Why did the look of the new Defender have to mark such a steep break? Why have we not followed the example of the Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes G-Class, which are modern vehicles but retain the iconic allure engraved in the collective unconscious? Whatever Land Rover's answer, it will never satisfy Defender lovers, and there will have to be a reason. However, believe us: the new Defender has a sacred stature when you see it for real, and even an undeniable charisma.
On board, despite a general design and plastics that are still quite raw, the omnipresence of electronics breaks the "tough adventure" atmosphere that was previously associated with the model. But if we put aside the emotional aspect, we only find good. Because although endearing, the old Defender was anything but comfortable. Here is the end of the untenable driving position for hundreds of kilometers. The new Defender is spacious for 5, 6 or 7 people (depending on version and configuration), it is finally - well - soundproofed, and its equipment will convince a wider clientele. His equipment "potential" at least because the list of options is endless.
From the basic short Defender (€ 49,900) to the fully equipped long Defender, the price varies from single to double, and more! Basically, the Defender is the link between the high-end Jeep Wrangler and the low-end Mercedes G-Class.
Different feeling
We tried the Defender with the largest engine available: a 6-cylinder turbo petrol 400 horsepower, very pleasant, smooth, responsive, and with a nice voice. But 400 horses in a Defender, is it really necessary? Yes, if the towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes is used regularly. Otherwise, the 2.0 diesel 240hp (which also exists in 200hp) or the 2.0 petrol 300hp (if you are friends with the pump attendant) are quite sufficient. All these engines are automatically associated with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is also very pleasant.
The good news is that on the road, in addition to being stable, comfortable and secure, everything that was not the old Defender, the new retains this 4x4 feeling that distinguishes it from a "simple" SUV. It is certainly less authentic in what it transmits than a Jeep Wrangler, but it comes back to positioning: for some, the Jeep is just a little too "authentic". Those whose ego was not flattered enough by the American will therefore feel more at home in the Defender. Good game !
And off-piste?
In all-terrain conditions, it is incredible, infinitely better in crossing than the old Defender which, it must be said, was largely exceeded. Record specific angles, ground clearance of almost 30 cm (if optional adjustable pneumatic suspensions), latest generation Terrain Response, two differential locks… The tools are at the top, and between the Defender and the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, both best 4x4 of the moment, there is a match.
Despite everything that has changed, the Defender therefore remains faithful to its extraordinary adventurer DNA, while now being more able to assert itself in beautiful neighborhoods. Let's just hope that by doing so, he will steal sales from classic SUVs, rather than his Land Rover or Range Rover brothers…
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Land Rover 110 P400 in figures
- Engine: 6 cyl. diesel, turbo, 2,996cc; 400hp at 5,500 rpm; 550Nm from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm.
- Transmission: to 4 wheels.
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic.
- L / W / H (mm): 5.018 / 2.008 / 1.167
- Curb weight (kg): 2.361
- Boot space (l): 1.075 - 2.380
- Tank (l): 90
- 0 to 100 km / h (sec.): 6.1
- Maximum speed (km / h): 191
- Combined consumption (l / 100 km): 11.2
- CO2 (g / km): 255
- Price (€): 69.400
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