The demise of the Old Defender left a gaping wound in the sides of many South Africans.
We have been eagerly awaiting the replacement – for years!
Some have been excited for the new modern model.
Others, like myself, have been dreading the move from the rugged utensil to the fancy handbag accessory.
Us Defender fanatics have been looking at the new model and comparing it to the old utilitarian model, and also to the soon-to-be-launched Ineos Grenadier.
The Grenadier looks set to take over from where the old Defender left off and continue the legacy of a tough, simple and mechanical workhorse for every environment.
The Grenadier and the old Defender even look alike.
Too alike.
When asked to drive the new Defender, I felt this churning in the pit of my stomach.
Would it be any good?
Being used to a mechanical beast I was worried about the heavy electronic replacement and was concerned, if not convinced, that I would not like it.
Who wants a super-computer in the bush? Give me spanners instead!
What follows is not an advertorial, it is a humble confession of defeat.
The new model, as far as I could tell on a short journey, is fantastic and I would buy one.
The driving position is great, the interior layout practical and well-suited to hard use and ease of cleaning.
The vehicle was not as glitzy as I expected.
The trimmings and design both inside and out were subtle and refined, and seem to be made from hard-wearing and flexible materials all well suited to off-road use.
The touch screen that gives you access to all controls is easy to use and the bulk of the 4×4 functions are push-button easy.
The exterior design is practical and the wheelbase is well positioned with great approach and departure angles, with the wheels right on the edge of the body.
We tested the “First Edition” model, and I think any more bells and whistles may have been too much.
The trimming was spot on, exactly what I would want in the ultimate all-rounder.
I have not seen the Defender-X, however it may be too fancy for an off-road vehicle.
The Landy we used was fitted with the D240 engine, which is a 2.0L twin turbo diesel, coupled to the Defender’s party-piece, its outstanding drive train system.
The vehicle was easy to drive, with a comfortable driving position and good visibility, the controls were all in reach and there was sufficient storage space.
The engine responded well and was really smooth.
It’s not a rocket ship, but for the intended purpose it is definitely fast enough and could easily leave the old model in a cloud of dust.
The handling and ride comfort were a surprise.
The air-suspension is fantastic and on road the Landy handles like a performance SUV.
Off-road, the terrain management system (engaged manually) does a great job of modifying the vehicle’s response and alters almost all of the characteristics of the vehicle, making it insanely capable.
It is without doubt the most comfortable, easy to use and capable off-roader I have ever used, and that’s comparing it against the old Defender, Land Cruisers, Prados and Pajeros.
I know this is a big claim.
I have had to eat buckets of humble-pie on this one, I was ready to pre-order a Grenadier.
Now I wake up early thinking about the Defender.
My only concerns are how well it will age being so electronic and how reliable it will be.
Only time will tell, so it would be unfair to judge that now.
Aftermarket upgrades will be a challenge when compared to the old model, as the monocoque chassis is not something that you simply bolt stuff onto.
However, Land Rover have taken this into account with some no-doubt costly attachments.
Now for the cost.
At R1.26 million the vehicle we tested is not cheap, however when compared to the new Land Cruiser, Prado or Pajero the price makes more sense – especially when you are getting a much more modern and, on paper, a more capable vehicle in almost every aspect.
From load carrying, to towing to functionality, I would say it is more capable.
When we handed the Landy back I was converted and I think most who drive it will feel the same way.
Land Rover have done a great job with the reincarnation of this legend.
I never expected to like it as much, and cannot hide it.
This past weekend I stopped a random stranger driving an old Landy in a car park and gave him my last pile of Defender spares.
I am afraid the old model is dead to me. Yes, dead!
Download The North Coast Courier mobile app, now available free from the Apple iStore and on Google Play, for IOS and Android phones.
