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Sixty years a Defender

The good old Land Rover, once the 4WD mainstay of the outback until the Japanese took control back in the 1970s, is still chugging along and, while it hasn't changed its overall appearance in 60 years, the Defender station wagon underwent some major changes last year that resulted in lower fuel consumption and increased towing capacity.

Not noted for being the swiftest of vehicles, the Defender has its admirers. Its overt and time-honoured ruggedness, plus an aluminium skin that makes it a durable option for those by the sea, a wading depth of 500m, and a box-section ladder-frame chasis build, have proven so.

Briefly, the principle changes to the Defender 110 are an all-new 2.4lt diesel engine and six-speed transmission; new facia and seating; and, all-new heating, ventilation and air-con system.

Starting with the donk, the Defender now has a 2.4lt common rail turbo diesel producing 360Nm of torque (with 90 per cent of peak power available from around 2200rpm to 4350rpm according to Land Rover). That is 20 per cent more torque than the superseded 2.5lt five-cylinder engine with power output remaining the same as the old model at 90kW. The new diesel is also Euro 4 emission standard compliant but is designed to also tolerate fuel with higher sulphur levels. Land Rover also said the new motor is 30 per cent quieter than the previous engine.

Coupled to the new powerplant is a six-speed transmission (up a gear on the old box) - which, according to the maker, is lighter and stronger for smoother on-road performance, quicker gear shifts and improved fuel economy - and dual-range transfer box.

Land Rover said the new gearbox also has a lower first gear that reduces crawl speed and combines with the extra torque to improve towing. For the record, the company says the Defender now has a 3500kg towing capacity with a braked trailer and 750kg for an unbraked rig.

The Defender 110 channels the power into a permanent 4WD drive system, through front and rear beam axles - with coil spring suspension and ABS brakes - and for maximum traction has a locking centre differential.

The maker's fuel usage tests show metro driving used 13.5lt/100km, giving the 110 some 550km from its 75lt tank. Country driving produced a respectable 9.5lt/100km for a range close to 800km and the combined urban-country figures averaged out to 11.1lt/100km for 675km.

Inside the Defender 110 is a new and more contemporary facia, and a new instrument cluster with LED illumination. The audio system is upgraded with new speakers and high-mount tweeters, with the facia also housing a new high-output heating, ventilation and air-con system.

The station wagon now has optional third-row folding seats bringing the accommodation to seven people, plus remote central locking and electric front windows.

While the bulk of the changes internal, a new exterior feature is the reprofiled bonnet now with a hump due to the taller engine installation. 

The 110 Station Wagon retails for $48,990, with the optional third row seats an extra $2000.

» Click here for the launch review of the Land Rover Defender