Land Rover Defender: For the ultimate Purist. Now with a new diesel engine.

Quick Take-outs

• Defender has received an upgrade to its diesel line-up with the introduction of the powerful D350 engine
• The new 3.0 litre six-cylinder twin turbocharged diesel develops 257kW and 700Nm
• Lightweight construction ensures improved fuel economy, while elevating overall performance
• A series of advanced technologies reduce internal friction, vibration and noise intrusion, contributing to improved refinement

The New Land Rover Defender. Pure Beast. Pure Power. Pure Comfort. Built for the Purist.

The Defender rolled into my driveway the other day and straight away my jaws dropped. I have driven many ‘big’ vehicles before, but this was in another class of its own. Whew! It has such a commanding presence and I could not wait to take it for a drive. When I did, the Defender just turned heads. It’s an absolute stunner and nothing like I have driven in my decade of Motoring and writing on vehicles. 

Upgrade

Defender has received an upgrade to its diesel line-up with the introduction of the D350 engine, replacing the D300. The new 3.0 litre six-cylinder twin turbocharged diesel automatic all wheel drive develops 257kW, an uplift of 36kW over the D300 it replaces. Peak torque has also increased by 50Nm to 700Nm.

The introduction of the D350 bolsters an engine line-up that is designed to meet stringent emissions standards, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. The lightweight construction ensures improved fuel economy, while elevating overall performance.

A series of advanced technologies reduce internal friction, vibration and noise intrusion, which contributes to improved refinement and enhanced driver and passenger experience.

Defender 130 introduced the optional Captain Chairs pack, which adds luxurious individual chairs for second-row occupants, providing ultimate comfort and spaciousness for rear occupants. Separated from each other by an aisle that gives elegant and effortless access to the third row, the second-row Captain Chairs are equipped with heating and cooling technology, bringing front-row comfort to those travelling in row two.

Another new addition was the Signature Interior Pack, which is available across all body designs - standard on Defender X and V8 specifications, and optional for Defender Dynamic HSE.

The Signature Interior Pack combines a comprehensive suite of upgrades to Defender’s interior across seating and trim finishes, for an even more distinctive environment.

What’s the Drive like?

Absolutely smooth and very comfortable. Slide the gear shifter into D and the Defender just glides away. All you hear is the smooth changing of gears and the diesel engine settles down to a very quiet purr. Everything is within reach when in the driver’s seat and the infotainment screen has all you will ever need for a great ride.    

The sliding panoramic roof is also another worthy addition. A full-size sliding panoramic tinted glass roof, designed to provide abundant light and space, plus high solar protection. But that’s not all. An electric sunblind extends for extra shade or privacy.

Black roof rails Roof rails facilitate easy fitment of cross bars for roof carrying. Pre-set positioning points ensure cross bars are fixed in optimum position for weight distribution and dynamics.

Infotainment

Meridian™ Surround Sound System British-based Meridian™ Audio are all about the musical experience – the very sense of being there. Their award winning, precision-engineered audio systems are built on a lifetime of research into psychoacoustics (the science of how the human brain perceives sound) to deliver a performance that is so true to life, you feel every beat, every breath.

A truly engaging, thoroughly authentic concert hall experience. Driver and passengers are enveloped in the fullness and clarity of an open, spacious performance through a set of side, front, rear and headlining speakers. And it’s all seamlessly integrated using 3D Trifield™ technology, so you can sit back and absorb every detail.

- 700W Amplifier Power

- 14 speakers and a dual-channel subwoofer

- Meridian Digital Signal Processing

- Meridian Cabin Correction

 

Exterior

In the front row, it provides 14-way electrically controlled seats with heating, cooling and memory functions, with supportive new winged headrests. In the second row, climate seats are fitted – with winged headrests on Defender 110 and 130 models. For those in the third row of Defender 110 and 130, heated seats ensure cold-weather comfort across the entire vehicle.

The luxurious Signature Interior Pack provides material upgrades for heightened tactility throughout Defender’s cabin, including Windsor Leather and KvadratTM seats, available in Ebony or Caraway/Ebony and New UltrafabricsTM available in Light Cloud/Lunar colourway.

About Defender

Defender embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern-day hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future.

 

Final Words

Janico Dannhauser, Brand Manager, JLR South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa, said: “The new D350 diesel joins our series of diesel engines that are known for their impressive power and torque output, especially considering their size and weight. The additional power and torque make Defender more engaging than ever, ensuring that everything from overtaking and towing, to tackling the most extreme off-road trails, is more effortless than ever.”

Price:

R2 288 898 (All inclusive)