The Land Rover Defender can become a hit or miss, depending on the kinds of upgrades its current model has to offer. There’s a lot riding on a classic vehicle such as the Defender. Serious car enthusiasts and loyalist will not just be scrutinizing the latest changes but will also decide whether or not this vehicle is worth holding on to for the long run. The Defender’s reputation is on the line and has to perform beyond expectation to keep its already sold audience hooked. Read on to find out how the latest Land Rover Defender will fare given the new set of expectations.

Pros

The newest Land Rover Defender features an engine that complies with strict Euro 5 emission standards. Major overhauls have also been applied to enhance the vehicle’s refinement. These remarkable changes will definitely keep the Defender in the market and under the radar within the next three years. The latest engine is a 2.2-litre unit that features a robust single-mass flywheel, updated fluid seals, and a single variable-vane turbocharger. Another added plus to the latest Defender is its bespoke anti-pollution system. Particulate filter and the catalyst parts are palced close together, while the entire assembly has been fitted into the engine bay. This protects the vulnerable and more expensive equipment from any potential dangers during off-road conditions.

The interior also features several significant changes. The Discovery trim includes new instruments in the dashboard and a brand new ventilation system that can be manipulated via dials and switches. Headroom is generous at the rear and legroom just as spacious for taller adults. The boot can be expanded by pushing the back seats forward and by folding the other seats to the cars side.

Don’t be fooled by the numbers of the Defender’s engine unit: it may claim 121bhp at 3500rpm, but it’s actually capable at 256lb ft of torque at 2000rpm. One test reports a top speed of 83mph when the Defender was taken out on the road. The engine is also better refined than the last and employs a muscular low-down torque for a more comfortable drive. These features are complemented by the brake specification retained from the previous model.

Ride and handling is improved through revalved power steering, renewed damper and sprint settings, and a revised castor geometry. As a result, the Defender is able to ride smoothly over mud, snow, and transverse ridges. Expect some slight body roll as you go on off road surfaces.

Cons

Although the Defender is meant for off road conditions, drivers can expect a slight struggle seeking the right gear along the most challenging surfaces. Thankfully the engine’s stall control enables an easier drive, but it will take some getting used to once you decide to take the Defender along mountains or out during the winter. The vehicle manages to work better along crawling speeds, letting you lift off from the pedals and allow the vehicle to move slowly forward by itself. A handy performance during specific conditions but not one let it stand out against more powerful off roaders.

Initially referred to as the Land Rover One Ten and the Land Rover Ninety, the Land Rover Defender is an off-road, four-wheel-drive vehicle first introduced in 1983.  It is part of the original Land Rover Series and utilized numbers in its name to represent wheelbase measurements. Apart from being in production for such a long time, the Defender also holds quite a reputation for being easy to handle and easy to repair when damaged.

The biggest change to the lineup came at the end of 1990 when the Defender was named as such, dropping the One Ten and Ninety. A new turbodiesel engine was developed and this allowed the defender to tow heavy loads without compromising speed even on steep inclines and comfortably cruise at high speeds all while still offering fuel economy.

To tap into other markets, limited edition Defenders were produced, like the SV90 in 1992 and the 50^th Anniversary 90 released in 1998, as well as special versions made according to the buyer’s specifications, such as the Land Rover Perentie, a special Land Rover Defender the Australian Army ordered in the 1980s. To keep up with demands, 2012 models were upgraded with new engines and the soft-top style for the body was reintroduced.