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.
