RE: Order books open for all-new Defender 90
Discussion
I still think, given the pricing, there is space in the market for something short wheelbase and utilitarian, to fit in between this and the Jimny.
It might be too much of a niche though, given farmers mainly use pickups now, and the Shogun SWB wasn't selling that well - it was an ancient design mind.
Although in sales terms it is much more likely they build a new Freelander-type thing to fit under the Disco Sport (which I know was a Freelander replacement in itself, although a little more upmarket). It could be designed as a PHEV or EV from the outset. They could even build a solar powered Paris-Dakar version.
It might be too much of a niche though, given farmers mainly use pickups now, and the Shogun SWB wasn't selling that well - it was an ancient design mind.
Although in sales terms it is much more likely they build a new Freelander-type thing to fit under the Disco Sport (which I know was a Freelander replacement in itself, although a little more upmarket). It could be designed as a PHEV or EV from the outset. They could even build a solar powered Paris-Dakar version.
k about hosing the interior out 
prand said:
As you say, I think there's a few things that could be done after-market to make it more serious off road. I'd imagine you'd be able to add a fair few non-factory customisations by then to make it more suited to the environment you want to use it in.
For me, I'd be interested to see how it performs on road (mpg and comfort for long journeys) to take on camping trips in Europs, with a roof box or tent, the sort of useable space (the last few 90's had hopeless twin seats in the back that made the rear space really impractical)
However, as far as long distance touring is concerned, it will be absolutely exceptional if modern Discovery models are anything to go by. This new Defender uses the same type of independent air suspension but with a stiffer monocoque and a lower kerbweight. I love the soothing drive of modern LRs; most of their "sporty" German faux-by-four rivals can't hold a candle to it.
For camping with a family though, you'll definitely want the 110. The 90's boot depth (behind the 2nd row seats) won't accommodate more than a few bags of shopping by the looks of it.
ash73 said:
Clivey said:
...Land Rover really should offer the steel wheels in black as well...though that's something that could easily be done post-purchase.
It is, but then the car is modded and more expensive to insure.
It actually became cheaper through specialist insurers once I modified it. - Even with an agreed value and £thousands in modifications covered, it would only cost me about the same to insure as my wife's 320d if we did similar mileage!As an aside, I bet there are loads of people driving around oblivious to the fact their car's wheels were painted in a non-standard shade by the car's previous owner.
Even the military dont like Land Rover anymore. They are only good for going around Salisbury Plain etc because white hired Hilux's stick out a bit. They are too cramped for both personnel and stores. The radio fit versions are not big enough and eat into the power the engine produces withouth modifying the alternators and batteries on them. Its only because its spend money on F35, submarines, aircraft carriers or shiny tanks that they have not been replaced already. It wont be with the new Defender!!!
petop said:
Even the military dont like Land Rover anymore. They are only good for going around Salisbury Plain etc because white hired Hilux's stick out a bit. They are too cramped for both personnel and stores. The radio fit versions are not big enough and eat into the power the engine produces withouth modifying the alternators and batteries on them. Its only because its spend money on F35, submarines, aircraft carriers or shiny tanks that they have not been replaced already. It wont be with the new Defender!!!
Loggie by any chance? We haven’t bought any ‘shiny new tanks’ for quite some time..
Miserablegit said:
Quite a few of them still do but with so much plastic on display I can't see a new Defender being used in the same way. Old Defenders wear battle scars well and parts can be replaced cheaply. That will not apply to the new one. I haven't seen one in the flesh but there seems to be a lot of bodywork that can get mangled - there aren't any metal bumpers that I can see unless some of that "plastic" is actually metal
Yep, I just picked up a 2013 Defender at the weekend which is off to live on father-in-law's farm. They've got another which is used to carry teams of tractor drivers to contracting jobs and that's on 200k miles. It's probably had some work done (ahem, trigger's broom cliche at the ready) but still very much in service. Part of the appeal is the ability to go anywhere and also it'll serve as a troop carrier in nine seater form. Plus they look bloody brilliant, IMO.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff