TEST DRIVE

LAND ROVER DEFENDER TEST DRIVE DEFENDER LAND ROVER WORDS BY MORVETH WARD

This month, courtesy of Carrs Jaguar Land Rover, Morveth Ward takes on what must be one the most recognisable vehicles on the planet, the Land Rover Defender

Reviewing the Defender is something I’ve people recognise over and above any other been very much looking forward to. It was one model. If Land Rover got the new Defender of the most highly anticipated vehicles of this wrong, it would bring a blip in the iconic reign century and it certainly was for me, especially that could have proved disastrous for not only being an owner of an the Defender, but the entire range. ‘old’ Defender, which It was the model that gave Land coincidentally came Rover the reputation for producing from Carrs (Riders as it was then) new. It’s still more hardy all-terrain vehicles – this and its iconic shape and character is Without being too than just a vehicle why people love it. smart about it, the new and will no However, the replacement didn’t Defender was what I was expecting. I was doubt remain an mean making something as utilitarian as the old one. To me confident that Land Rover would produce a institution I was under no illusion that true utilitarian bias, which dictated a great vehicle here, with basic and rugged feel that bounces there being so much you along country lanes with the at stake. From the first refinement and luxury of a garden Series One in 1948 to the last of the old-style shed, was now a thing of the past – things Defender’s in January 2016, this has been the have moved on and there is no need for that model that has defined the brand, the one level of compromise anymore. However, the bi-product of the nature of the predecessor is that it achieved ‘character’ that made it unique. Recreating this was always going to be one of the toughest challenges for Land Rover – and doing so whilst leading the way with a more modern vehicle that understands the present market demands – the question then, is whether Land Rover has succeeded in this?l I think so.

The design is of course subjective, but I think it has unmistakable reminders of its heritage in the aesthetic: the true boxy-ness has been blunted but is still present, but features such as the side-hinged tailgate, lights, alpine roof windows etc all hark back to the original. The interior was always a laughing point on the old Landy, being an afterthought, thrown together and very basic (but it did serve its purpose, just). The new Defender is incomparable in this department, being luxury, spacious and loaded with tech – there are just a couple stylised hints

of the old, including exposed bolt heads in places and the long bar across the top of the dash. It does have some of the practicalities, too, with rubber matting throughout, so you can still hose it out. Land Rover has tried to strike a balance between modern and original and whilst the bias is towards the former, I think they’ve achieved this. It looks striking and individual. I was surprised at how many people were turning their heads to have a look and questioning me about it.

The next challenge was making sure that it lives up to the do anything, go anywhere reputation. Afterall this was what the original Land Rover was built for – a versatile allterrain vehicle. Fundamentally it’s a very different machine, but with the same brief in mind. Whilst the old Defender has a mechano-like set-up with a ladder chassis and separate body, the new Defender has an aluminium monocoque arrangement. Crucially, it is truly capable off road and comes with features such as mechanical locking diffs as well as an abundance of electronic aids, making for exceptional grip. Then there is the ground clearance which can be raised (on air suspension models) to 11.5 inches and has the wheels on the corners, meaning you can take very steep ascents/ descents. Oh, and it’s good at wading through water, too. The on-board technology further aids with its off-road ability, with settings to optimise the vehicle according to the terrain and underside cameras so you can see what is beneath you. So, for off-road capability it is a big tick! And here’s the amazing thing, you now have the best of both worlds, as it drives incredibly well on the road (something that couldn’t be said before): smooth, refined and solid feeling, with a great choice of engines (and a hybrid on its way). I think it drives very similar to a Discovery.

The only thing that has been lost, which is quite important to some, is that the new Defender is no longer the easy-to-work on, fix it yourself puzzle of pieces that it used to be. The reason there are such a high number of Land Rover series / Defenders still on the road is because they are cheap and easy to fix. If you knock a wing mirror off in the woods, you buy a new one for £20 and fit it yourself. Even when your Landy gets to 30 years old and the chassis has rusted through – you buy another chassis and replace it. This is why the old Land Rover’s will still outlive the new ones. However, the old Defender will continue to serve that purpose, whilst the new one is perfect for the huge market of adventurers and outdoors loving people, that want something fun, loveable and uncompromising.

In summary, whilst wildly different from the predecessor, the essence of the Defender is still well and truly alive in a vehicle that is now highly capable off road, but also equally on road. It’s still more than just a vehicle and will no doubt remain an institution.

Prices start from around £45k, though the one as tested here is a First Edition 110 with many extras and costs around £65k. Extras on the model tested, include the explorer pack, which is the roof rack, snorkel and side panier, amongst other things. The 110 (long wheel base) is out now and the 90 (short wheel base) is available to order. Carrs, Scorrier have demonstrators in, so you know where to go if you think the Defender is for you. Afterall they are the perfect versatile vehicle for Cornwall and look epic!

Contact: Carrs Land Rover Cornwall Business Park West, Scorrier | 01872 305986

The model that gave Land Rover the reputation for producing hardy all-terrain vehicles