Land Rover Defender ploughs on

22 August 2006

  • New engine and gearbox for famous 4x4
  • Updated cabin uses Discovery parts
  • Stereo now has tweeters too

07 Defender

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It's not often that a car manufacturer announces updates for a model that's nearly 60 years old.

Land Rover, though, is ringing the changes with its gritty Defender, introducing a new diesel engine, new six-speed gearbox, a more modern cabin and improved seating layouts.

The 2.4-litre diesel has the same 122bhp as the old 2.5, but it offers up to 44lb ft more pulling power for easier progress off-road. Fuel consumption and 0-62mph times are yet to be confirmed, but the overall top speed drops from 87mph to 82mph.

The new gearbox also has a lower first gear than before so, combined with the low-range transfer box, gives the Defender an even more effective crawl speed if things get super-sticky off-road.

A taller sixth gear aims to make things a little more refined on road as well, while a wholesale rearrangement and update for the cabin using parts from the current Discovery should make the robust 4x4 easier to live with.

The heating and ventilation system is improved, while dainty little tweeters are even added to the sound system of the famously no-nonsense off-roader.

The familiar 90, 110 and 130 formats are retained offering short, medium and long wheelbases to choose from. Seating layouts range from two seats in the Defender 90 to seven in the 110 which uses a third row of forward-facing seats. The sideways benches of the previous nine-seater have been dropped.

Prices for the new Defender, which will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, haven't been announced as yet, but they'll start above £20,000.