Land Rover Defender 110 (07 on) - Review

Depending on what sort of cargo you need to carry - whether people, goods or a few livestock - there is probably a Defender that fits the bill. Versions of the 110 (named after the length of the wheelbase in inches) can be chosen with up to seven seats, or with just the seats in the front. Seven-seat versions of the Station Wagon have forward-facing rear seats instead of side-facing seats on earlier versions of the Defender. The Hard Top and Pick Up are the two seat versions and come with a vast covered load area. There is also a five-seat double-cab Pick Up and five-seat Station Wagon. All versions of the 110 have a maximum payload of more than 1000kg, and are capable of towing trailers/caravans weighing up the 3500kg. Cargo bed length varies depending on the version chosen, but even the Station Wagon with five seats in place there is more than a metre's length, although the width of the tailgate on this model is rather narrow.

The Defender is not available with airbags, but does come with anti-lock brakes and traction control. Pick Up versions are offered with canvas covers for the load areas, compromising security. Alarm and immobiliser are available.

List prices are very high, considering the Defender is built very simply and the basic design has hardly changed since 1948. If you're comparing with other passenger 4x4s, cars like the Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Shogun are just about as capable, are easier to live with and cost much less. Likewise if you need a pick-up truck or double-cab, others do similar jobs for cheaper. However, the Defender retains its value very well.

Designed to keep running in the harshest conditions, the Defender should prove reliable, although Land Rover's reputation in this area is not as strong as its Japanese rivals. Other parts of the car seem robust. The engine has been designed to run on poorer quality diesel available in remote areas of the world if necessary.