Latest news with #RossHolgate
IOL News
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Land Rover Defender 130 D350 review: where off-road muscle meets modern luxury
The Defender recently received an engine transplant with the introduction of the D350 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin turbo diesel plant. Image: Supplied For those of us old enough to remember, the original Land Rover Defender 130 was an extra-long wheelbase double cab bakkie, much loved by outdoor enthusiasts and was considered by many as one of the best overlanding vehicles ever made. Built on a 130-inch ladder chassis (hence the name 130), it was the ideal vehicle to set up and kit for extended expeditions, with the large load bay providing the ideal platform to make a home away from home. 130 nomenclature The original 130 bakkie has been shelved in the annals of history with the introduction of the 'new' Defender, but the 130 nomenclature remains with a monocoque chassis in a luxury-wrapped package. Make no mistake, it's still extremely capable with its modern comforts and high-end technology, as I experienced over a couple of days last year with Kingsley and Ross Holgate in Botswana and Namibia. Upgraded engine The legendary explorers use them through some of the harshest territory in Africa and have managed to bring them back every time without any major catastrophes or breakdowns. It recently received an engine transplant with the introduction of the D350 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin turbo diesel plant with 257kW (36kW more than the D300 it replaced) and 700Nm (50Nm more). It still uses the same eight-speed automatic transmission, driving all four wheels. 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 ✕ The 130 Defender has the option of a second row of Captain Chairs with armrests. Image: Supplied Exterior and interior Like its predecessor, the 'new' Defender is unmistakable in its shape, and it's impressive to see how many are on our roads, while it's also Jaguar Land Rover's biggest seller globally. I still maintain that the Defender's interior is very close to being one of the best and most comfortable layouts in the segment, while still paying homage to the original Defender with the dashboard rack and hex socket cap bolts in the doors. As with its 110 and 90 siblings, the 130 is completely digital with a customisable 12.3-inch digital cluster and an 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen. Depending on which mode you're operating in, the crisp graphics change accordingly. It's easy to use and intuitive without having to go into various menus and submenus. The 130 Defender we had on test was fitted with the optional second row of Captain Chairs with armrests, dispensing with the standard three-seater bench seats while making access to the three-seater third row a lot easier. They are equipped with heating and cooling technology, making them as comfortable as the front seats. The range update also includes a Signature Interior Pack, available across all body designs and standard on Defender X and V8 specifications. It provides material upgrades throughout the cabin, 14-way electronically adjustable front seats with heating and cooling functions, winged headrests and heating functions for the third row of seats. The Defender 130 interior is neat and well laid out. Image: Supplied Driving While it's the largest Defender of the family, it's remarkably easy to pilot. The comfortable and commanding seating position, combined with feather-light steering, makes rush hour driving and even mall parking lots easy to negotiate. In fact, after driving it, my partner commented that it was almost easier than a hatchback I recently had on test. The engine and gearbox combination is sublime, as is the exhaust note. It's no racing SUV by any means, they have the Defender Octa for that, but the extra power the engine provides makes it brisk when asked, and you never have to concern yourself with slower traffic. For the record, Defender claims a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds, which is not too shabby considering it weighs just over a smidgen of 2.5 tons. The ride the air suspension provides is equally impressive; it wafts as if it's floating, making short and uninterrupted work of corrugated gravel roads, badly maintained and pot-holed tar and those ubiquitous speedbumps popping up everywhere. Consumption Fuel consumption evened out at 13.7l/100km with a combination of highway and suburban driving, which is more than acceptable considering I wasn't focusing on getting the best consumption figures and that it's a big, heavy piece of machinery. The Defender 130 D350 X very much fills a niche market in its portfolio, and at R2,410,800 before options, it's reserved for the well-heeled. It's fantastically comfortable to drive with exceptional road manners given its size, and whenever I see one on the road, I understand fully why it was their choice.
