Peugeot Landtrek bakkie gets a power upgrade — but questions remain

The Peugeot Landtrek has been a talking point in South Africa's competitive bakkie segment since it arrived on local shores, and it appears the French brand has been listening to feedback. A new podcast episode published by The Citizen on 24 October 2026 highlights what is being described as a significant engine update for the Landtrek — one that gives the bakkie noticeably more power than before. The headline, however, comes with a telling ellipsis: "finally gets more oomph, but…" — suggesting that while the news is largely positive, there are caveats worth exploring.

The Landtrek has always occupied an interesting space in the South African market. Peugeot, a brand more commonly associated with passenger cars and compact crossovers in this country, entered the one-tonne bakkie arena with the Landtrek as part of a broader Stellantis strategy to compete against established players. South African bakkie buyers are famously loyal, with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger consistently dominating sales charts, making any new entrant's task an uphill one. For Peugeot, winning over local buyers has required demonstrating that the Landtrek can hold its own in both everyday urban driving and more demanding off-road and towing scenarios.

One of the criticisms levelled at the Landtrek since its introduction has been that its engine output was not quite on par with some of its rivals. South Africans have high expectations when it comes to diesel performance in a bakkie — whether for towing a trailer, navigating a farm track, or simply keeping pace on a long highway run. A more powerful diesel engine, if that is indeed what has been introduced, would go some way towards addressing this concern and making the Landtrek a more credible alternative in the segment.

The podcast format used by The Citizen to break this story is worth noting. Audio content has become an increasingly popular medium for automotive news, allowing motoring journalists to discuss nuances, share first impressions, and unpack technical details in a conversational way that written articles sometimes cannot replicate. The fact that this update merited a dedicated podcast episode suggests there is sufficient depth to the story to warrant extended discussion — including, presumably, whatever the "but" in the headline refers to.

What that caveat actually entails remains unclear based on the available information at this stage. It could relate to pricing, availability, specific derivative line-up changes, or perhaps a trade-off in fuel economy that comes with the additional power. It is also possible that the upgraded engine is not available across the entire Landtrek range, limiting buyer choice. South African consumers have learned to read the fine print when it comes to vehicle updates, and the phrasing of the headline strongly implies that anyone considering the Landtrek should listen to the full podcast before drawing conclusions.

For Peugeot South Africa, getting the Landtrek's powertrain story right is important not just for this model, but for the brand's broader ambitions in the country. The bakkie segment is one of the most profitable and emotionally resonant vehicle categories in South Africa, where the concept of a reliable workhorse is deeply ingrained in both commercial and personal vehicle use. A credible bakkie offering can open doors for a brand across other segments as well, building trust and footprint in a market that has historically been challenging for European manufacturers.

The timing of this update also matters. The South African automotive market in 2026 continues to navigate a complex environment shaped by economic pressures, fuel price volatility, and shifting consumer preferences. Buyers are scrutinising total cost of ownership more carefully than ever, meaning that any engine upgrade needs to be justified not only in terms of performance but also in terms of long-term reliability and running costs.

For now, what is confirmed is that the Peugeot Landtrek has received a powertrain update that improves its performance credentials, and that The Citizen's motoring podcast has examined this development in detail. Potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike would do well to seek out the full episode for a complete picture. As more details emerge through official Peugeot South Africa channels, the market will be watching closely to see whether this update is enough to shift buyer sentiment in the French brand's favour.