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• The new Land Rover Defender 90 is now available in South Africa.
• The 90 is the three-door version of the bigger Defender 110.
• A raft of options are available on the Defender 90.
• For more motoring stories, go to Wheels24
Following the local introduction of the Defender 110 in mid-2020, Land Rover South Africa has finally set the Defender 90 free in the country. The Defender 90 is the short-wheelbase version of the Defender 110, but still boasts the impressive off- and on-road technology and features of its bigger sibling. The Defender 90 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.
At the launch, the Defender 90's four engines comprise two diesel and two petrol. A 2.0-litre D240 turbodiesel produces 177kW and 430Nm, enabling 0-100km/h in nine seconds with a top speed of 188km/h, while a 2.0-litre P300 turbo petrol with 221kW and 400Nm achieves 0-100km/h in 7.1sec 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 of torque. These two models accelerate from 0-100 in six and 6.7 seconds, respectively, with top speeds of 191km/h for both.
All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels.
Model grades explained
The Defender S is the entry-point to the range and feature standard equipment that include LED headlights with auto high beam assist, keyless entry, Ebony grained leather with woven textile seat facings, Pivi Pro 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an interactive driver display among others. 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.
The X-Dynamic model bridges the gap between Defender S and Defender X with a rugged exterior look and unique interior fittings to set it apart from the rest of the lineup. It features gloss painted Narvik Black exterior door and wheel arch cladding with Silicon Satin skid pans. The Defender X-Dynamic is available with a choice of SE and HSE Specification Packs.
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The gloss black inset contrast hood is standard on the range-topping X derivative, 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 callipers are painted orange, the dashboard cross beam is a dark grey powder coat brushed finish, and door sill treadplates are illuminated with Defender script.
The X also sees air suspension is fitted as standard 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.
The Defender First Edition, available for one year from launch, is available in 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 rearview mirror and 20-inch alloys.
Personalisation options
Land Rover South Africa says that customers can personalize their Defender 90 with four Accessory Packs.
The Explorer Pack includes a raised air intake, a lightweight Expedition roof rack to carry up to 132kg, a 24-litre exterior side-mounted gear carrier, matte black bonnet decal, and wheel arch protection to help conquer the most uncharted African landscapes.
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The Adventure Pack, developed to make more of nature's playground, consists of a portable rinse system for hosing off boots, bikes and wetsuits, a 20L Seat Backpack, bright rear scuff plate, front and rear mudflaps, a spare wheel cover, an integrated air compressor ideal for inflating tyres or air mattresses, and the same side-mounted Gear Carrier.
A Country Pack equips the Defender with front and rear Classic mudflaps, a full-height loadspace partition to prevent items in the rear loadspace from entering the cabin, wheel arch protection, a bright rear scuff plate and the portable rinse system.
Finally, the Urban Pack comprises bright metal pedals, a bright rear scuff plate, a spare wheel cover, and front undershield protection to make the Defender stand out with style in the concrete jungle.
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
