SNEAK PEEK: All-new Land Rover Defender 110

MANILA: Late last year, during the local reveal of the new Land Rover Discovery Sport at the All British Cars (ABC) showroom on EDSA in Greenhills, Coventry Motors Corporation (Jaguar Land Rover distributor) President Chris Ward also excitedly broke the news on the imminent arrival of the all-new Land Rover Defender.

The off-roader, an iconic nameplate that was once referred to, yes, as the Land Rover Ninety, has been renowned for its 4x4 prowess. The latest iteration, first shown globally at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, ended a protracted 37-year wait between all-new versions.

Now, the Land Rover Defender 110 has finally made its way to the Philippines and will be available beginning August 1.  The Defender 90 is expected in the first quarter of 2021.

The Defender 110 has four engine options available (two diesel-sipping and two gas versions) but, for now, Land Rover Philippines is bringing in the top-shelf in-line 3.0-liter, six-cylinder petrol power plant. The all-new Ingenium six-banger engine, which debuts in the Defender, spits out 400ps and 550Nm of torque — the latter available from 2,000rpm.

Significantly, the Defender now boasts a measure of electrification in the form of a mild hybrid system. Simply put, Land Rover says it “utilizes a small integrated electric motor which gathers energy from regenerative braking, which then is used for instant power from takeoff.” In an exclusive preview for ZIGWHEELS PH, this writer was able to briefly get behind the wheel of the Defender. Despite tipping the scales at around 4,940 pounds, the vehicle is quick to get up to speed from standstill — no doubt due to the aforementioned electric motor.

Land Rover says the Defender can reach 100kph from standstill in 6.1 seconds, up to a top rate of 208kph, with the performance accessed via an eight-speed automatic transmission. A twin-scroll sturbocharger and continuous variable valve lift helps to boost power.

The new Defender features adaptive dynamics, terrain response, electronic air suspension, wade sensing, a 3D surround camera system with ClearSight Ground View. It is equipped with black roof rails; heated, power-folding, and auto-dimming door mirror with approach lights; LED headlamps with auto high-beam assist and headlight leveling; foglamps; 19-inch, six-spoke wheels, off-road tires; and a rear-mounted, full-size spare wheel.

Inside are 12-way semi-powered seats in grained leather, and a ClearSight rearview mirror which turns from a regular mirror to a digital screen showing what’s going on behind the vehicle. A virtual TFT instrument cluster gives a futuristic, classy feel to the vehicle. A new infotainment system debuts in the Defender, while it pays homage to its history via so-called “Alpine Lights” slim glass strips on the side of the ceiling that help “bathe the cabin in light.”

The Land Rover Defender is also available with any of four "accessory packs," which are designed to more keenly address needs of the vehicle owner. "Whatever your needs, there’s a pack for you," said Land Rover on its website.

The vehicle is priced as follows with the various accessory packs: Defender 110 Urban (P6.31 million), Defender 110 Country (P6.36 million), Defender110  Adventure (P6.44 million), and Defender 110 Explorer (P6.61 million). 

Reservations are being accepted at the All British Cars (ABC) showroom on EDSA Greenhills. For more details, visit www.landrover.ph

Photos by Kap Maceda Aguila

Also read: Land Rover electrifies PH lineup with Range Rover, Range Rover Sport PHEVs