Test: Land Rover Defender 110 D240 (2020) // Defender Becomes a Polite Gentleman (but Still a Hunter)
Content
It's hard for me to imagine how carefully Land Rover had to think about what would be the successor to one of the most famous and beloved cars of all time. First of all, I want to say that deciding whether the new Defender should only add a new chapter to its history or become an entirely new car was probably pretty darn difficult.
Traditional design said goodbye
The Land Rover Defender, although currently owned by Indian Tata and manufactured in Slovakia, is essentially still English. It is no secret that Great Britain in its former colonies is slowly but surely losing influence on the economies of these countries, which in many cases are also developing relatively quickly.
Therefore, there was a need, or rather a feeling, that the locals continue to support the former maternal crown with their purchases, which are much smaller. As a result, Defender lost its share of the markets that were once very important to it. Not that it was fatal, because it sold well at home, on the island, and in more "home" Europe.
Still, the old Defender, whose technical roots date back to 1948, felt like a foreigner on the cobbled roads of Europe. He was at home in the wild, in the mud, on a slope and in an area that most of us hesitate even on foot.... He was a citizen of deserts, mountains and jungles. He was a tool.
The decision that the new generation, which after a few years of interruption after the discontinuation of the production of the old model, will be adapted primarily for small buyers, is justified and logical, since it follows the good example of competitors. That something completely new cannot be made from a history several decades ago.If you don't leave it all behind, Mercedes (G class) and Jeep (Wrangler) learned about it about a year before Land Rover.
Thus, Land Rover completely redesigned and built its Defender. To begin with, I had to say goodbye to the classic rack and pinion chassis and replace it. new self-supporting bodywhich is 95 percent aluminum. For all those of you who are a little skeptical about this; Land Rover claims the Defender's body, designed with the new D7X architecture, is three times stronger than conventional SUVs and even stronger than the previously mentioned classic trellis frame.
The numbers also show that it's not all about words. Regardless of the version (short or long wheelbase), the Defender is designed with a payload capacity of 900 kilograms. It has a staggering 300kg roof load and can tow a 3.500kg trailer regardless of engine, which is the maximum allowed by European law.
Well, I also tried the latter during the test and pulled the wonderful Alfa Romeo GTV out of ten years of sleep to wake up. The Defender literally played with a mass of sleeping beauty and a trailer, with an eight-speed gearbox in which the gears overlap well and the long wheelbase plays an important role, partially offsetting the trailer's potential anxiety.
The complete transformation continues in the chassis. Rigid axles are replaced with individual suspensions, and the classic suspension and leaf springs are replaced with adaptive air suspension. Like its predecessor, the new Defender has a gearbox and all three differential locks, but the difference is that instead of the classic levers and levers, everything is electrified and can work fully automatically. Even the engine has nothing to do with its predecessor. The Defender under test is powered by an Ingenium four-cylinder 2-liter twin-turbo diesel engine producing 240 horsepower.
However, traditional values remain
Thus, the Defender is completely different from its famous predecessor from a technical and design point of view, but they still have something in common. This, of course, is about angularity. It's hard to find a more boxy or angular car. It is true that the outer edges of the body are beautifully rounded, but "squareness" is certainly one of the most recognizable visual features of this car. Even if you don't notice the body-colored square sideways, square exterior mirrors, square taillights, square LED daytime running lights and even a nearly square key, you can't miss the almost square proportions of the exterior.
The Defender, viewed from the rear, is almost as tall as it is wide, and the same goes for the length and height of the front end from nose to windshield. As a result, the Defender is also very transparent on all sides of the vehicle, and the driver can do anything that is obscured by the wide roof pillars with He observes the panorama of the surroundings on the central multimedia screen.
Everyone has to judge for himself whether he likes the exterior and interior image of the Defender, but something is true. Its look and feel is absolutely impressive, which is why those who want to be inconspicuous do not buy this car. I'm not saying that everyone likes it, but some of the older details (the walkway on the bonnet, the giraffe window at the thighs and roof ...) are very cleverly integrated into modern design approaches to provide an overview.
