Peugeot Landtrek pick-up makes debut

Peugeot will soon challenge the likes of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, at least in emerging markets, following the launch of the Peugeot Landtrek pick-up in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Created specifically for Latin America, South America and sub-Saharan African buyers, the Peugeot Landtrek is heavily based on the Kaicene K70 one-tonne ute that went on sale in China in 2019.

The fruit of a joint venture between the PSA Group and China's Changan Automobile, the new Peugeot pick-up shares its ladder-frame chassis and powertrains, plus most of its body, with the Kaicene K70.

That means buyers in markets like Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil will be offered the choice of either a 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre turbo-diesel or a more powerful 210kW/320Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol, the latter available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Entry-level Peugeot utes are rear-wheel drive, while the more expensive version gets all-wheel drive with a high- and low-ratio gearbox.

The Landtrek has a prominent Peugeot grille, lots of badging and revised headlights and tail-lights, but the biggest differences are found within the cabin.

Available with up to six seats (3+3), the ute's interior features a 10-inch infotainment system, USB sockets, dual-zone climate control and driver assist tech like lane departure warning, trailer swing control, hill descent control and a 360-degree camera.

Proving its toughness, as part of its launch the Peugeot Landtrek is undergoing a gruelling 50-day, 26,000km trip across the South American continent.

Back in September 2019, Peugeot's global boss Jean-Phillipe Imparato admitted the French car-maker was considering a one-tonne ute for developed markets such as Australia as it rebuilds its global LCV portfolio.