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Defender adds some X-factor

X-FACTOR?: When the media images of a new Defender are taken on a paved road, in front of a graffiti wall, it tells you all you need to know about the new X-Tech...
X-FACTOR?: When the media images of a new Defender are taken on a paved road, in front of a graffiti wall, it tells you all you need to know about the new X-Tech...
As Land Rover’s iconic Defender range nears the end of its lifecycle the predictable flow of limited edition models have transpired.

The Fire & Ice limited edition Defenders had Land Rover traditionalists aghast when they were launched during 2009 and now there is a new low volume Defender on offer – the X-Tech.

Pretty paint and mud-plugging wheels...

Although what this new Defender’s defining ‘x-factor’ is remains unclear, but you do get a silver surface finish contrasted by a black roof and wheel arches.

Those black wheel arches house unique 16-inch ‘Saw Tooth’ alloy wheels rolling proper off-road specification Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tyres too.

Inside things remains rather awfully packaged ergonomically, yet the new ebony seat and side bolster finish is sure to appeal to Defender owners with an eye for interior design – we think.

Mechanically X-Tech remains unchanged from its regular siblings. In fact, what the ‘tech’ part of its name suggests is a mystery.

Ford’s 2.4-litre turbodiesel still drives a six-speed manual transmission with 360Nm of torque to a transfer case and lockable centre-differential. Class leading approach and departure angles are a given and (thankfully) a brake intervention modulated traction aid acts when neccesary on the rear axle.

Due to go on sale in March 2011, the X-Tech limited edition package will only be available in the Defender 90 hardtop configuration.  

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