DOWN THE ROAD
New Land Rover Defender
At long last. After been put through more than 62 000 chassis and body architecture tests for engineering sign-off and prototype models covering more than 1,2 million kilometres across some of the harshest environments on Earth, ranging from the 50-degree heat of the desert and sub 40-degree cold of the Arctic to altitudes of over 3,000 metres in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the new Defender has broken cover.
An icon reimagined for the 21st century, it has been engineered with capability and safety for all. Its silhouette is unmistakable familiar yet new. Traditional Defender trademarks were re-envisioned for the 21st century, giving the new 4×4 a purposeful, upright stance.
It has Alpine light windows in the roof, retains the side-hinged rear tailgate, and has an externally-mounted spare wheel that makes the original so identifiable, while minimal front- and rear overhangs provide excellent approach- and departure angles and add to its tough looks.
Complimenting the exterior, the interior embraces the stripped-back personality of the original Defender with emphasis on simplicity and practicality. Structural elements and fixings usually hidden from view have been exposed, and the dashmounted gear shifter accommodates an optional ‘jump’ seat in front, which provides three-abreast seating like early Land Rovers.
As a result, the Defender 110 offers five, six or five+two seating configurations, with up to 1 075 l of load-space behind the second-row seats, and as much as
2 380 l with the second row folded. Other features include durable rubberised flooring and an optional folding fabric roof
to provide an open-top feel and allow passengers in the 110 a full safari experience.
The new Defender completes the Land Rover dynasty. The 110 is just the start for this family and will be followed by a short wheelbase 90, before a pair of practical commercial models join the line-up in 2020. It delivers transformational breadth of capability and all-terrain technologies to redefine adventure for the 21st century, while remaining true to the pioneering spirit that has been a Land Rover hallmark for 71 years.
Off- and on-road expert
Configurable Terrain Response 2 debuts on the new Defender, and its new EVA 2.0 platform and body architecture provides the 110 with ground clearance of 291 mm and approach, breakover, and departure angles of 38-, 28- and 40 degrees (off-road height) respectively. Its 900 mm wading depth is supported by a new Wade programme and on dry land, Clearsight Ground View technology helps drivers take full advantage of the capabilities of the Defender.
It comes with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, while a PHEV powertrain will join the range next year, providing the prospect of silent Ev-only progress. The petrol line-up comprises a four-cylinder 220 kw P300 and a powerful six-cylinder 294 kw/550 Nm P400 featuring Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology. Alternatively, a pair of four-cylinder diesels – the 147 kw/430 Nm D200 and powerful 177 kw D240 – with fuel economy of 7.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km is available.
All the engines drive through an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and twin-speed transmission and Land Rover states the Defender is as technologically advanced as it is durable with the introduction of the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The next generation touchscreen requires fewer inputs to perform tasks and takes Software-overthe-air (SOTA) technology to a new level.
The model range comprises Defender, S, SE, HSE, First Edition, and top-of-therange Defender X-models. Customers will be able to personalise their vehicles with four accessory packs: Explorer, Adventure, Country, and Urban. An exclusive First
Edition model with unique specification will be available throughout the first model-year of production.
One will also be able to opt for a new Satin Protective Film to make the exterior paintwork even more durable. In addition to the accessory packs, the Defender is available with the widest choice of accessories ever assembled for a new Land Rover; from a winch rooftop tent to inflatable waterproof awnings.
A Driver Assist Pack includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Pre-collision Monitor, Blind Spot Assist, Rear Traffic Monitor, and Clear Exit Monitor, and a comprehensive list of driver assistance technologies. The advanced chassis control features are supported by an ultra-fast Flexray network. The new Defender will be introduced locally in the second quarter of next year.