The Land Rover Defender has been reborn as a mainstream model for the global market — think the capability from the iconic original, paired with streamlined design. It’s a beast! Yesterday, Land Rover launched its new Defender in South Africa, so the SUV of SUVs makes its return and it looks sleek.
What makes this model another for the ages is the implementation of new tech into an older mentality. It’s still a powerful off-roader aimed at traversing just about any terrain, just like its predecessors. The Defender is iconic for a reason and, just when we thought Land Rover couldn’t outdo itself, it releases another capable machine in the form of the new Defender.
As it happens, we have local pricing. The thing is, the new Defender can be specced completely to user’s needs, with an array of accessory packs that can be fitted. The price, obviously, will vary. Starting price on the base model Defender is R996,600, with the First Edition coming in at R1,260,600 and the Defender X from R1,574,500.
Dive into the details
The new Defender features a wading depth of 900mm, which is more than enough for Sandton’s potholes and Durban’s swamps. Its new Terrain Response system features a wading function that allows drivers to see everything in the surrounding environment through a variety of cameras and sensors mounted around the vehicle.
Its Terrain Response system also gives drivers the ability to switch the off-road menus and see what each component of the drivetrain and tyres are doing at any given moment. No-one can doubt its 4×4 capabilities either, because the Defender can easily climb a gradient of up to 45°.
Of course, you’ll get an active e-differential and traction control as standard, with the option to specify optional air suspension with a self-levelling function.
The new Defender is quite a sight to behold. It has lost some of the blocky Defender charm in exchange for a more curved, modern look, bringing in features similar to the Discovery line. But it’s clear that this machine is made for travelling anything but tar with ease, with enough space to stock up for the apocalypse and enough luxuries to do it all in style.
Head to the Land Rover SA website and play around with your ideal specs and accessory packs. This works, even if your banking app is secretly empty. It’s nice to dream, after all.