I mean, there's a good chance they'll be looking at the furry grandfather in the Defender rather than the fragile bride in the convertible at the intersection, including the look of the same young lady. Let anyone understand, but the Wrangler finally has a worthy competitor in this area.
Before I tell you what life is like with the new Defender, I tell everyone who has already decided on it that they will have to wait. Customers have reportedly already taken advantage of it, so you'll have to wait a few months, especially if you're going to mess around with the configurator a lot.
Better on the ground and on the road
Although from now on it is an extremely beautiful and chic SUV, the specifications indicate that it should perform well in the field. What's more, Land Rover claims the newcomer to the field is even more powerful than its plump and robust predecessor. In a basic chassis setting, it sits at 28 centimeters from the ground with a long wheelbase, and the air suspension allows the range between the lowest and highest positions to reach 14,5 centimeters.
For most, this information doesn't say much, but those with some experience in the field know that just a centimeter or two can make the difference in getting to the finish line at the end of the day or staying put. When overcoming ups and downs, you can expect a 38-degree front entry angle and a 40-degree exit angle. At the same time, you will be able to move at a depth of 90 centimeters for an hour without damaging any set. I mean, this is pretty serious field data.
Although the new model has little in common with its predecessor, the philosophy remains the same. So I haven't tested everything that the factory promises in the test. Although clad in a more fashionable body, there is no reason not to trust the claims of the plant, which has been making the most powerful SUVs for over 70 years.... However, in the vicinity of Ljubljana, I found some really steep hills and forest trails that I climbed and descended, and I was surprised at how easily the Defender overcomes obstacles.
The good news is that a particular part of its off-road potential can also be used by those with little experience in off-road driving.
System Terrain response namely, it is capable of recognizing the characteristics of the terrain you are driving and continually adjusting and modifying settings for drive, suspension, altitude, travel programs and accelerator and brake pedal response. I also liked the fact that on steep slopes when driving uphill, when I really only saw the treetops or the blue sky through the windshield, so I was driving completely blind, the center screen generated an image of the surroundings and everything in front of me. ...
Although I have been driving a private SUV for several years now, which is considered one of the most powerful in this area, I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the ease with which the Defender found itself slippery on descents. Of all he showed, the only thing that bothered me was that I had no idea about it because of the automatic regulation.which differential lock was active at some point, what was the height, how the brake pedal would react, and which wheel helped the most on the way to the finish line in this situation.
While all this information can be displayed on the screen in front of the driver, I would still prefer that all this information could also be derived from more "analog" indicators that require less attention. Of course, for anyone with experience of off-road driving, it is also possible to manually select or set different driving programs (sand, snow, mud, stones, etc.).
Four-wheel drive is one of the ones responsible for the most tangible differences between individual four-wheel drive vehicles, so it's time for a quick rubble "round" (I admit, I can't lose my temper) to get to know each other. it's a little more. If the Defender is nota handsome climber, tugboat and climber who does most of the work himself, but the long wheelbase, weight, and almost road tires do him no good. The Defender is no doubt one who prefers a moderately calm, but even slower cruise than a faster pace. And this applies to all bases.
There is no doubt that the Defender is an above-average off-roader in the field, and it also proves to be reliable on the road. The air suspension provides comfortable and almost imperceptible damping from bumps in the road, and the cornering lean is more pronounced than most SUVs with air suspension. The reason probably lies mainly in the height, since it The defender is almost two meters high. That's the same as the Renault Trafic, or 25 centimeters more than most SUVs.
It can be compared with the first generation of the standard spring-loaded VW Touareg in terms of its position on the road and its handling characteristics. But be careful, this is a compliment that embodies liveliness, long neutrality in corners (no nose and buttock leaks), indifference to dry or wet roads. Unfortunately, despite the progressive steering wheel, it loses some road feel. In all fairness, any search for sportiness or exceptional handling in the Defender wouldn't make sense. In fact, a luxury vehicle gives such an SUV much more comfort, and this is an area that is much closer to it.
