Land Rover Defender 90 (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. It is still about as good as you can get for off-road work, particularly with the short 90-inch wheelbase, 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.

The Defender's interior is still a mess despite an attempt to tidy it up in 2007. The large steering wheel dominates, steering column stalks can be traced back to the 1970s, and controls for most functions are found the the dashbaoard centre. High specification versions come with air conditioning, heated seats and electric windows. Switches for these - along with the CD radio - are the same as used in other Land Rovers. Some models also come with a Quickclear heated windscreen, although the door mirrors often remain frosty on cold days. The handbrake nestles almost under the driver's left calf and when released is in the firing line of the foot-well air vents. This means when the heating is on, the handbrake becomes hot.

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. The 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, plus a six-speed gearbox has been added. The new engine has a broader torque band and a higher maximum output than the old engine, while thanks to the six-speed gearbox, shows fewer revs 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, particularly this short-wheelbase 90 version, and better set up than most 4x4 rivals to tackle difficult terrain.