Defending The Hills

New defender 110 proves its mettle on a real-world camping trip in the high country.

- Matt Raudonikis

We've driven the new Defender a few times – a full test review from Fraser Stronach in the Summer 2020 edition, and our initial pre-vehicle launch drive from Africa back in March – but we wanted to see how the latest Land Rover fares on your typical long weekend away in the bush with some mates. That opportunity presented itself when our booking of a P400 Defender was perfectly timed with the easing of travel restrictions in Victoria and we were able to venture to the High Country.

The P400 was the only Defender available at the end of 2020, as the first batch of four-cylinder diesel models sold out instantly and the new six-cylinder diesel won’t be arriving until February or March. Travelling in the alps in a petrol-fuelled four-wheel drive with only a 90-litre fuel tank can pose a problem, but we felt we should be okay for a casual three-day trip.

The back of the Defender 110 wagon becomes massive once you fold the rear seats flat. They fold completely flat, giving a long load area with a couple of tie-down points at the sides of the rearmost section. There’s also a 12-volt point there, so our ARB fridge was strapped in and powered up; and swags, stretchers, chairs and other kit were easily accommodated with a strap to hold them in place. I even slept in there on a wet and stormy night.