Land Rover Defender 110 (07 on) - Review

The Land Rover was invented in 1948, and despite several refreshes over the years, its antiquated origins are still obvious. Significant changes were made in 2007, swapping the old Land Rover Td5 five-cylinder turbodiesel for a Ford Transit-sourced diesel engine and six-speed gearbox. The interior has also been given a facelift, with switches from the 2006 Freelander. Still about as good as you can get for off-road work, but prices are pretty steep. Commercial versions of other 4x4s are available for less cash, although the Defender range is very broad and has a variety of flexible body styles.

Using objective standards, the Defender's interior is more utilitarian than most modern commercial vehicles. However, the 2007 model is much improved over previous versions. Instruments and controls are those found in other Land Rover models, more efficient vents but otherwise it will be familiar to anyone who has driven an older Defender. You sit extremely high, and there isn't a great deal to adjust to ensure you're comfortable. Taller drivers may find the seat doesn't travel back far enough, and there is no adjustment to the steering wheel. Door mirrors are adjustable only by hand and while the dashboard switches and controls have been updated, the awkward handbrake situated off the transmission tunnel next to the driver's left leg remains. Visibility is not bad although Hard Top and Utility Pack-equipped versions of the Station Wagon have panel van-style rear quarters compromising the view.

The Defender is still very much a tool - something most people would need to use rather than choose to use - despite significant improvements in the way it drives. Biggest changes surround its new engine. The old five-cylinder engine has been replaced with a four-cylinder engine also used in the Ford Transit, and a six-speed gearbox has been added. The new engine has a broader torque band and a higher maximum torque output than the old engine, and thanks to the six-speed gearbox shows fewer rpm at high speeds. You can now have a conversation on the motorway at 70mph in the Defender without resorting to bellowing at each other. Engine noise, while still intrusive, is less of a problem than in the old model. The Defender is a tall, narrow vehicle, so a degree of caution is necessary when cornering at speed. Off road the Defender is still exceptional, better set up than most 4x4 rivals to tackle difficult terrain.