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Defender gets much better

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Brand-new one-piece dash has better ventilation, Disco instruments
Brand-new one-piece dash has better ventilation, Disco instruments

The changes kick-in during 2007, and include a new 2.4-litre diesel engine offers increased torque and improved driveability while the new six-speed gearbox provides a lower first gear ratio, for better off-road control, and a high sixth gear for improved cruising refinement.

Inside the vehicle a new facia improves ergonomics, while new seating uplifts comfort for all occupants, from the four-seat Defender 90 to the five-seat 110 and 130 models.

A seven-seat Defender 110 is also available.

South Africa will get the new Defenders during 2007.

The Defender's new 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine gives higher torque than the outgoing engine right across the usable rev range, and the 360 Nm peak is delivered at only 2 000 r/min; over 315 Nm of torque is available from 1 500 r/min to 2 700 r/min.

Engine peak power output is 90 kW, with more than 90% of peak power available from less than 2 200 r/min to over 4 350 r/min.

Can use any diesel

The new engine is designed to be fully compliant with EU4 emissions legislation but can also use variable quality high-sulphur fuels.

The new GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox provides a much wider ratio spread than before; the lower first gear offers a reduction in crawl speed and combines with the engine's increased torque output to make towing on-road and off-road even easier.

Changes to the vehicle exterior have been kept to a minimum, with a revised bonnet profile the only clue to the new Defender's increased capability.

Inside the new facia is a single large moulding supported on a robust steel rail to help eliminate squeaks and rattles.

Instruments are rom Land Rover's Discovery 3 , while Improvements to ergonomics abound - for example, a new passenger-side grab handle provides robust, two-handed support during extreme off-road driving.

Two console options are available: a practical open-tray design that keeps contents to hand and a large, lidded design that provides an impressive 14-litres of stowage.


This bonnet bulge is the only difference from the outside

Much better seats

In-car entertainment systems have been upgraded, and there's an all-new heating and ventilation system.

Seating is also comprehensively improved. New, taller front seats are designed to improve back support and head restraint ergonomics.

Defender 90 Station Wagon second row occupants benefit from a pair of individual, full-size forward-facing rear seats.

Providing significantly increased comfort and space over the outgoing model, these seats are also available as a third row option on the 110 Station Wagon.

Seat trims include durable all-vinyl and cloth specifications; a half-leather option is also available to add a touch of luxury to the new cabin. Three-point safety belts are specified for all seating positions.

Upgraded sound insulation, the common rail engine's excellent combustion control and the significantly higher top gear all contribute to a substantial overall improvement in cabin refinement.

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