Land Rover updates its Defender range: here's what's new
Land Rover has treated its popular Defender range to a measured refresh.
Cautious to not mess with what has proved a winning recipe for the British brand, it's an understandably subtle affair, with exterior revisions limited to a few modest updates.
The business end of this macho off-roader differentiates itself from the outgoing model with a pair of redesigned headlamps featuring distinctive new light signatures, an optimised bumper that can be finished in Silicon Silver or Carpathian Grey Satin, a gloss black grille-bar and a new textured pattern for the bonnet inserts and side vents.
Elsewhere customers can look forward to flush-fitting tail lights with a new dark tinted finish, gloss black Defender-branded wheel centre caps, the option of new 22" seven-spoke Diamond Turned Dark Grey alloy wheels, updated rear bumper and the option of new exterior hues including Borasco Grey metallic and Woolstone Green.
The flagship OCTA colour palette extends to Sargasso Blue, Borasco Grey and Patagonia White Matte, while chopped carbon fibre exterior/interior accents can now be specified as an option.
The cabin has been spruced up with the fitment of a new 13.1" touchscreen infotainment system, repositioned dash-mounted gear shifter and a revised centre console featuring a new sliding section in which to hide personal items out of sight in a closed cubby.
Available as part of the Signature Suite upgrade, removable side pockets further enhance convenience, with cable routing to keep items charged without wires trailing around the cabin. Alternatively, clients can opt for the centre jump seat for practical three-abreast seating across the front on most models.
For those venturing off-road, Defender is now available with optional Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control for the first time. This technology is an evolution of the firm's All Terrain Progress Control and allows the driver to set a desired pace when negotiating rough terrain, so they can concentrate on steering the vehicle — improving composure off-road while reducing driver effort.
The system automatically adjusts the speed to maintain the desired level of comfort over undulating surfaces for unruffled off-road performance.
A new Driver Attention Monitor features a driver-facing camera to provide added reassurance and safety in all conditions. By monitoring the driver's gaze, the system provides audiovisual alerts to help ensure they are paying attention to the road ahead. Land Rover said it can be adjusted, enabled or disabled using the driver assistance menu.
Optional Defender accessory packs allow clients to personalise their vehicle and include the Explorer Pack, Adventure Pack and Urban Pack.
New individual accessories include black variations of the Expedition Roof Rack, Cross Bars and Front Undershield, while the rear scuff plate is now also offered in a dark finish, in addition to the existing bright finish.
Getting in and out of Defender is easier than ever, thanks to deployable or fixed sidesteps, while the OCTA's adventure capabilities are further enhanced with a specially integrated 4,500kg-rated winch with a chopped carbon fibre cover.
Defender 130 is now available with an integrated air compressor option — perfect for topping up tyre pressures after driving with reduced pressures on soft sand.
In addition, matte black bonnet decals have been updated with new Defender script across 90, 110 and 130 body designs.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
2 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Williams on track to reclaim Formula One glory, one race at a time
It's a long-term goal that won't be accomplished soon, but the future is starting to look far more promising than in recent years. Williams Racing is one of the most significant teams in Formula One. The British outfit, founded by grocery salesman Frank Williams and engineer Patrick Head in 1977, is the second-most-successful team in the sport's history. Only Italian team Ferrari (16) has won more constructors' championships. The team was dominant throughout the 1980s and 1990s, earning its nine constructors' championship titles in that period. Australian driver Alan Jones won Williams its first drivers' world title in 1980. Clay Regazzoni had earned Williams its first points a year before. In the following decade Williams achieved more success with the likes of Alain Prost, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve becoming Formula One champions in its stable. Decline and change The turn of the millennium brought a decline in Williams' performances, and it only worsened as the years went by. The team earned a single point in 2019, finishing at the bottom of the 10-team constructors' championship after 21 races. To highlight just how poor Williams performed, first-placed Mercedes collected more than 700 points that year. Fans of the team who were still holding on to the golden era of the Eighties and Nineties would have been forgiven for thinking it could not get worse. They were mistaken. Williams performed even poorer in the 2020 season, concluding it without a single point. It was a horrid period for the once influential Formula One outfit. The only positive result from that annus horribilis was the Williams family deciding to sell to Dorilton Capital towards the end of the season because of financial difficulties. 'I'm delighted that we found a buyer like Dorilton, which has a passion for Williams and getting that team back to where we all want to see the team in Formula One – being successful,' Claire Williams, the team's former deputy team principal, told PlanetF1 in 2024. 'I'm just incredibly happy that it's got that future and it can now thrive. That's what I wanted to see. 'Towards the end I saw how difficult it was for everybody at Williams that they weren't able to be successful, despite enormous efforts on their part. We didn't have the budget, we didn't have the money to enable these great people that we had working for us to do the job that we were asking them to do. 