Land Rover Defender 4×4 (2007 – ) expert review

The Land Rover Defender is one of the most recognisable cars on the road and a British icon to boot. The shiny, silver one we drove probably turned as many heads as any car we’ve borrowed and we received an enthusiastic headlight-flashing response from other owners. But most Defender buyers aren’t going to care about that as the models they buy aren’t going to be shiny for long. It looks brilliant, classic and modern in a single shell. The bonnet has been updated for the 2007 version too.

Unsurprisingly for the 4×4 most likely to be found off-road, everything is functional, and angular. It’s an interior which looks like it means business. The model we drove was kitted out with black leather and while the luxury contrasts with the vehicle’s workhorse nature it looks very cool. Improvements include new surfaces which are more resistant to scuffing and a two-handed passenger grab to provide support on challenging terrain. The information displays are easy to read and the controls are simple. However, some feel somewhat dated, though everything feels as chunky and rugged as the exterior appearance.

This is the practical face of Land Rover. Permanent four-wheel drive delivering power exactly where it is needed, combined, with electronic traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), an incredibly tough aluminium exterior, super-strong chassis and great towing capability to deliver one of the world’s most capable vehicles. The model we drove featured seven seats, five of which could be folded to increase the load area. There is little space in the front, but overall, for practicality, there are few models which can touch the Defender.

We drove the Defender in town and on motorways and were pleasantly surprised at the level of comfort. However it has to be emphasised that if you’re not looking to spend a lot of time off-road with your Defender you should seriously consider other models in the Land Rover range and beyond. Land Rover says this model is 30 per cent quieter than its predecessor but it will still seem noisy, especially at speed, if you’re accustomed to cars aimed more at road use. Vague steering means driving at speed requires care, as does cornering.

It’s not for the 0-60mph or the top speed that buyers seek out the Defender. Other performance figures come into play here. The 2007 model features an all-new 2.4-litre diesel engine which can deliver 90 per cent of its power from as little as 2,200rpm through an all-new six speed gearbox. But it’s not all about brute strength. The engine is also 30 per cent quieter than the outgoing model. In addition the Defender boasts a wading depth of 500mm, with 314mm ground clearance and a maximum gradient of 45 degrees.

The model we drove’s average fuel consumption is 25.7mpg, though this will be less for off-road use. Carbon emissions of 291g/km means the Land Rover Defender falls within the highest tax band, resulting in big bills.

Land Rover as whole finds itself at the wrong end of the Reliability Index. However, it’s worth tempering that information with the use Land Rover Defender owners put their cars to – which is a bit more demanding than the trials and tribulations faced by most cars.

Great 4×4 capability, and, on some models, traction control and anti-lock brakes are the main means of keeping you safe and sound.

Land Rover Defenders have a broad range of body shapes and three trim levels to suit their use. We drove the top of the range Land Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon XS which features heated front seats and air conditioning. County models come with a stereo radio and single CD.

Off road-ability. The Land Rover Defender made its debut in 1948 and 18 million models later it’s still going strong. Improvements to the vehicle mean on-road journeys are more comfortable but it is off-road that the Land Rover Defender is a star.