Now able to trace its roots back 60 years, the Land Rover Defender is perhaps bar Bernie Ecclestone the automotive industrys greatest survivor. Even the recent rise in popularity of so-called soft-roaders has seemingly been shrugged off nonchalantly. What about the green lobby? Pah its more often than not a Defender that gets them out there deep into nature in the first place! Safety? Puh-leeze, a real man cares more about diff-locks than airbags, doesnt he? So what are the reasons for its ongoing popularity? And will the latest round of updates be enough to extend its lifespan by another ten years or so. After all unstoppable off-road prowess or not one senses the inevitability of a death knell must surely happen sooner rather than later?
Land Rover Defender is grand daddy cool
In its latest guise, the Land Rover Defender looks well, like a Defender. Land Rover is very much aware that the iconic appearance plays a big role in the vehicles success and has wisely not messed with it. The design is purely utilitarian exposed hinges, very little deformable plastic, and not even a nod to aerodynamic considerations of any sort. In 110 SW guise it displays more than a hint of military purpose, too, which will appeal to some potential customers. But while its looks has been kept the same partly because Land Rover knows that customers want it this way, because it looks cool and reflect well on them, the design is also very purposeful.
Standing more than 300 mm off the ground on generously side-walled all-terrain tyres, the Land Rover Defender immediately looks well-suited to clambering over obstacles. The lack of modern safety improving bumpers also means the approach and departure angles are good. In fact, with an approach of 48,7 degrees there isnt much that this Defender wont be able to (at the very least) get its grip on. Its design also results in it being given a 45 degree gradient rating, 149,7 degree break-over angle and a full 500 mm wading depth. These are not the specifications you see very often in modern-day press releases and if they excite you then this Landy is very possibly the car for you.
Its very much the same story inside. The cabin is surprisingly snug for such a large vehicle. In fact, shoulder room in particular is limited. Even the so-called stadium-seating (which sees each subsequent row of seats placed slightly higher for better outward visibility) ends up compromising head room for those in the rear. Occupant comfort was clearly not the highest priority. The steering wheel cant be adjusted at all, for example, and the ergonomics are clearly the result of years of adding-on items, rather than a clean-sheet design. And yet, most Land Rover Defender owners wont have it any other way. Theres a sense of purpose to each element of the Defender that transcends such fripperies as human-machine interface (HMI) design. After a few days behind the wheel you dont even mind the shiny hard plastics and clumsy primary controls. In fact, these items become part of the charm, because they force you to bond with this incredible machine.
The oily bits
The clumsy primary controls have already been mentioned but need further explanation. The steering is of an old-fashioned worm-and-roller type design and lacks the feel, precision and speed of modern rack-and-pinion systems. The clutch pedal is stiff. The brake pedal feels wooden (though there is ABS in the background). And the gearshift is very mechanical and the throws are long. As a result of all of the above, the Land Rover Defender is not a car that one can drive absent-mindedly. It demands your constant attention, a trait that plays a big part in the vehicles undeniable charm and personality.
In its most recent heart transplant the Land Rover Defender received a Ford-sourced 2,4-litre turbodiesel engine. If youre reading this and thinking refinement and performance, think again The engine is noisy and theres significant lag, so have to use that gearshift very often to keep momentum going. This Defender model weighs over two tonnes, so it was never going to be a good sprinter, but even so this Landy feels lethargic. Expect to spend a lot of time looking at oncoming traffic when attempting overtaking at anywhere over 100 km/h. In fact, if youre thinking of primarily buying an SUV as a long-distance family car with occasional off-roading in the mix once youve arrived, cross the Land Rover Defender off the list right now. Along with its lack of grunt and limited refinement, the ride is also rather harsh, with suspension movements not being terribly well controlled.
If, however, youre looking for a vehicle that will primarily be used off-road, then this is the car for you. The tougher the conditions, the seemingly better suited the Landy becomes. With four-wheel drive and the centre diff-lock engaged, the Land Rover Defender just crawls over most things in its way.
Land Rover Defender – Verdict
Its hard, at first drive, to understand the appeal of this vehicle. It is undeniably excellent at what it does best, but heavily compromised at what most people will use it for. One can only speculate that a large proportion of Land Rover Defender buyers these days want a vehicle that broadcasts to others that its driver is a typical Camel Trophy type of man. In other words, it appeals as much because of its ability, than what it says about its drivers lifestyle. And these days thats more important than ever before. Expect it to stick around for a good few years more
We like:
- Classic looks
- Go-anywhere ability
- Charm
We dont like:
- Uncomfortable, aged interior
- Lethargic performance
- On-road refinement
Fast facts
Engine: 2,4-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel
Power: 90 kW @ 3 500 rpm
Torque: 360 Nm @ 2 000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Wheels: 16-inch alloy
Top speed: n/a km/h (135 km/h est.)
0-100 km/h: n/a seconds (20 sec est.)
Fuel economy: 11,0 litres/100 km
Source: www.um.co.za
Also consider:
- Toyota Fortuner 3,0 D-4D 4×4 : Massively popular and not without reason. The Fortuner promises great durability in addition to a seven-seat cabin, excellent off-road ability and a far more modern, comfortable cabin. Not without its flaws, but exceptionally well-suited to local lifestyles.
- Toyota Land Cruiser 70 SW: If the Fortuners modern conveniences do not appeal to your macho preferences, then consider the Landcruiser 70-series. Not quite as old-fashioned as the Land Rover Defender, but similarly simplistic, the Toyota is also likely to go on forever.
- Hummer H3: OK, lets assume youre interested in the Land Rover Defender as much for what it reflects about you, than what it is really capable of. In that case, the Hummer is a strong contender, looking all macho and unstoppable and boasting a whiff of military cred. But its far more modern than the Landy, and far more comfortable as well.