'That wasn't fair. Selling at that point was the right thing to do because Dorilton has now armed those people with the money to get the job done.' Heading in the right direction Williams is now in better financial standing and heading in the right direction. Though it is still not on solid ground financially, recording an £84-million deficit in 2023, the new owners have invested significantly in the team. They are focused on the future and restoring it to its former glory. Some promising displays so far this season from drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz Jnr have seen Williams performing strongly. The team has already collected 54 points, compared with a paltry 17 last season. 'It's been a very promising start to the 2025 season. We've produced some really strong results and scored a huge number of points compared with recent seasons,' Albon told SB Nation. 'We have started the season strongly and we're delivering on the opportunities we're creating. We just need to ensure we don't get complacent and get the very maximum from what we have.' Leading this Williams resurgence is team principal James Vowles. With more than two decades in Formula One in various roles, the former Mercedes strategy director has been charged with bringing back the glory days of the British team. He was instrumental during Mercedes' dominant Formula One run between 2014 and 2021. Before that he played a pivotal role at minnows Brawn, where he oversaw the race strategy that resulted in Jenson Button securing the 2009 Formula One drivers' title and the team shockingly taking the constructors' championship. Key hires Vowles has been clear about his long-term vision and commitment to building the team 'from the ground up' since his arrival in 2023. At this point, the most important thing is fostering a competitive culture. Then, hopefully, the results will follow. 'If you want to win there is only one way to win: you can't get caught in the now,' Vowles told reporters at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 'We were in a mess because we were short-termist all the way through the last 20 years. Some of it was financially driven, some of it driven by other elements. 'It's hard for fans to understand why we're doing this, but our targets are actually around the introduction of infrastructure, technology systems, how long it takes to build a front wing, how expensive it is. 'If I said to you our goal this year is to finish eighth, who cares? We'll probably beat that, but that's a moment in time. What we're defining here is a pathway that leads us back to winning.' In addition to Vowles, Williams has roped in a number of key people to bolster the technical team, including respected and experienced Pat Fry as chief technical officer. This move is aimed at strengthening its technical departments, particularly in aerodynamics and design. Williams may not reap the rewards any time soon, especially with its rivals also aiming for improvement after each race. However, for the fans who have followed the team through its ebbs and flows, the results so far will provide some hope that Williams can one day reclaim its spot at the summit of Formula One. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
It's no 'poor man's Defender': New Hyundai Santa Fe lands in SA, with hybrid power
The new Hyundai Santa Fe is now available in South Africa. Image: Supplied Flaunting a boxy new look that's a far cry from its curvy predecessors, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe has landed in South Africa. While some speak of Land Rover inspiration in the design, it's not quite a 'poor man's Defender', with Hyundai announcing a price tag of R1,249,000 for the single derivative on offer, the Hybrid Elite AWD. This makes the new, and somewhat lavishly appointed, SUV more expensive than the larger Palisade 2.2D, which costs R1,204,500. Yet it's not the most costly Hyundai on offer as the range-topping Staria retails at R1,263,900. The new Santa Fe is Hyundai's first hybrid product to be offered locally, with the drivetrain combining a 132kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with a 44kW electric motor for total system outputs of 175kW and 367Nm. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Boxy new design is a far cry from its predecessor. Image: Supplied Although some might miss the diesel option, there is some consolation in the hybrid model's claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.5 litres per 100km. Customers can also adjust the level of regenerative braking. At 4,830mm, the new Santa Fe is 45mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has grown by 50mm, increasing space for second and third-row occupants. In keeping with its bolder stance, 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard. Interior features include a dual-screen infotainment system with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose sound system, 360-View Monitor, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane-Follow Assist. The seats are upholstered in a synthetic leather called H-Tex, with seat heating for the first two rows and ventilation for the front perches. Squared off design theme continues inside. Image: Supplied
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Driven: the Ineos Grenadier, a rugged, modern take on the classic 4x4
