The embargo has lifted, the prices are out, and the new Land Rover Defender (should) arrive in South Africa in 2020. But what is it like to drive? International motoring media drove the iconic go-anywhere vehicle in Namibia.
We first laid eyes on the new Defender at its world debut at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show and were impressed by what we saw and touched in the new vehicle.
Land Rover is set to launch the four door Defender 110 in June 2020, while the short-wheelbase Defender 90 will arrive later in 2020. These launch dates might be adjusted due to the effect of the coronavirus on the motor industry.
New Land Rover Defender prices: how do its SA rivals compare in costs?
The automaker says that a range of petrol and diesel engines will make up the range, while, at launch, the range-topping model at launch will be a P400 straight-six petrol with mild-hybrid (MHEV) engine technology.
Trim levels for both bodies comprise the top of the range Defender X models, as well as Standard, S, SE, HSE specification packs.
Prices start at R948 000 for a 90 model with 177kW in D240 Standard trim and top out at R1 486 700 for a 90 294kW P400 X model.
This is what international motoring media thought of the new Defender after three days of driving in Namibia:
Top Gear
Carafection
CarAdvice