of the rear seats can be folded in a 60/40 ratio, and the rear bench itself can also be folded up for several usage combinations.
The suspension, like in all pickups, is quite rough. If the car is empty, it is not very comfortable to ride in the back row, but it is normal (load capacity – 1 ton+, and if you load 300 kg+ – it will be much more comfortable). Also, it requires some effort to steer.
Overall, without unnecessary words, the Peugeot LandTrek is undoubtedly a worthy pickup, except for one thing – the Landtrek is the result of Peugeot and its Chinese partner in the joint venture, Changan Automobile. Is that bad? No. If the Celestial Empire supported Ukraine… But on the other hand, this is Peugeot, a French car, and hence European. And the one that is produced in a country that has fortunately provided and continues to provide a significant amount of help to our Homeland.
