Defenders assemble!

Following a glowing review of the Defender P400, we finally get our hands on a duo of diesel Defenders for a comprehensive group test …

Following a glowing first impression of the petrol powered Defender in our December 2020 issue, we've long wanted to test the diesel-powered Defenders. Although the inline-six and recently introduced V8 petrol models are appealing, it is the oil burning variants that should prove more popular locally. Recently, a duo of diesel Defenders - the 90 D240 and 110 D300 - assembled at the CAR offices for a comprehensive test.

DEFENDERS, DEFINED

The 90 and 110 tested here was specified in entry-level S, with the addition of the Adventure package and top-line X spec respectively. Access the cabins (via keyless entry in both) and it's familiar second-generation Defender fare.

Both models feature Jaguar Land Rover's Pivi Pro 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; interactive digital driver's display, dual-zone climate control; 3D surround-view camera, and wade-sensing monitor. Six airbags and Isofix anchorages are included in the list of standard specification. X trim upgrades to a head-up display, heating and cooling functionality for the front pews, climate for the rear passengers, a Meridian surround-sound system, Driver Assist pack (the S features standard cruise control), ClearSight rear-view mirror and Matrix LED headlamps (compared to the S' LEDs), among other big ticket items.

DIMENSIONS OF DEFENDERS