The Ineos Grenadier has been around for a while but it still turns heads. Image: Supplied The Ineos Grenadier has been with us for a while now but it still turns heads wherever it goes, especially in the off-road community and more so among those that have a soft spot for the original Land Rover Defender. How did it come about? We know that billionaire and chairperson of multi-national chemical company, Ineos, Sir Jim Ratcliff, expressed an interest in buying the tooling for the Defender when JLR stopped production, which they declined in no uncertain terms. So he and a couple of mates, while sipping on some beers at the Grenadier pub in London, drew a rough design of what he wanted on a napkin and from there the Grenadier was born. That napkin is now framed and has pride of place in the pub. He has spent a good few billion dollars in the process but he's built one of the most rugged and capable 4x4s on the market. We were fortunate enough to be at the launch in Scotland in 2022 and it's taken a while to get behind the wheel on local soil, but when we did, it was the Trailmaster, aimed at the more serious off-roader. The original brief was to create a vehicle that's durable, reliable and has extremely capable off-road abilities. The team then set about sourcing components from the world's best including BMW for the engines, ZF for gearboxes, Magna Steyr for design and engineering, Bosch, Tremec for the transfer case and the Carraro Group for the car's live axles. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Exterior With a combination of Defender and Mercedes G-Wagon looks, the Grenadier sports no sleek SUV lines or pretty curves, it's a statement rather than a suggestion of adventure. With mounting attachments fixed to the doors, grab handles in the roof and pre-wired plugs for lights and other outside accessories, the Trailmaster really is trail ready. That's also underscored by the old-fashioned short stick on the floor to shift between 4h, 4L and central diff-lock and the buttons mounted in the roof to activate the front and rear diff-locks. The Ineos Grenadier is purpose built to go anywhere. Image: Supplied Interior There's also something very satisfying about climbing into the Grenadier. We've become so used to smooth and minimalistic digital interiors with enormous screens that seeing an interior that's littered with switches and toggles is a delight for analogue affectionados. It looks a bit like a helicopter's interior which adds an extra bit of swagger. It also means that there's less wiring and fewer motherboards to go wrong or that things can be MacGyvered in the bush, should there be a problem. They were designed to be operated with gloves on so there's plenty of space and no likelihood of pressing the wrong button. The volume and temperature control buttons did feel a little flimsy but I haven't picked up any issues on any of the Grenadier owners forums. As you would expect, the seating position in the super-comfortable Recaro seats is commanding, providing a clear view of things ahead including cyclists. To disperse the lycra-clad crowds there is a red 'toot' button on the steering wheel that has a softer sound than the regular hooter. There's also no traditional instrument cluster, only a screen with warning lights. Speedometer, revs, fuel gauge and the rest of the driving information is displayed on the central infotainment touchscreen. It's crisp and clear and responds quickly to inputs and it's filled with useful information like consumption, system readouts, a compass with an altimeter and also its own GPS system, called Pathfinder. Because it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, digital maps and apps like Waze can still be used. There's ample space for rear passengers and the rear load bin has a hardy floor and handy rings to keep things tied in place. There's no traditional instrument cluster, only a screen with warning lights. Image: Supplied Driving the Ineos Grenadier The Trailmaster we had on test was the diesel version fitted with BMW's 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine with 182kW and 550Nm coupled to said eight-speed ZF gearbox powering all four corners. The software has been tweaked and calibrated to provide grunt lower down in the rev-range for optimal off-road driving. Not that it's a complete slouch on the black stuff but its forte is off the beaten track, as you would understand. The turning circle is very wide so you won't be slipping into tight parking bays easily and there's no return to centre once you're maneuvering, which requires you to manhandle the steering wheel. The steering is light, though, with not much feedback as a result of its traditional rack-and-pinion set-up but I had no problem with it and certainly it doesn't warrant any gripes. Talking of gripes, I've watched and read a few reviews and customer comments of the right-hand drive versions with its large bulge in the footwell. One even said that it was the only reason he wouldn't buy it. Sure, it is prominent, but you quickly get used to it and adjust your position accordingly, and compared to say, the old Defender and even the new Toyota Land Cruiser 79, it's positively luxurious. It hustles along nicely and, for me at least, the big BF Goodridge all terrain tyres provided a soft reassuring hum through the well insulated cabin and I could easily spend hours in it. Taking it off-road But Sir Jim didn't design the Grenadier exclusively for its on-road prowess so there will always be a compromise, especially with a ladder-frame chassis. For the off-road anoraks the numbers make for interesting reading. It has a Eibach coil springs five-link front and rear suspension setup, solid front axle, 264mm of ground clearance, a wading depth of 800mm, a 35.5-degree approach angle, a 36.1-degree departure angle and a 28.2-degree breakover angle. There's decent underbody protection and the side-steps won't bend or become crinkle-cut when tackling axle twisters. We had planned to do one of the more challenging 4x4 trails in Gauteng on a Sunday, but unfortunately in the morning the dark clouds poured relentlessly. It hardly relented throughout the day so I ended up playing around at an abandoned quarry close to where I stay the next day. The rains had made a muddy bog of it but the Grenadier coped admirably as I tried to avoid the worst of the deep soft mud. There was no need to activate the front diff-lock but in low range up a slippery rock incline with the rear one engaged, it climbed like a mountain goat. In fact, on a few other attempts I deliberately chose various incorrect lines with the same result. I had called a mate to tell him of my plans and that he may have to do a recovery in his 200 Land Cruiser, but my only discussion with him was that I was on the way for a cup of hot chocolate. the Ineos Grenadier has every off-road addition you would ever need. Image: Supplied