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Foundation embarks on Mozambique expedition with Defender convoy
A convoy of Land Rover Defender vehicles is heading north as part of the Kingsley Holgate Foundation's latest expedition into Mozambique. Looking for a new or used Land Rover? Find it here with CARmag! The mission, called the Greater Gorongosa Expedition, sat out on Tuesday and focuses on delivering malaria prevention tools, educational materials, and basic aid to rural communities near Gorongosa National Park. The Holgate Foundation is known for combining off-road exploration with humanitarian work, and this trip marks another chapter in a relationship with Defender that spans more than two decades. The team will travel in a mix of modern and older Defender models, continuing a long tradition of relying on the vehicle's off-road capability in remote parts of Africa. Related: Land Rover Unveils Defender 90 V8 Softop Restomod With Whopping Price tag Two new Defender 130s, nicknamed 'Moyo' and 'Isibindi', will lead the expedition. Both recently completed a 62 000km journey through 21 African countries during the Afrika Odyssey trip. They'll be joined by four classic Defender models that have been part of earlier Holgate journeys. The vehicles are loaded with gear and medical supplies, including mosquito nets intended for families in high-risk malaria zones. The expedition highlights the continuing health challenges in Mozambique, where malaria remains one of the leading causes of child mortality. According to the World Health Organisation, sustained efforts are still needed in the region. During its last major campaign, the foundation distributed nearly 16 000 mosquito nets. While the new Defenders bring updated tech and improved comfort, the inclusion of older models is a nod to the vehicle's role in previous expeditions. Ross Holgate, who leads the mission, said the combination of new and old Defenders reflects the evolution of the brand while maintaining the same core purpose — reaching places that are difficult to access and doing meaningful work when they get there. The team departed from Hoedspruit following a community send-off at a local environmental camp. They're expected to spend the next few weeks navigating rugged terrain in one of Southern Africa's most biodiverse regions. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Holgate Foundation Embarks on Mozambique Expedition with Defender Convoy appeared first on CAR Magazine.
The Star
13-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Defender awards calls on South African Changemakers: £100 000, a vehicle and mentorship up for grabs
South African small-scale charities and non-profit organisations dedicated to conservation and humanitarian efforts are urged to enter the newly launched Defender Awards. This international initiative by the original British adventure brand, Defender, aims to support and champion local heroes and their initiatives as part of a substantial £1m global campaign. Entrants from South Africa stand a chance to be one of the seven global winners who will receive a £100,000 bursary, a rugged and capable Defender vehicle to support vital front-line work in hard-to-reach locations, and invaluable mentoring support from a community of experts. Entries are sought from programmes making a difference in one of four categories: Defenders of the Wild: Protecting endangered and at-risk species, from vultures to vital indigenous flora. Protecting endangered and at-risk species, from vultures to vital indigenous flora. Defenders of Humanity: Supporting vulnerable communities, helping them prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. Supporting vulnerable communities, helping them prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. Defenders of the Land: Protecting and restoring South Africa's most precious and fragile ecosystems. Protecting and restoring South Africa's most precious and fragile ecosystems. Defenders of the Sea: Protecting marine species, coastal environments, and addressing challenges such as pollution and unsustainable practices. The Defender Awards initiative is specifically designed to support small-scale charities and non-profit organisations working on humanitarian and conservation projects at a grassroots level. Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, said: " Defender has a proud heritage of helping people make more of their world, spanning both humanitarian and conservation causes. Our enduring 70-year association with the Red Cross and our 20-year partnership with Tusk support established organisations, but we wanted a way of engaging with smaller-scale initiatives. We have launched Defender Awards to recognise and support local conservation and humanitarian heroes. It is international in scale but has a grassroots focus and will further Defender's rich history of supporting vulnerable habitats, species, and communities. ' Esteemed Panel to Adjudicate South African Entries Adding significant local expertise, Defender has announced a prestigious panel to adjudicate entries from South Africa and select local finalists. The panel includes: Ross Holgate: Operations leader and mapping and navigation expert for the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, renowned for using adventure to improve and save lives through malaria prevention, distribution of reading glasses, and providing clean water to vulnerable communities. Operations leader and mapping and navigation expert for the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, renowned for using adventure to improve and save lives through malaria prevention, distribution of reading glasses, and providing clean water to vulnerable communities. Ivy Wairimu: Head of Conservation Partnerships at Tusk, an organisation supporting progressive conservation interventions across Africa, with a 20-year partnership with Defender. Head of Conservation Partnerships at Tusk, an organisation supporting progressive conservation interventions across Africa, with a 20-year partnership with Defender. Bryan Habana: Springbok legend, Defender ambassador, and founder of the Bryan Habana Foundation, which inspires young South Africans and supports social change through sport via the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa. Janico Dannhauser, Brand Manager, Defender, said: ' Defender is renowned for forging enduring relationships with various organisations that exist for the primary goal of advancing the betterment of the world through humanitarian and conservation causes. Through the Defender Awards, and with the support of Ross, Ivy, and Bryan, we will be able to extend our reach to organisations at the cold phase of delivering humanitarian and conservation services. ' This initiative builds on Defender's