The Land Rover Defender 90 has officially arrived in South Africa as “the most capable Land Rover ever made”, with its short wheelbase and overhangs providing “excellent” off-road geometry, Jaguar Land Rover says.
The 16-strong local line-up of the new-generation Defender 90 is priced from R1 095 600. Four engine options and four trim lines are on offer, while four accessory packs are available as options. The Defender 90 is available with the choice of Jaguar Land Rover’s 177 kW/430 N.m 2,0-litre four-cylinder D240 and 221 kW/650 N.m 3,0-litre inline-six turbodiesels, and 221 kW/400 N.m 2,0-litre four-cylinder P300 and 294 kW/550 N.m 3,0-litre inline-six P400 turbopetrols. The P400 features mild-hybrid tech.
The four trim levels are S, X-Dynamic, First Edition and range-topping X trim. As standard, base, S specification includes leather upholstery, Land Rover’s 10-inch Pivi Pro infotainment setup, LED headlamps, a 360-degree surround-view camera and the firm’s Terrain Response system, among others. X-Dynamic models, which can be had in SE or HSE specification packs, upgrades to unique exterior fitment, such as gloss black door and wheelarch cladding, Silicon Satin skid pans and “highly durable” Robustec material for the seats and centre console.
In addition to the items found on lower-tier models, range-topping, X features gloss black inserts for the bonnet, Starlight Satin skid pans and orange brake callipers. Inside, the X is equipped with 14-way electrically adjustable headed and cooled front seats, a ClearSight rear-view mirror and head-up display. The X also gains air suspension as standard, as well as an electronic active rear differential and configurable Terrain Response 2 system.
Available for one year from launch, First Edition models can be had in Pangea Green, Gondwana Stone or Hakuba Silver, and features a folding fabric sunroof. As standard, First Edition versions come equipped with 12-way electrically adjustable heated seats, electrically adjustable steering column, air suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The four accessory packages on offer are the Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban packs. The Explorer package includes, among others, a raised air intake and lightweight Expedition roof rack, and wheelarch protection. The Adventure package features items such as a portable rinsing system and integrated air compressor, fore and aft mudflaps, a bright rear scuff plate, and a spare wheel cover. The Country package also includes a portable rinse system, but features a full height load space partition, Classic mudflaps and wheelarch protection. Finally, the Urban package comprises bright metal pedals and rear scuff plate, a spare wheel cover and front undershield protection.
Defender 90 Pricing (excluding CO2 tax):
Defender 90 D240 S: R1 095 600
Defender 90 D300 S: R1 186 800
Defender 90 P300 S: R1 095 600
Defender 90 P400 S: R1 214 200
Defender 90 D240 X-Dynamic SE: R1 215 500
Defender 90 D300 X-Dynamic SE: R1 297 000
Defender 90 P300 X-Dynamic SE: R1 215 500
Defender 90 P400 X-Dynamic SE: R1 338 600
Defender 90 D240 X-Dynamic HSE: R1 284 400
Defender 90 D300 X-Dynamic HSE: R1 365 900
Defender 90 P300 X-Dynamic HSE: R1 284 400
Defender 90 P400 X-Dynamic HSE: R1 407 500
Defender 90 D240 First Edition: R1 223 800
Defender 90 P400 First Edition: R1 341 700
Defender 90 D300 X: R1 542 100
Defender 90 P400 X: R1 575 000