New and improved - and yes, it’s still a Defender
The long-awaited new Defender has just been released. It has left many an enthusiast in awe and then for some well, it is a Defender but then, it is not a Defender anymore?
I do understand the sentiment because this model is loaded with technology that will just absolutely blow your mind. It can be personalised with no less than four accessory options - Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban packages. It will be available in three engine options, and the Pivi
Pro infotainment system is just to die for. Would you prefer five, six or 5+2 seating? Well, the choice is absolutely yours!
I popped into the Mbombela dealership and asked Mr Landrover, Thomas Joubert, for a short intro to this new Defender. It was immediately obvious that owners of this new Defender will have to consult with Mr Manual (the manual) if they intend to use and or explore every feature on offer. And, I have reason to believe though that most would just not bother with any of this but for the most basic stuff.
On the other hand, there are a number of features which Thomas absolutely could not wait to demonstrate: The Pivi Pro infotainment system - awesome sound and with a multitude of settings for a connoisseurlike sound experience. Then there is the permanent all-wheel drive and twinspeed automatic gearbox, central diff and optional Active Locking rear diff. And if this is not enough, increasing the ground clearance to a whopping 293mm requires all but the push of a button. Most impressive though in terms of the suspension is that once you have engaged low range 4x4, locked the diffs, the Defender still offers various more jaw-dropping 4x4 configurations (all via the touch screen) to fine-tune your particular suspension preferences before you tackle an obstacle or challenging terrain ahead.
Suspension articulation is good for 500mm with approach, breakover and departure angles being 38, 28 and 40 degrees respectively. I am not so sure that many owners or drivers will be brave enough to explore the Defenders' ability to tackle a 45-degree side slope and incline, but yes, it can and will tackle these with a twinkle in the eye!
I remember once at the launch of the Range Rover Sport, Landrover designed an obstacle course up, through and down and out of an old commercial aircraft where one most often had to drive blind but for the help of the various on-board cameras. It was hair-raisingly challenging and perfect to expose the true capacity of the vehicle.
Now this new Defender also boasts a number of 3D surround cameras. These offer views away (six cameras) from the vehicle as well towards (six cameras also - believe it) - absolutely flipped amazing technology. The undercarriage is completely covered and the new Defender offers a wade depth of 900mm. The latter is supported by the Wade programme which softens the throttle, controls the heating and ventilation inside the cabin, locks the driveline, drags the brakes to clean and dry the discs and well, what can one say - but for "it does it all, Mum!"
I was then allowed to take the Defender - the 2-litre version - for a short drive. It does command the road - it is quiet - the autobox is as smooth as they come and the suspension is much better at soaking/ absorbing the irregularities of the road than the previous generation. Two 2,0-litre versions are available: the P300 petrol offering 221kW and the D240 offering 177kW, and then the 3,0-litre P400 featuring Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology, offering 294kW.
Interior space and luxury is of the best and prices start at R1 050 100 for the 110 177kW D240.
And this is where I will leave you. Thomas and Kie cannot wait to introduce you to the new Defender. It certainly is something else - but it is also still a Defender!