(continued from above)
Following a major upgrade in 2007 which included a new facia and six-speed
manual transmission, the Defender's specification has been further improved for
2012. In addition to the existing 'S' and 'SE' trim levels, there are five new
option packs, new alloy wheels, ventilated discs on all variants and a number of
detail improvements to the interior. Three speed-limiting options will also be
offered to fleet users wanting to gain more effective control of fuel costs.
The Defender can trace its roots back to 1948 and during that period Land
Rovers have earned a reputation as the most rugged and versatile off-road
vehicles in the world. Since 2002, the Defender has consistently sold an average
of 25,000 units a year worldwide. Retail and utility customers, armed forces and
NGOs in over 100 countries believe that the Defender's off-road ability,
durability and towing capability are still head and shoulders above the
competition. Such a unique combination of attributes explains why this legendary
vehicle commands such exceptionally high standards of customer loyalty.
"The substantial improvements to the Defender in 2007 transformed its on-road
refinement and comfort whilst extending its legendary capability off-road for
which Defender is synonymous. With the introduction of the new 2.2-liter diesel
engine and five option packs, the Defender for 2012 now offers greater customer
choice than ever before," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.
Smaller, Cleaner Diesel Engine for 2012
The new EU5 2.2-liter
diesel engine replaces the EU4 2.4-liter diesel while matching it for power,
torque and fuel consumption. A new, full acoustic engine cover replaces the
previous splash cover, reducing radiated engine noise and improving driving
refinement. Meeting EU5 regulations, the engine delivers lower levels of the
regulated emissions,NOx,COand HC thanks to an improved combustion system and
sophisticated engine management system. In EU5 markets, particulate matter has
been reduced to EU5 levels with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Despite the smaller capacity and reduced emissions, the new engine produces the
same power, 122 hp at 3,500 rpm and torque, 258 lb-ft (360 Nm) at 2,000 rpm, as
the outgoing 2.4-liter engine. Performance remains similar too, with a 0-60 mph
time of 14.7 seconds as before, though the top speed has been raised to 90 mph
compared to 82 mph for the previous version. CO2 emissions on the combined cycle
are consistent at 266 g/km for the 90 and 295 g/km for the 110 and 130.
The GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox has been retained for 2012 with its excellent
ratio spread, high top gear for cruising and enhanced low-speed crawl
capability. The lower first gear offers low crawl speed making towing on-road
and off-road much easier. The low-down engine torque also helps in-gear
acceleration and the tall sixth gear ensures excellent real-world cruising,
refinement and fuel economy. Ground gears in both the gearbox and transfer box
help contribute to the refinement of the transmission.
Land Rover Defender: Review (2/2)
