After introducing the modern and capable Defender 110 mid-year 2020, Land Rover South Africa has launched the three-door, short wheelbase version dubbed 90. At launch, the model range comprises the base Defender S, X-Dynamic, First Edition and top-of-the-range Defender X models, each sold with a choice of four engine options.  

Defender S

The entry-level Defender S features standard equipment including LED headlights with auto high beam assist, keyless entry, Ebony grained leather with woven textile seat facings and Pivi Pro 10-inch touch display infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver assistance features include Terrain Response, 3D surround cameras, emergency braking, lane keep assist, 360-degree parking aid, wade sensing and a driver condition monitor. 

Defender X-Dynamic

The mid-spec X-Dynamic boasts a tough exterior look and unique interior fittings. It features gloss painted Narvik Black exterior door and wheel arch cladding with Silicon Satin skid pans. Highly durable Robustec material is found on the seat ribbons and Console Finisher. The Defender X-Dynamic is available with a choice of SE and HSE Specification Packs.

Defender X

The top-spec X derivative features gloss black inset contrast hood as standard along with Gloss Black claddings. To give further differentiation between the X and Core vehicles, the front and rear skid pans and other detailed exterior parts are coated in a Starlight Satin finish while brake calipers are painted orange, the dashboard cross beam is a dark grey powder coat brushed finish and door sill tread plates are illuminated with Defender script.

As standard, it’s fitted with air suspension along with an electronic active rear differential, configurable Terrain Response 2, a sliding panoramic roof, Matrix LED headlights, 14-way heated and cooled front seats, ClearSight interior rear view mirror and a head-up display among others.

Defender First Edition

From launch, the Defender First Edition will be available for one year only. It comes in unique colours like Pangea Green, Gondwana Stone or Hakuba Silver, with a folding fabric sunroof incorporated in the contrast white roof. Standard fare includes air suspension, 12-way heated seats, an electrically adjustable steering column ClearSight rear view mirror and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Customers can personalise their Defender 90 with four Accessory Packs. The Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban Packs each give Defender a distinct character with a specially selected range of enhancements.

Power and performance

Powering the Defender 90 is two diesels and two petrol engines. A 2.0-litre D240 turbodiesel produces 177kW and 430Nm, enabling 0-100km/h in 9 seconds with a top speed of 188km/h, while a 2.0-litre P300 turbopetrol with 221kW and 400Nm achieves 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds and a maximum speed of 191km/h. More powerful 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder options include a P400 petrol featuring efficient Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology with outputs of 294kW and 550Nm, and a D300 diesel with 221kW and 650Nm. These two models accelerate from 0-100 in 6 and 6.7 seconds respectively, with top speeds of 191km/h for both.

Pricing

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