Proven in some of the harshest environments on earth, the latest Land Rover Defender maintains a tradition dating back almost seventy-five years, but now redesigned for the modern world. Cleverer than it used to be, the Defender is built to take on anything from High Street shopping to the harshest terrain and still come out smiling.
The new yet unmistakable silhouette looks tough and capable, but these days the model can be personalised to allow owners to make the most of the world as they see it. The car comes in different sizes but here we are concentrating on the smallest model although the word small may be a little deceptive; it is actually quite large.
On The Outside
The Defender is instantly recognisable in all its guises, with minimal front and rear overhangs providing excellent approach and departure angles. Defender’s clean front end, still with a Land Rover face, is tough and recognisable, emphasised by the geometric forms of its highly technical headlamps which feature the latest adaptive technology, while beautifully sculptured fenders combined with squared wheel arches and strong shoulders all contribute to the vehicle’s sense of solidity and robustness. Further, customers can specify (new vehicles) a wide selection of options to customise the exterior.
At the rear, the geometric forms of the distinctive high-tech lamps harmonise perfectly with the front-end design. The sheerness of the rear maintains the short overhang on the 90 for a superior departure angle while maximising interior space and accentuating the vehicle’s strong overall design. Every detail of the exterior has been creatively developed to reinforce the familiar sophisticated, durable and extremely tough construction. The surrounds for the rear LED lighting units were re-engineered to maintain the three distinct lines that define Defender’s side profile as they rise subtly towards the rear.
On The Inside
Bristling with technology for driving, off-road and infotainment, the Defender 90’s modular interior architecture communicates an appearance of high function, underpinned by a practical layout and minimalist design. This approach is most evident by the exposed, powder-coated magnesium Cross Car Beam which is integral to the overall strength of the body architecture. This structural die-cast magnesium alloy beam is available in a range of finishes and incorporates integrated grab handles to aid entry and for a secure grip during serious off-road driving.
The main controls, including the central touchscreen, are ergonomically clustered around the driver. Practicality is a hallmark of Land Rover interior design and the Defender comes with an abundance of storage opportunities including a choice of high and low centre consoles. Traditionally for Land Rover there’s a pared-back design philosophy that extends to the durable rubberised flooring which combines with flush door sills to provide genuine wipe or brush clean functionality. Other details include cast magnesium features, padded waist rails, grab handles and arm rests.
The short-wheelbase Defender 90 can accommodate six occupants in a compact family hatchback length body. When not in use, the rear seat back folds down to provide a front armrest and oddment stowage, including a pair of additional cupholders. Large windows provide excellent visibility beneath the standard-fit panoramic glass sunroof. Air conditioning is standard with zone-targeted climate control. Pivi Pro infotainment features an intuitive interface while Software ‘Over The Air’ technology provides the latest software at all times, anywhere in the world.
The Power
A choice of advanced petrol, diesel and hybrid-supported four, six and eight-cylinder engines ensure Defender has the power, control and efficiency for any environment, while its Electric Hybrid power-train provides silent EV-only progress of up to 27 miles. The powerful Defender V8 features a 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine and is the fastest, most powerful and dynamic production Defender ever made, with 518bhp (525PS) in the Defender 90.
As always this fine car features Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive, which is the product of decades of development from those early mechanical, lockable-hub and differential days to the high-tech sophisticated controls of today. The advanced set-up, say the company, provides enhanced on-road performance and balance, as well as responsive and unstoppable off-road capability. Just about what buyers expect from this legendary brand. The intelligent torque distribution system optimises the driveline for traction, on-road dynamics and driveline efficiency, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced CO² emissions – all without sacrificing any of the Defender’s inherent off-road capability. Innovative engineering solutions support the efficiency drive, including a flat underbody which optimises aerodynamic performance.
On The Road
The Defender offers a composed ride on any road surface with supreme comfort ensuring long journeys are covered with ease regardless of the conditions, while the navigation will get you where you need to be. All-Wheel-Drive and a twin-speed automatic gearbox, centre differential and optional Active Locking Rear Differential ensure the 90 has all the hardware required to excel on soft sand, freezing tundra or the rocky roads where normal cars fear to roll.
Configurable Terrain Response allows drivers to fine-tune the set-up of the vehicle to suit the precise off-road conditions like never before. The Terrain Response 2 system also includes a new Wade programme to provide the ultimate reassurance when driving through water by optimising all of the vehicle systems accordingly. The versatile load space is both big and clever. A switch panel inside the rear door allows customers to adjust the rear ride height of the Electronic Air Suspension and even operate the deployable tow bar (optional), for simple trailer hitching.
Model variations allow for a range of exterior and interior enhancements and wheel choices, including Taurus upholstery on the SE variant and Windsor Leather seats on the HSE trim, all offering a unique blend of comfort and durability. The big seats ensure the that comfort is at a premium ; the on-road wandering cruise of those early models in long gone; the new Defender drives straight and true.
Buyers interested in importing the Defender 90 or any Land Rover or Range Rover models from the UK, VAT-free, should get in touch and we’ll be delighted to help.
