New Defender - Thoughts?

[lt1fire]

I got asked the other day what I though of the new defender when I was driving the 110 up to mowich lake for some hiking. There is a tiny ancient gas station in the logging town right before you hit the dirt and the owner is an 80 year old woman but has lived there just about all her life and since it is also the way to one of the largest OHV parks in the state she has seen just about every 4x4 known to man.

I was surprised she knew what the defender was let alone the model number. But she went on to talk about all the 4x4's she's had in her life.

She still had her CJ5 from brand new parked down the side of the building.

Like I said i'm not a huge fan of the look, but the worst part is the luggage space behind the second row has been cut in half from a 110 and about 75% from a 130.
It will be extremely capable for a stock 4x4 and comfortable as all hell but it will have its limits and its set up will make extreme mods much harder to do.

If I win the lotto I may get one but i'll stick to old 4x4's for now.

1987 still looks good to me.

 

[lt1fire]

Center locked differential that keeps both driveshafts rotating at the exact same rate, is what I've always seen as the difference between AWD and 4WD. Is that correct?

The trick is that this new Defender says it has a locking center diff. That said, LR lists it as having AWD and not 4WD...which is confusing. I'm wondering if it's a true locking center diff, or if it still slips a little stopping the equal rotation of the driveshafts every now and then.

The new LR's are pretty intelligent in their locking. The infotainment screen on the dash will actually show you how locked it is. The traction control will increase it if it senses slipping. When I test drove one it was a trip to watch. It can be put in full lock mode but the rep wouldn't let you do it as they wanted to show how anyone can offroad a pretty gnarly course in it. From a seasoned offroader to a brand new driver.

Them marketing it as AWD is just semantics and marketing as most people don't know the difference and AWD seems "softer" "better" for the environment and makes people think of subarus and a greener future (this would be my guess). Its a true 4wd when its locked up (well as much as it can be without a front diff lock).

Full time 4wd is a great system. It can essentially be driven as a Awd vehicle and then turn into a 4wd when the button is pushed, and even farther depending on the other lockers you may have on the vehicle.

A part time 4wd system basically goes from 2wd to 4wd as the T-case is essentially "locked" when you shift to 4wd.

 

[lt1fire]

But the new Defenders are basically like all other new 4x4 vehicles, at first not many like them.

The majority of us prefer older cruisers also. While I liked my 100 I don't think i'd buy anything newer than a 97 agian (unless it was a 105) and in the looks department the older you get the better, to a point.

Same with bronco's, rovers, jeeps etc.....

 

[RedHeadedStepChild]

I guess this is sort of where I expected the Disco to go. If the Disco had gone this way, I’d have been way less disappointed with that model and then they could have made something less disappointing for the Defender.
It’s going to be a very capable vehicle, it will be very comfortable. It will never inspire any emotion in me other than a vague sadness.
I suppose I should thank Rover for saving me some coin.

 

[little_joe]

First thing that hit me was it looks like a bloated Kia Soul.

If you noticed on the US configurator, they only list the "110" and 2 gas engines; the SWB is supposed to come 2020, and a diesel option as well. So likely the "90" Poverty Pack will be closer to what they're quoting in Euro etc, low $40's to start.

BTW, check the actual wheelbases: those 90 and 110 designations are throwback marketing.

I'm certain it'll be capable yada yada. To me, Defender is a rugged, simple vehicle; this is anything but.

 

[Cirbo]

Looking forward to getting my butt in one of those seats and test it. Then will decide. I do not like the stupid Mr. Potato Head Jeep angry eyes. But then again on the highway I began to notice how many SUVs have the same childish idiotic angry eyes. No wonder the world is on fire, we are like angry little fawkers surrounding by other angry little fawkers staring at us.

Well said! I could not agree more.

 

[Cirbo]

Fugly.

Old school Defenders are badass, what a shame.

As a former owner of an old school Defender, I can say.......

 

[izzyandsue]

Air conditioner? Blah, thats for wussies! Real men roll down the window and smell the smog! Seat belts? Blah, for wussies, in this here vehicle we die like real men, splatter across the windshield. Airbags? Blah, thats for ..... and on and on. Change is difficult, we, me included, as humans do not like change. So its natural to reject it at first, very understandable.
After driving plenty of defenders and series trucks (trails), can say they are okay, light, nimble, amazing low geared. But will jump on my 80 over any old defender any day. I would love a little series III to drive around town. But thats it, not going anywhere long with it.
I got invited to go to SEMA this year, for "work", and will be doing some driving there with the landies. Will report back my experience. A real truck or a Victoria Beckham accessory?

Oh, the diesel, drove the new JLR one and it is very quiet, pretty amazing. 2 liter I think, great torque. Slow as a diesel. I would go for that one if I could.