The Defender line-up is known for its contrasting attributes. As a rugged terrain transporter finished in a level of luxury akin to that of a pavement queen or city crawler, the new Defender 130 offers a larger package without sacrificing its ability to tackle the sketchiest terrain.
Land Rover Vehicle Programmes Executive Director, Nick Collins said: “New Defender 130 brings a new dimension of capability to our most durable and rugged family of vehicles. Its spacious interior welcomes and transports up to eight people in supreme comfort, enabling unparalleled sophisticated adventuring opportunities for families, with unique design signatures to create a distinct New Defender experience.”
The exterior receives a 340 mm extension in the rear to accommodate for added spacing of the seats without compromising its off-road capabilities. Furthering the Defender’s ability to press on through any environment undeterred is its versatile and extremely capable powertrain architecture. Standard across every 130 models is the firm’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) system and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Alongside this is an electronic air suspension system found in all 130 models. The Defender 130 is three times more rigid than the traditional body-on-frame design thanks to the introduction of an aluminum-intensive monocoque based on the D7x architecture.
Petrol variants will feature Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology, which consists of the P400 six-cylinder and a 48V Belt-Integrated Starter Generator (BiSG). The power output for this hybrid powertrain is 294 kW and 500 N.m available from 2 000 rpm. The diesel-powered 130’s utilise the D300 six-cylinder motor, which produces 221 kW and 650 N.m, available from 1 500 rpm to 2 500 rpm. The total towing capacity for the new 130 is three tonnes, aided by the introduction of the standard air suspension system.
The interior has been slightly reworked to allow for more usable interior space. With the second and third row of seats folded, the Defender 130 offers 2 291-litres of loading space. As standard, the 130 is equipped with a large panoramic sunroof and a second sunroof above the third row. Also included is Four Zone Climate Control which is exclusive to the 130. After its introduction in the Defender 90 and 110 V8, the 130 has received an 11,4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen, which enables the drivers to accurately control the core functions of the 130 with ease and efficiency. Making its debut in the Defender lineup starting in the 130 is the new Cabin Air Purification Plus system which comes standard across all 130 trim levels.
South Africa will receive the Defender 130 in the X-Dynamic HSE and X specifications in addition the the First edition. Pricing for the Defender 130 will be available closer to the end of this year.
