NEW DEFENDER, SAME SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE

Iconic cars have very loyal fan bases and they know what they expect from their favourite car. Launching a new variation or overhauling said icon altogether is a very risky thing to do, especially when that model has been a motoring legend for such a long period of time. Ever since that famous sketch in the sand by Maurice Wilks on Anglesey beach almost 75 years ago, the shape of the iconic Land Rover Defender has become one of motoring’s greatest and instantly recognizable the world over. Emission legislations and regulations mean that the original Defender was on borrowed time and when production stopped in 2016 Land Rover knew they’d have to come up with something to replace it.

The problem for Land Rover when they came to creating the new Defender was that it needed to be brought in to the 21 st Century with the latest technology and creature comforts yet be rugged and all conquering off-road like the original is. It also had to be iconic in looks yet bang up-to-date with sympathetic styling touches that hark back to what made the original Defender unmistakably a Defender. In 2020 they launched their new interpretation of what a Defender is all about.

With thoroughly modern yet conservative styling, the new Defender is discreet yet functional like the original. The boxy outline shape remains yet is curved in all the right places to create a contemporary take on a familiar outline. Styling cues such as the rear roof lights or ‘Alpine windows’ remain, as do the black front wing vents and chequer plating to the bonnet. The spare wheel is still hung on the back completing a similar side profile and the front and rear lighting, although very stylish and full LED, still retain a Defender familiarity to them.

Inside, it may now contain an abundance of technology and look almost opulent when compared to its predecessor, but the ruggedness and wipe-clean-ability still remain. With touchscreen controls, virtual dashboard, climate control, 3D parking assist, even wade sensing assist, the interior feels thoroughly modern and has many standard fit items that other cars would charge a premium for. Yet combine this with the woven textile to the seating, open pore timber beams and exposed screw heads, the Defender feels every bit built to tackle all the mud and dirt and off road excursion or family could throw at it, and then wipe or hose it down again.

There was a worry amongst the Defender faithful that using the latest technology and upmarket materials would get in the way of what a Defender is really all about, but the truth is it just makes the Defender a much nicer place to be. The car is still as accomplished and arguably better than any other road going vehicle out there when the going gets tough, yet the new model exceeds not just anything the original could achieve on road, but feels assured and very refined whilst doing it. Most modern SUV’s handle fairly well on the road, yet suffer horribly if you ask them to do anything more than handle a slightly leaf covered country lane, something that the new Defender takes in its stride. It never feels out of its depth whether climbing up a steep rocky incline or cruising down an A-road or twisty B-road, with a luxurious and well-built quality to the car. The abundance of technology, rather than seeming at odds to the on and off-road abilities of the car, assist unknowingly and with a reassurance that you already become used to having in other luxury vehicles. Land Rover seem to have pulled off a very clever trick by managing to create a car that can be rugged and all conquering when necessary, yet suitably luxurious, refined and well equipped for taking the family on a road trip.

Our 20/70 Land Rover Defender 110 X 3.0 P400 is finsihed in Eiger Grey metallic with contrasting Black bonnet and roof. Inside it features contrasting Vintage Tan and Ebony Windsor leather with an Ebony interior scheme. Being the ‘X’ model, this exceptional car comes with an extensive list of standard features already yet this example comes with an abundance of optional features to include 22″ Gloss Black alloy wheels, Country Pack, Privacy glass, Fixed side steps, 3-zone climate control, Cabin air ionisation, Cabin pre-conditioning with remote control, Electric deployable tow bar, URBAN spare wheel cover and more. This fantastic car is offered in exceptional condition having covered just 5,450 miles since new and comes with the remainder of a Land Rover manufacturer warranty until November 2023.