Here are 4 things that you need to know about the Land Rover Defender 90
The Land Rover Defender needs no introduction. Since its inception in the late 40’s it very quickly elevated to icon status. In some cases the Land Rover was the preferred vehicle of many an English explorer. This resulted in this car being the first vehicle seen by many remote tribes in some isolated places. The Defender was recently updated and with its update came a lot of controversy from many die-hard fans. We spent time with the 90, the short wheelbase to see what it is like.
Design
The Defender has always had an unmistakable design, noticeable as a Defender from miles away. The latest model builds on that iconic design but with a modern touch. We particularly like the square design which compliments the modern elements such as the headlights which now feature LED day-time running lights. The rear lights are also a visually appealing element that are simple in their design but add to the modern design. Our test unit also made do with steel rims which add to the utilitarian characteristic of this compact off-roader.
Interior
The interior is as appealing as the exterior, it features a rugged design with practicality at the forefront. What we also liked is how the technology has been incorporated into the cabin. Take the Pivi Pro 10” touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for example, this compliments the interactive digital driver display. We also like the fact that buttons are large, the dials easy to grip. So when you are plodding through the bush you can easily adjust the climate control or cycle through off-road driving modes.
Power
Under the bonnet of our test unit lurks a 2.0-litre D240 turbodiesel which produces 177kW and 430Nm, enabling 0-100km/h in 9 seconds with a top speed of 188km/h. This motor makes sense to us when you consider what the purpose of this vehicle is. It has been designed to conquer every terrain and you want a motor that is able to offer a balance between efficiency and power. This motor offers that.
Off-road ability
There is no denying the fact that the Defender is an off-road icon and established the entire Land Rover brand for such ability. The latest model uses the brands latest Terrain Response which allows drivers to set-up the vehicle to suit precise off-road conditions and surfaces when adventuring. The system also includes a new Wade program which optimises all of the vehicle systems accordingly to allow safe passage through water up to 900mm deep.
While the vehicle remains hugely impressive, it is compromised due to its size, perhaps the Defender 110 could satisfy your needs.
Also worth a look: the Range Rover SV Platinum Edition: A R6.2 Million Ode to South and the Land Rover Defender.
FAQ
Q: What does the Land Rover Defender 90 cost in South Africa?
The Land Rover Defender 90 D240 starts from around R1,200,000 in South Africa, though pricing varies depending on specification and options selected.
Q: Is the Land Rover Defender 90 worth buying?
The Defender 90 is worth buying if you want authentic off-road capability with modern luxuries, but only if you can justify the premium price tag of over R1 million for what is essentially a lifestyle vehicle.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Land Rover Defender 90?
The Defender 90 D240 with its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine achieves a combined fuel consumption of approximately 8.5 litres per 100km, which is reasonable considering its size and off-road capability.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Land Rover Defender 90?
The main rivals include the Mercedes G-Class, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and Jeep Wrangler, though none quite match the Defender's combination of heritage, capability, and modern tech.
Q: Is the Land Rover Defender 90 reliable?
Early reliability reports for the new Defender are mixed, with some electrical gremlins reported, but Land Rover's 5-year/100,000km warranty provides decent peace of mind for such an expensive purchase.
Should You Buy It?
The Land Rover Defender 90 D240 is a brilliant off-roader that successfully modernises an icon, but at over R1,200,000 it's a tough sell unless you're absolutely smitten with the badge and heritage. If you want the best luxury off-roader under R1,500,000 in South Africa and don't mind paying premium prices for that distinctive Defender character, then yes, buy it. However, if you're after pure value for money, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado offers similar capability for significantly less cash. The Defender 90 is a heart purchase rather than a head purchase, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that if your wallet can handle it.
FAQ
Q: What does the Land Rover Defender 90 cost in South Africa?
The Land Rover Defender 90 D240 starts from around R1,200,000 in South Africa, making it a premium off-road SUV that competes with other luxury 4x4 vehicles in the market.
Q: Is the Land Rover Defender 90 worth buying?
The Defender 90 is worth buying if you need serious off-road capability combined with modern luxury features, though at over R1.2 million it's definitely a premium purchase that suits buyers who value heritage and capability over value for money.
Q: How reliable is the Land Rover Defender 90?
The new Defender 90 has improved reliability compared to older models thanks to modern engineering, though Land Rover still ranks middle-tier for reliability and maintenance costs remain higher than Japanese competitors.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Land Rover Defender 90?
The Defender 90's main rivals include the Mercedes G-Class, Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, with each offering different approaches to premium off-road capability.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Land Rover Defender 90?
The Defender 90 D240 diesel engine delivers around 8.5 to 9.5 litres per 100km in mixed driving conditions, which is reasonable for a boxy off-road SUV but not brilliant compared to more aerodynamic SUVs.
Should You Buy It?
The Land Rover Defender 90 D240 is a brilliant buy if you have R1,200,000 to spend and need genuine off-road prowess with modern creature comforts. This compact bruiser delivers unmatched character, serious 4x4 capability, and enough tech to keep you connected whether you're in Sandton or the Kgalagadi. However, at over R1.2 million, it's definitely a heart-over-head purchase. If you want better value for money, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado offers similar capability for less cash, while the Jeep Wrangler delivers comparable character at a lower price point. Buy the Defender 90 if you love its iconic looks and can afford the premium, but skip it if you're budget-conscious or need maximum practicality per rand spent.