legacy, which traces back to the first Series Land Rovers in 1948 and includes deployments with British Red Cross nurses in Kenya in 1954, and a 20-year collaboration with African conservation charity Tusk. Charlie Mayhew OBE, Founder and President of Tusk, added: ' The new Defender Awards initiative represents a valuable opportunity for smaller organisations to begin their own relationships – and benefit from additional funding and expertise, as well as the 4x4 capability that is associated with Defender .' How to Enter Small-scale charities and non-profit organisations from South Africa are encouraged to submit their entries. Following the closing date, national judges, including Holgate, Wairimu, and Habana for South Africa, will select two entries in each of the four awards categories. This will create a 56-strong international shortlist, from which a judging panel of global experts will select the seven overall winners, with at least one winner from each participating country (South Africa, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Japan). This is a unique opportunity for South African organisations making a tangible difference on the ground to receive significant backing to amplify their impact.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Defender awards calls on South African Changemakers: £100 000, a vehicle and mentorship up for grabs
South African small-scale charities and non-profit organisations dedicated to conservation and humanitarian efforts are urged to enter the newly launched Defender Awards. This international initiative by the original British adventure brand, Defender, aims to support and champion local heroes and their initiatives as part of a substantial £1m global campaign. Entrants from South Africa stand a chance to be one of the seven global winners who will receive a £100,000 bursary, a rugged and capable Defender vehicle to support vital front-line work in hard-to-reach locations, and invaluable mentoring support from a community of experts. Entries are sought from programmes making a difference in one of four categories: Defenders of the Wild: Protecting endangered and at-risk species, from vultures to vital indigenous flora. Protecting endangered and at-risk species, from vultures to vital indigenous flora. Defenders of Humanity: Supporting vulnerable communities, helping them prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. Supporting vulnerable communities, helping them prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. Defenders of the Land: Protecting and restoring South Africa's most precious and fragile ecosystems. Protecting and restoring South Africa's most precious and fragile ecosystems. Defenders of the Sea: Protecting marine species, coastal environments, and addressing challenges such as pollution and unsustainable practices. The Defender Awards initiative is specifically designed to support small-scale charities and non-profit organisations working on humanitarian and conservation projects at a grassroots level. Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, said: "Defender has a proud heritage of helping people make more of their world, spanning both humanitarian and conservation causes. Our enduring 70-year association with the Red Cross and our 20-year partnership with Tusk support established organisations, but we wanted a way of engaging with smaller-scale initiatives. We have launched Defender Awards to recognise and support local conservation and humanitarian heroes. It is international in scale but has a grassroots focus and will further Defender's rich history of supporting vulnerable habitats, species, and communities.' Esteemed Panel to Adjudicate South African Entries Adding significant local expertise, Defender has announced a prestigious panel to adjudicate entries from South Africa and select local finalists. The panel includes: Ross Holgate: Operations leader and mapping and navigation expert for the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, renowned for using adventure to improve and save lives through malaria prevention, distribution of reading glasses, and providing clean water to vulnerable communities. Operations leader and mapping and navigation expert for the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, renowned for using adventure to improve and save lives through malaria prevention, distribution of reading glasses, and providing clean water to vulnerable communities. Ivy Wairimu: Head of Conservation Partnerships at Tusk, an organisation supporting progressive conservation interventions across Africa, with a 20-year partnership with Defender. Head of Conservation Partnerships at Tusk, an organisation supporting progressive conservation interventions across Africa, with a 20-year partnership with Defender. Bryan Habana: Springbok legend, Defender ambassador, and founder of the Bryan Habana Foundation, which inspires young South Africans and supports social change through sport via the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa. Janico Dannhauser, Brand Manager, Defender, said: 'Defender is renowned for forging enduring relationships with various organisations that exist for the primary goal of advancing the betterment of the world through humanitarian and conservation causes. Through the Defender Awards, and with the support of Ross, Ivy, and Bryan, we will be able to extend our reach to organisations at the cold phase of delivering humanitarian and conservation services.' This initiative builds on Defender's legacy, which traces back to the first Series Land Rovers in 1948 and includes deployments with British Red Cross nurses in Kenya in 1954, and a 20-year collaboration with African conservation charity Tusk. Charlie Mayhew OBE, Founder and President of Tusk, added: 'The new Defender Awards initiative represents a valuable opportunity for smaller organisations to begin their own relationships – and benefit from additional funding and expertise, as well as the 4x4 capability that is associated with Defender.' How to Enter Small-scale charities and non-profit organisations from South Africa are encouraged to submit their entries. Visit: Closing Date for Submissions: 16 June 2025 Following the closing date, national judges, including Holgate, Wairimu, and Habana for South Africa, will select two entries in each of the four awards categories. This will create a 56-strong international shortlist, from which a judging panel of global experts will select the seven overall winners, with at least one winner from each participating country (South Africa, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Japan). This is a unique opportunity for South African organisations making a tangible difference on the ground to receive significant backing to amplify their impact.