Considering the weight of the car, 240 "horsepower" should be enough for all needs, even with a slightly more dynamic driving pace.... Acceleration and speed data confirm this, but with such a large and heavy body, the 2-liter engine simply cannot hide its four-cylinder origins. For a relatively small displacement engine to develop enough power to move a good two tons of mass, it must spin a little more, which means that the first major event starts at about 1.500 rpm or higher.
Therefore, starting and shifting from first to second gear is not as smooth and smooth as it could be with a large displacement and at least one (preferably two) additional cylinders. He does not hide such ambition, as it is obvious that the gearbox is also ready for larger, more powerful engines. It earned some criticism for the brakes, which at very low speeds have a hard time dosing the braking force gently enough.
Thus, stopping with short movements will be too abrupt, which may make the passenger think that you are not the most experienced driver. But the point is not at all about impressing the ladies, but in potentially really disturbing situations. That Alpha in the trailer didn't complain, but what if there was a horse in the trailer instead of Alpha ?!
Cabin – solid and friendly atmosphere
If the exterior is some sort of design masterpiece that proudly follows the story of its predecessor, I can't say the same for the interior. This is completely different, of course, much more prestigious and incomparably more luxurious.... Much attention has been paid to the choice of materials, which are mostly very durable to the touch. An exception is the scratch-sensitive rubberized box in the center console.
On the other hand, the door trim and dashboard are designed in such a way that all key switches, all vents and anything that could potentially be damaged or broken are safely hidden behind various handles and holders. A must-have feature for a cockpit, which can also include those who will not regret the Defender. The driver's cab and the center of the dashboard are of course digitized and, in terms of user experience, are very different from most other car brands.
I got used to all these basic operations pretty quickly, but I still had the feeling that it would take a very long time for all the functions and options to become simple and intuitive.
As befits such a setting of the machine, there is almost nothing that is not in the Defender... The seats are comfortable, without chairs, without pronounced side supports, which will definitely help increase relaxation. The setting is combined, partly electric, partly manual. I can't get past the large sliding panoramic skylight. Not only because this is the first thing I would pay extra for any car, but also because it is really useful in this case too.
Even at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour or more, there is no annoying drum roll and roar in the cabin.... The sound generated by the modern audio system is especially pronounced in the large and spacious cabin, and the ease of connecting to a mobile phone and then using all the functions associated with this connection is also commendable.
Those of you who can't live without smart devices and other devices that need to be recharged from time to time will surely get their money's worth in Defender. It has a whole range of connectors, from classic via USB to USB-C, and they can be found on the dashboard (4), in the second row (2) and in the trunk (1). By the way, the trunk is, as it should be for a car with such a large carrying capacity, a large useful box in size and shape. Vrata are traditionally single-winged, and behind them hides everything from 231 (in the case of three types of seats) to 2.230 liters of usable volume.
Also interesting is the interior rearview mirror, which, in addition to the classic reflection, also has the ability to look through the camera. When switched, the image generated by the camera installed in the roof aerial is displayed over the entire surface of the mirror. I'm not entirely sure if I like the digital look of the car more than the classic reflection, and this is mainly because looking from the road to the screen requires a certain mental leap. Most of the passengers were delighted with this, but I see the point especially for those who would otherwise be bothered by the spare tire when looking back or if the trunk is filled to the brim with luggage or cargo.
To summarize, the impressions left by Defender I have to admit that in many ways this is an amazing car that I would love to see in my backyard for a while. Otherwise, I doubt that over the years it will prove to be as reliable and indestructible as its predecessor, so (and also because of the price) we most likely won't see it in almost every African village. However, I am convinced that it will simply not be possible to destroy it on asphalt and gravel roads, where most owners will take it.
