LAND ROVER DEFENDER

Luxurious SUV in the streets, utilitarian off-roader where it counts

- SIMRAN RASTOGI

Type 1,997cc, 4-cyl turbo-petrol

Max power 300PS@5,500rpm

Max torque 400Nm@1,500-4,000rpm

LxWxH(mm) 5,018x2,105x1,967

OD Rating

Price ₹1.09 crore, on road Mumbai

+ve Looks and feels tough, superb ride and interiors, off-road tech

-ve Powertrain doesn’t feel effortlessly capable, it’s a guzzler, expensive

The Defender may not have the same illustrious heritage in India as it does internationally, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hit you with a primal urge to go explore, or find adventure, every time you look at its simple, rugged exteriors. Those urges, for most who buy it, will probably end up being satiated with a trip to the mall, or stretching further, to the farmhouse. But image is everything, and the Defender already has that battle won. Ordinary off-roader the Defender is not, clearly verging more towards a luxury SUV, with a versatile and beautifully crafted cabin that will put rivals to shame. Is the Defender the last word in capable, premium SUVs then?

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