Defender line expanded

LAND ROVER has quadrupled its Defender model line-up in Australia.

Based on the heavily re-engineered L316 Defender launched in November 2007, the 2009 line-up now has eight versions aimed at both commercial and lifestyle use.

While five models are built on the ‘110’ (for 110-inch) wheelbase and three leverage the ‘130’ wheelbase chassis, there is no sign of the short-wheelbase Defender 90 model offered elsewhere.

Land Rover Australia spokesman Guido Schenken said: “We are always looking at the ‘90’ but there are no plans at this stage.”With features that should appeal to off-road fans and heavy payload users, the revised Defender is aiming for a slice of the ‘heavy duty’ 4x4 pick-up and cab-chassis cake. These include permanent four-wheel drive and strong alloy body panels.

As before, the only engine on offer is the 2.4-litre 16-valve common-rail four-cylinder turbo diesel derived from Ford’s VM Transit van range.

Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox (the only transmission on offer), it delivers 90kW of power at 2200rpm and 360Nm of torque at 2000rpm.



The existing 110 Station Wagon (with optional seven-seater capacity) is joined by the 110 Crew Cab Pick Up. Both come standard with air-conditioning, alloy wheels, locking wheel nuts and front power windows.

The new 110 Hard Top is based on the 110 Station Wagon with coil-spring live-beam-axle suspension, but is designed to carry bulky loads. It features sliding rear windows, a white roof and black wheel arches instead of body-coloured items, and the option of a heavy duty suspension.

Also new is the 110 Single Cab Chassis, which has the same spec as above, as well as the 110 Single Cab High Capacity Pick Up (HCPU), but the latter comes with a canopy and hood bows to conceal its cargo.

While the 130 Crew Cab Chassis model continues unchanged, it is joined by the 130 Single Cab Chassis, fitted with Heavy Duty suspension and an extended tray capability for longer loads.

There is also a 130 Crew Cab HCPU version fitted with a well side body, canopy and hood bows.

Two option packs are available on the 110 Hard Top, Single Cab Chassis and Single Cab HCPU, but only one can be fitted to each vehicle.

Along with some visual enhancements and alloy wheels with locking wheel nuts, the Boost pack brings anti-lock brakes and traction control, while the heavy duty suspension pack brings special wheels and tyres, a 450kg boost in GVM and “significant chassis reinforcements”.

Now in its 61st year, almost 1.9 million Defenders have been sold globally, mainly to private buyers, utility service providers, and the armed forces.

2009 Land Rover Defender pricing:
110 Station Wagon:	$48,990
110 Single Cab Chassis:	$45,990
110 Single Cab Chassis HCPU:	$47,490
110 Hard Top:	$45,990
110 Crew Cab Pick Up:	$48,990
130 Single Cab Chassis:	$47,990
130 Crew Cab Chassis:	$51,990
130 Crew Cab HCPU:	$53,490