An Icon Reborn
Leisure Wheels|October 2019
Following what is surely the world’s longest teaser campaign, the new Land Rover Defender has finally been unveiled and it seems to deliver on the promise of staying true to the original yet being thoroughly modern and extremely capable off-road.
An Icon Reborn

The unmistakable silhouette is familiar yet new. Iconic in name, shape and capability, Defender can be personalised to allow owners to make the most of their world. Tested in the harshest environments on Earth, the new Defender is set to maintain this bloodline. Beside the peerless luxury and refinement of the Range Rover family and the highly capable and versatile Discovery SUVs, the new Defender completes the Land Rover dynasty. The 110 is just the start for this family of the most capable and durable 4×4s in the world, it will be swiftly followed by a short wheelbase 90 in 2020.

Driven by a passion and respect for the original, the new Defender delivers transformational breadth of capability and advanced all-terrain technologies to redefine adventure for the 21st century, while remaining true to the pioneering spirit that has been a Land Rover hinged rear tailgate and externally mounted spare wheel that make the original so identifiable.

The stripped-back personality of the original Defender has been embraced inside, where structural elements and fixings usually hidden from view have been exposed, with the emphasis on simplicity and practicality. Features include a dash-mounted gear shifter to accommodate an optional hallmark for 71 years.

A distinctive silhouette makes the new Defender instantly recognisable, with minimal front and rear overhangs providing excellent approach and departure angles. Land Rover’s designers re-envisioned familiar Defender trademarks for the 21st century, giving the new 4×4 a purposeful upright stance and Alpine light windows in the roof, while retaining the side central front ‘jump’ seat, which provides three-abreast seating across the front like early Land Rovers.

This story is from the October 2019 edition of Leisure Wheels.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2019 edition of Leisure Wheels.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.