There aren’t many iconic vehicles in the world and the Land Rover Defender is one of them. While the old one has a rugged, old school charm, the new one transport owners straight into the next decade. And we suspect none of the new Defenders will end up in Cameron Highlands, but who knows.
The new Land Rover Defender 110 bears all the characteristics that made the model iconic. The 4×4’s upright stance, Alpine roof lights and chamfered roof line, side-hinged rear tailgate and externally mounted spare tyre are all carried into the new vehicle. Barely-there front and rear overhangs, a must for any respectable off-roader, is designed to ease the Land Rover into and out of deeper-than-usual holes.
Currently, there are two engine choices for the Land Rover Defender 110. One is a 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder block and it is priced at RM798,800. The other is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder mild-hybrid EV priced at RM998,800. Take note that the prices do not include the sales tax, road tax, registration and insurance.
First, the 2.0-litre engine produces 300ps at 5,500rpm and 400Nm at 1,500-4,500rpm. Following that, the 3.0-litre mild-hybrid powertrain generates 400ps and 550Nm of torque. The more powerful and efficient hybrid engine features a conventional twin-scroll turbocharger and a 48-volt electric supercharger. The MHEV powertrain allows the 4×4 to go from zero to 100kph in 6.1 seconds.
It is still very much made to be an off-roader
The Defender inherited all of the off-roading talents from its predecessor and perhaps improved upon them with modern technology. The chassis and D7x body architecture, together with its lightweight aluminium monocoque construction, are designed to withstand punishment. The SUV is put through Land Rover’s Extreme Event Test, which requires the Defender to survive repeated and sustained impacts that would crush lesser vehicles.
Subsequently, this allows the Defender to carry heavy objects on the roof up to a maximum static roof load of 300kg. The strong body also gives the Defender a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg.
Sitting at 291mm above ground, the Defender has one of the highest ground clearance for an SUV. If that isn’t enough, air suspensions that come with the Defender add another 145mm when needed.
The SUV’s wheelbase is 99mm longer than the previous model, measuring at 3,022mm. Yet, the new model has a world-class breaker angle at 28 degrees. The Defender can wade through waters up to 900mm deep, and easily with the new Wade programme found within the Terrain Response system.
The Adaptive Dynamics comes with the electronic air suspension to allow the fine-tuning of driving characteristics. Adaptive dampers monitor body movements up to 500 times per second and respond immediately for optimum control and comfort. Elegant Arrival automatically drops the Defender 40mm closer to the ground for easier mount and dismount.
No more guessing what is underneath
The Defender’s 3D Surround Camera with a 360-degree overhead view takes out guessing what’s around the vehicle. In addition, the ClearSight Ground View opens a window to the terrain below to show what’s underneath the vehicle.
ClearSight is also found in the interior rear-view mirror by displaying live feed from the rear-mounted camera. This is especially handy when carrying tall cargo or tall people. As for entertainment, the Pivi Pro infotainment system is paired with the Meridian Sound System.
The Defender seats five although a 5+2 seating option is also available. The SUV’s rear boot offers 1,075 litres of space when using its full height. It can expand up to 2,380 litres with the seats folded flat and carry a payload of up to 900kg.
If you’re thinking of buying one, a Land Rover Heritage Watch worth RM2,288 comes with every Defender registered in 2021, while stocks last. This is to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the partnership between Sime Darby and Land Rover.
One last thing, the first batch of Defenders are booked, meaning it will take some time before yours arrives. Is it worth the wait?
