Honey, I shrunk the Defender...
Discussion
595Heaven said:
had ham said:
I'll end with a somewhat sensitive question - are you able to comment on the build quality? As a consultant in the Auto industry of some 25+ years, I'm cognisant of the less than perfect in-market quality performance of LR products, particularly as they have become increasingly complex in recent years - have Nitra and its' supply chain been able to address some of these shortcomings do you think? Will understand of course if you don't wish to comment.
Build quality? My 110 was one of the very first cars, and I have to say it was very impressive. No squeaks, and one rattle for the first 100 miles or so in the door that disappeared of its own accord. The A-Pillar capping made some noise, but this was a two-minute job to fix on the drive, and was updated for later cars. And that was it. Had masses of SOTA (Software Over The Air) updates, mainly to test the SOTA backend infrastructure, but this all happened seamlessly. I've probably had 15-20 JLR products and just one has ever needed Roadside Assistance.595Heaven said:
Stuff...
I take your point but about taking a hit somewhere... And having four full sized seats is great. But I just don't agree this is a suitable excuse for having a load area with seats folded that is so badly compromised.
Nearly every other SUV in that size range has a seat squab that folds fwd to give you flat area. A 90 with a spare wheel is almost exactly the length of a crv. Even the jimny folds flat at a fraction of the 90's size.
I don't want to carry sheep and hay, but I do want to carry dogs, suitcases, shopping bags, etc... All of the stuff I could do in my previous LR, CRV, X-Trail because I had a usable flat space with seats folded.
If I did a weekly shop in a 90, by the time I'd got home it would all be piled in a heap next to the door and because there is no lip, a strong chance of a lot of it falling out when I opened the door.
For the record, I do like them, but I'd be amazed if such a lack of practicality doesn't cost LR sales.
595Heaven said:
had ham said:
I think this looks wonderful, and I'm assured (from your thread and other, more direct, feedback) that the drive is very good both on and off-road. Love the colour and the wheels, but not sure about the gloss black external trim, although that just might be how it looks in the photos. Pricey, but not outrageously so. Just a very attractive vehicle and it will (is) sell very, very, strongly.
Mrs HH was equally impressed when I showed her your previous, and now this, thread. She has as a result decided that something like this one needs to be her next car - she was actually on the configurator last night trying to decide spec. She used to run 'rugged' 4x4s before converting to sportier and smaller cars when the kids all started to drive/get their own cars, but she now has a desire/need (we are sticks-dwellers) to get back into a 4x4 again. Nothing on the market has remotely interested her of late until this came along. So thanks, this could cost me
!
I'll end with a somewhat sensitive question - are you able to comment on the build quality? As a consultant in the Auto industry of some 25+ years, I'm cognisant of the less than perfect in-market quality performance of LR products, particularly as they have become increasingly complex in recent years - have Nitra and its' supply chain been able to address some of these shortcomings do you think? Will understand of course if you don't wish to comment.
Thanks for sharing, and enjoy!
My car was the first X-Dynamic I'd actually seen (still WFH), and the gloss black lowers and darker grey bumper inserts coupled with gloss paint (my 110 was satin) make it look very different in the flesh. Mrs HH was equally impressed when I showed her your previous, and now this, thread. She has as a result decided that something like this one needs to be her next car - she was actually on the configurator last night trying to decide spec. She used to run 'rugged' 4x4s before converting to sportier and smaller cars when the kids all started to drive/get their own cars, but she now has a desire/need (we are sticks-dwellers) to get back into a 4x4 again. Nothing on the market has remotely interested her of late until this came along. So thanks, this could cost me
! I'll end with a somewhat sensitive question - are you able to comment on the build quality? As a consultant in the Auto industry of some 25+ years, I'm cognisant of the less than perfect in-market quality performance of LR products, particularly as they have become increasingly complex in recent years - have Nitra and its' supply chain been able to address some of these shortcomings do you think? Will understand of course if you don't wish to comment.
Thanks for sharing, and enjoy!
Mrs HH has excellent taste
Build quality? My 110 was one of the very first cars, and I have to say it was very impressive. No squeaks, and one rattle for the first 100 miles or so in the door that disappeared of its own accord. The A-Pillar capping made some noise, but this was a two-minute job to fix on the drive, and was updated for later cars. And that was it. Had masses of SOTA (Software Over The Air) updates, mainly to test the SOTA backend infrastructure, but this all happened seamlessly. I've probably had 15-20 JLR products and just one has ever needed Roadside Assistance.
As for the 90, I've barely had a chance to drive it, but it was immaculate when I picked it up.
BTW - are there any discounts available via the Privilege (is it even still called that?) family and friends employee purchase scheme? If so, can I be your brother, briefly
?Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 4th March 15:03
I remember when the first Freelander was being developed. My brothers next door neighbour who worked at LR came home in a brand new Rav 4. We asked him why and he explained they had one to test and pull to pieces to help with the design process of the Freelander.
