Alongside the Morris Minor, Rolls-Royce, the Mini and the Jaguar E-type, Land Rover’s Defender is, quintessentially, British. In its long history upon British soil (both off and on the road), the Defender has wrestled its way into our hearts.
It comes with no surprise that the manufacturer was somewhat hesitant to introduce an evolution of the ever-trusty machine; as the adage goes – ‘if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it’. However, having earned itself a prime place in British motoring history, it seems only fair that the Defender is awarded a transformation. The newest edition to the Defender breed will begin tearing up British soil early this year. Here’s everything we know…
Land Rover Defender New Design In 2020
As before, the Defender will come in the 90 3-door and 110 5-door options. Land Rover has done very well in combining the classic signature Defender style functions, such as the purpose-built short front and rear overhangs and squared-off characteristics. However, it has been executed in such a way that the new design brings it in line with the Velar and Discovery in terms of modernity. The rugged aesthetics matched with a revitalised curved sleekness means the newest strain of Defender continues to meet all visual expectations with indefatigable ease. It has blossomed from a rough-and-ready brawler to a more sculptured beefcake.
Darkness will be permeated by the round headlights atypical of the Defender, now powered by powerful LEDs. The Alpine lights also remain, however, Land Rover designers have cleverly designed the window frame to appear flush with the roof. Meanwhile, looking out the window from inside the belly, the depth of design intensifies the Defender’s thick protective muscle; you know you are in safe hands.
The offer of four completely different accessory packs (Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban) means your individual driving style and requirements are wholly catered to. Land Rover has gone above and beyond when it comes to finding the perfect fit for your adventures, going as far as providing the option of a purpose-built roof tent. Ultimately, the 2020 Defender edition will accomplish every consumer’s wishes and intentions.
The Interior Styling Of The Defender 2020
The focus on individualised personality and personalisation carries over into the interior styling of the Defender. Consumers have the choice of up to six seats in the 90 and seven in the 110. This has been made possible with the option of a middle seat between the driver and passenger in the 90; a design feature that nods to the Defender’s early ancestors. Rather than a central front seat, the 110 has two seats that pop up from beneath the boot floor.
The cabin has been manufactured in such a way that a central front seat is accommodated with ease; the control panel and eight-speed gear selector are integrated into the dashboard. Alternatively, for the 110, the Defender’s seat configuration makes space for a refrigerator compartment.
Speaking of the refreshed dashboard, though simplistic in comparison to it’s Land Rover sister models, is incredibly advanced in the context of the Defender. Drivers will enjoy smartphone mirroring through the 10” touchscreen infotainment system and a digitised instrument panel, while passengers can take advantage of the USB sockets integrated into the front seatbacks (positioned in a way that allows those in the second row to charge while using the optional tablet holders). Such attentive qualities convey how the invigorated Defender interior takes into consideration comfort as well as it does robustness saved for off-roading.
Driving The New Land Rover Defender
The experience of driving a Defender is unprecedented, and the new edition is no exception. Alongside the safety and semi-autonomous features expected of motoring in the 21st century, the Defender also owns off-road technologies, terrain response, wade sensing and all-terrain progress control (a more robust, low-speed version of cruise control).
Don’t let its new curvier physique fool you, the Defender has been built of the stiffest chassis yet. This has been combined with an upgraded suspension that employs the latest in technology. While this eliminates the jolts and strains from impacts on the road (or off-road, whatever the case may be), it’s steadfast rigidity stabilises the beast immediately; you are back on course no matter which speed or changes in direction – recovery is instant. The 2020 Land Rover Defender has been built for strength and composure. The Defender exceeds in both the delivery of power and precision. It utilises its strength and revamped technology, such as the redesigned adaptive dynamics, to provide a driving experience that is responsive in the most meticulous way possible.
The initial models will house either 296bhp four-cylinder and 395bhp six-cylinder petrol and 197bhp and 237bhp four-cylinder diesel engines. Each version is capable of delivering an average 37.2mpg and emit 199g/km of CO2. Land Rover will also release a plug-in hybrid edition later, which will bring a whole new meaning to the strong silent type while offering zero-emissions driving.
How Much To Buy A 2020 Land Rover Defender?
The most basic Defender 110 is ready for pre-order for £45,240, the more exceptional example, Defender 110 X, starting at £78,000. The smaller Defender 90 will join the range later in 2020 with a rough starting price of £40,000. Alternatively, leasing provides a very affordable option if you think a couple of years worth of Land Rover Defender is definitely for you. Click here to find the best lease deals on the new 2020 Land Rover Defender brought to you by cars2buy.