THE new Land Rover Defender has had some criticism from die-hard followers because it’s inception and launch. And we had been proper there with them, questioning if Land Rover had butchered a legacy to create the brand new Defender.
However does it nonetheless do all the identical rugged off-roading that the ever-aging earlier era did, and may Land Rover defend the Defender title with this new, fashionable, plastic off-roader?
With an enormous cult following, it’s the hearts of the fans the place the model should show itself, at the beginning. And we’ve got to say, they’ve purchased the favored off-roader out of the darkish ages and into this century.
You can find little homages to the earlier era, just like the physique form and features, the economic inside, the headlights and taillights, and alpine home windows. That’s a pleasant contact, that bridges the hole between the 2.
There a six engine configurations to select from, ranging from the D200 4-cylinder twin turbo 2.0-litre diesel providing 147kW, proper by to the P400 we’re driving right here, with its 6-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 294kW and 500Nm.
Simply the engine selections and energy outputs alone, put the outdated era to disgrace. And just like the earlier model, there are two physique kinds; the 110 (4-door) and 90 (2-door). Our take a look at automobile got here in SE trim, draped in Fuji White.
To really feel the heavy beast that’s the Defender, coming in at 2.2 tonnes, transfer from useless nonetheless to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds is a formidable feat, and one it accomplishes effortlessly. You can find your self driving it extra sedately for essentially the most half although.
Flat sticking it in every single place and, whereas that can put a smile in your face, you may be watching the gas drain like bathtub water. Land Rover claims 9.9-litres/100km however you’ll be doing properly to maintain it beneath 12.0-litres.
One of many coolest issues Land Rover has added to the Defender although is the air suspension package deal. It is going to really feel such as you’re floating over obstacles, whether or not you’re on the highway, or within the grime.
Because of that suspension, getting out and in of the Defender can also be simple, with an entry mode, which hunkers the Defender as shut as it could actually to the bottom. That’s nice for these of us who’re vertically challenged.
Don’t be postpone by these 20-inch wheels both, they will deal with every part you throw at them. And don’t fear about getting them soiled both, as a result of it’s off highway the place the 4×4 Defender comes into its personal.
It’s begging to get down and soiled, whether or not that be on the sand or within the mud, and even within the snow. It is going to deal with all of it.
On the within, you may be greeted by one thing you’ve by no means seen in a Defender earlier than. Opulence (properly by Land Rover Defender requirements), expertise, and even a fridge within the centre console.
It nonetheless maintains its hardworking manner, with an industrial type inside, but it surely’s all class and expertise too. The Defender is jam full of gizmos and devices, together with wi-fi cellphone charging, that fridge, and 240V and 12V shops in every single place.
There’s additionally radar cruise management, lane departure warning and a raft of security options, in addition to a heap of nifty little storage spots all through the cabin. There’s even a cool new dashboard.
Our tester was fitted with a nonetheless elegant vinyl flooring, that’s not solely snug underneath foot, however extraordinarily simple to scrub, particularly when you should get mud and sand out of the cabin. This alone is a real signal that Land Rover have maintained the outdated heritage.
For these with massive households, there’s ample legroom up entrance and within the again, and with the choice of getting the Defender as a 7-seater, there may be loads of option to swimsuit the scale of your tribe.
For the Land Rover fans, we advocate you give the brand new providing an opportunity, as a result of it’s higher than it’s ever been. It maintains a steadiness between the outdated and the brand new, capturing the essence of old fashioned in a twenty first Century providing.
And positive, the dwell axles are gone, and it hasn’t been put along with a rivet gun, however the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 SE has greater than lived as much as our expectations.
You may anticipate to pay round $102,000 plus on-roads for the usual P400 SE variant, with non-obligatory extras offering just a little little bit of a sting within the tail, that would make it very simple to blow that value out by one other $20,000.
Other than Fuji White, you too can select Pangea Inexperienced, Gondwana Stone, Eiger Gray, Tasman Blue, Santorini Black, Yulong White, Hakuba Silver, Carpathian Gray and Silicon Silver in your shiny new Defender 110.
Our take a look at automobile was supplied by Land Rover Australia. To seek out out extra concerning the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 SE, contact your native Land Rover seller. Mud picture courtesy of Mitch Zeinert Images.