These look great as do the 110 in my opinion. They have the ability to look utilitarian and also luxurious depending on spec, colours etc. I believe from the various variants they are trying to offer a broad appeal. With reference to price have people seen the price of a base Corsa or Fiesta lately!
These look great as do the 110 in my opinion. They have the ability to look utilitarian and also luxurious depending on spec, colours etc. I believe from the various variants they are trying to offer a broad appeal. With reference to price have people seen the price of a base Corsa or Fiesta lately!
2Btoo said:
A quick glance at the Land Rover website says that the new Defender is available "From £44200". I don't know what you get for that but assume it's something with a completely plastic interior and a basic, rough-as-you-like diesel engine.
£44k is a LOT to spend on a car. By comparison it seems that a starter model 5-series is £39270 (BMW website), nearly 15% less.
LR is clearly setting it's sights a long way up-market and assuming it can charge accordingly. Forgive me for not rushing down to my local dealer (Lakeland LR in Torver) to trade in my two old Defenders as I simply can't afford it, and I doubt my fellow sheep-farming neighbours will be doing so either.
You can't compare a 5 series with a Defender!£44k is a LOT to spend on a car. By comparison it seems that a starter model 5-series is £39270 (BMW website), nearly 15% less.
LR is clearly setting it's sights a long way up-market and assuming it can charge accordingly. Forgive me for not rushing down to my local dealer (Lakeland LR in Torver) to trade in my two old Defenders as I simply can't afford it, and I doubt my fellow sheep-farming neighbours will be doing so either.
I've just specced a MINI Countryman ALL4 to nearly £40k so another £10k for a well specced Defender is IMO good value.
had ham said:
Many thanks for taking to the time to respond, and great to hear that it's all positive so far - here's hoping they've got it right! I look forward to future updates as and when they arrive, and watch with interest.
BTW - are there any discounts available via the Privilege (is it even still called that?) family and friends employee purchase scheme? If so, can I be your brother, briefly?
No problem!BTW - are there any discounts available via the Privilege (is it even still called that?) family and friends employee purchase scheme? If so, can I be your brother, briefly
?As to the discount... Cheers, bro
Mikebentley said:
I remember when the first Freelander was being developed. My brothers next door neighbour who worked at LR came home in a brand new Rav 4. We asked him why and he explained they had one to test and pull to pieces to help with the design process of the Freelander.
I suspect every OEM will have a competitor fleet, and many will also do teardowns, or buy into a tear down service. There are always things to learn...Tesla sold a lot of cars to other OEMs, and I remember seeing pictures of the Porsche R&D Zentrum with a couple of Jaguar I-PACE outside before Taycan came to market.
After 28 months I’ve finally said goodbye to the 90 and picked up its replacement…
Another Pangea Green 90 X-Dynamic HSE...
I didn’t choose the spec, and certainly would not have chosen the diamond turned wheels, nor the khaki interior, but I have to say both are really growing on me.
This is a 24MY so has improvements to the row 2 seat folding (now folds flat) as well as a manual tip and slide front passenger seat so ingress / egress for the rear is much much quicker.
Air suspension also help here as the car sits in access height which also helps loading Row 2
The bigger Pivi Pro screen is also much better than the original smalll one
Another Pangea Green 90 X-Dynamic HSE...
I didn’t choose the spec, and certainly would not have chosen the diamond turned wheels, nor the khaki interior, but I have to say both are really growing on me.
This is a 24MY so has improvements to the row 2 seat folding (now folds flat) as well as a manual tip and slide front passenger seat so ingress / egress for the rear is much much quicker.
Air suspension also help here as the car sits in access height which also helps loading Row 2
The bigger Pivi Pro screen is also much better than the original smalll one
Edited by 595Heaven on Saturday 12th August 08:00
Macron said:
28 months seems like a long time to have kept it, was that just how things have worked out for everyone with a JLR provided vehicle?
Was there any pressure to give it up during that time?
When we were owned by Ford, my wife would normally have one of their vehicles on the scheme. She’d get through three or four cars in a year. Was there any pressure to give it up during that time?
By the time I’d got back to my desk from swapping one, I’d have the email to order the next. Was actually quite annoying.
This was at the other end of the scale and by far the longest I’ve ever kept a car, but I wasn’t really too unhappy as I loved the 90. Priority was rightly given to supplying cars to customers.
I’ve not driven a 90 V8 but have spent a week or so in both a 110 and a 130 V8. The engine is just superb. Great noise, effortless waftiness and properly quick when you ask more of it. Wasn’t so keen on the range - I’ve got used to getting up to 600 miles from a tank of diesel but the V8 does a lot less…
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