Land Rover Defender 110 D240 (2020)
Basic data
| Sales: | Avto Aktiv doo |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 98.956 € |
| Base model price with discounts: | 86.000 € |
| Test model price discount: | 98.956 € |
| Power: | 176kW (240 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 9,1 with |
| Maximum speed: | 188 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 7,6l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | The general guarantee is three years or 100.000 km. |
| Systematic review | 34.000 km / 24 |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 1.256 € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 9.400 € |
| Tires (1) | 1.925 € |
| Loss of value (within 5 years): | 69.765 € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 5.495 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 8.930 ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | € 96.762 0,97 (km cost: XNUMX €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - turbodiesel - longitudinally mounted at the front - displacement 1.998 cm3 - maximum power 176 kW (240 hp) at 4.000 rpm - maximum torque 430 Nm at 1.400 rpm - 2 camshafts in head (chain) - 4 valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - exhaust gas turbocharger - charge air cooler. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine drives all four wheels - 8-speed automatic transmission - 9,0 J × 20 wheels - 255/60 R 20 tires. |
| Capacity: | Performance: top speed 188 km/h – 0-100 km/h acceleration 9,1 s – average fuel consumption (NEDC) 7,6 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 199 g/km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | SUV - 5 doors - 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, coil springs, three-spoke cross rails, stabilizer - rear axle, coil springs, stabilizer bar - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc brakes, ABS, rear wheel electric parking brake (switch between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 2,8 turns between extreme points. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 2.261 kg - Permissible gross vehicle weight np - Permissible trailer weight with brake: 3.500 kg, without brake: 750 kg - Permissible roof load: np |
| External dimensions: | length 4.758 mm - width 1.996 mm, with mirrors 2.105 mm - height 1.967 mm - wheelbase 3.022 mm - front track 1.704 - rear 1.700 - ground clearance 12,84 m. |
| Inner dimensions: | longitudinal front 900-1.115 mm, rear 760-940 - front width 1.630 mm, rear 1.600 mm - head height front 930-1.010 mm, rear 1.020 mm - front seat length 545 mm, rear seat 480 mm - steering wheel diameter 390 mm – fuel tank 85 l. |
| Box: | 1.075-2.380 l |
Our measurements
| T = 21 ° C / p = 1.063 mbar / rel. vl. = 55% / Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero Allseason 255/60 R 20 / Odometer status: 3.752 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 9,3s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 13,7 years ( 129 km / h) |
| Maximum speed: | 188km / h (D) |
| Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: | 9,4 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 70,9m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 42,6m |
| AM table: | 40,0m |
| Noise at 90 km / h | 57dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h | 64dB |
Overall rating (511/600)
Anyone who seduces a new Defender will agree to get an address in one of the elite residential neighborhoods, not off-road and unknown. The defender has not forgotten his history and still owns all the field skills. But in his new life, he seems to prefer a gentleman. After all, he deserves it too.
Cab and trunk (98/110)
Undoubtedly, a cockpit for everyone. Both the driver and the passenger. Seniors will find it more difficult to climb, but once inside, feelings and well-being will be exceptional.
Comfort (100
/ 115)There is no room for slippage in this price range. Except in the case of the Defender, who is ready to forgive him a little.
Transmission (62
/ 80)A four-cylinder engine, regardless of power, in such a large body and with such a great weight, can serve primarily for solid, dynamic and lively movement. However, for more joy and wellness, you will need a top hat or two. The power can remain the same.
Driving performance (86
/ 100)The air suspension guarantees driving comfort. On the other hand, due to its mass, higher center of gravity and large tire cross-section, the Defender cannot resist the laws of physics. Those who are in no hurry will definitely like it.
Security (107/115)
Active and passive safety is absolutely present. The only problem could have been the driver's self-confidence. In Defender, the latter never ends.
Economy and environment (58
/ 80)Thrift? In this class of cars, this is still too much of a challenge, which Defender makes up for with many other advantages. It's not just about money.
Driving pleasure: 4/5
High seats in a prestigious atmosphere, silence in the cabin, modern audio system and a sense of spaciousness will immerse you in a unique driving trance. Unless, of course, you are in a hurry.
We praise and reproach
appearance, appearance
field capabilities and specifications
feeling in the cabin
ease of use and spaciousness of the interior
lifting capacity and tractive effort
equipment, audio system
synchronization of engine and transmission
dosing braking power (for slow movements)
sliding floor covering in the trunk
tendency to wear (scratches) inside
