Defender 2012 MY
A new EU5 2.2-litre diesel engine replaces the EU4 2.4-litre diesel for 2011, bringing new levels of performance and refinement to the Defender for 2012. The smaller capacity engine delivers the same power, torque and economy as its outgoing sister but makes this the cleanest Land Rover Defender yet produced. In EU5 markets, the new engine comes with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to ensure the lowest possible levels of regulated emissions.
Following a major upgrade in 2007 which included a new facia and six-speed manual transmission, the Defender's specification has been further improved for 2012. In addition to the existing 'S' and 'SE' trim levels, there are five new option packs, new alloy wheels, ventilated discs on all variants and a number of detail improvements to the interior. Three speed-limiting options will also be offered to fleet users wanting to gain more effective control of fuel costs.
The Defender can trace its roots back to 1948 and during that period Land Rovers have earned a reputation as the most rugged and versatile off-road vehicles in the world. Since 2002, the Defender has consistently sold an average of 25,000 units a year worldwide. Retail and utility customers, armed forces and NGOs in over 100 countries believe that the Defender's off-road ability, durability and towing capability are still head and shoulders above the competition. Such a unique combination of attributes explains why this legendary vehicle commands such exceptionally high standards of customer loyalty.
"The substantial improvements to the Defender in 2007 transformed its on-road refinement and comfort whilst extending its legendary capability off-road for which Defender is synonymous. With the introduction of the new 2.2-litre diesel engine and five option packs, the Defender for 2012 now offers greater customer choice than ever before," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.
Smaller, cleaner diesel engine for 2012
The new EU5 2.2-litre diesel engine replaces the EU4 2.4-litre diesel while matching it for power, torque and fuel consumption. A new, full acoustic engine cover replaces the previous splash cover, reducing radiated engine noise and improving driving refinement. Meeting EU5 regulations, the engine delivers lower levels of the regulated emissions,NOx,COand HC thanks to an improved combustion system and sophisticated engine management system. In EU5 markets, particulate matter has been reduced to EU5 levels with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Despite the smaller capacity and reduced emissions, the new engine produces the same power, 122PS@3,500rpm and torque, 360Nm@2,000rpm, as the outgoing 2.4-litre engine. Performance remains similar too, with a 0-60mph time of 14.7 seconds as before, though the top speed has been raised to 90mph compared to 82mph for the previous version. CO2 emissions on the combined cycle are consistent at 266g/km for the 90 and 295g/km for the 110 and 130.
The GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox has been retained for 2012 with its excellent ratio spread, high top gear for cruising and enhanced low-speed crawl capability. The lower first gear offers low crawl speed making towing on-road and off-road much easier. The low-down engine torque also helps in-gear acceleration and the tall sixth gear ensures excellent real-world cruising, refinement and fuel economy. Ground gears in both the gearbox and transfer box help contribute to the refinement of the transmission.
Interiors move up a notch
In addition to the 'S' and 'SE' trim levels, five new option packs have been introduced to the Defender for 2012 to offer more bespoke combinations including, for the first time, part leather seats and leather steering wheel across the model range. The option packs comprise of the following:
Comfort Pack- Air conditioning, CD Player with auxiliary input and convenience pack.
Exterior Pack- Brunel grille and headlamp surrounds, body coloured roof, wheel arches and side runners. Interior Pack- Carpeted floors, high line cubby, part leather seats and leather steering wheel. Rear stowage net is included in Station Wagons and Hard Tops and the roof appointment pack is included in 90 Hard Tops.
Leather Pack-Part leather seats and leather steering wheel are available on all body styles for the first time.
Off-Road Pack- ABS, heavy duty rim and MTR tyre, tow ball and under-ride protection bar.
In response to customer feedback, a plain black Pick Up hood will now be available as an option whilst a plain beige hood will be introduced for the 110 Double Cab Pick Up. Both options are in addition to existing styles.
Further enhancements for 2012 include the addition of tinted glass on all models and the option of part leather seats. A new gloss black, Saw Tooth alloy wheel with MTR tyre is also being introduced as an option on Station Wagon and Hard Top body styles.
The Defender's facia is based on a single, large moulding supported on a robust steel rail to help eliminate squeaks and rattles. The instruments provide clear, concise information to the driver, and details like all-LED instrument illumination help ensure high standards of reliability. Versatile stowage shelves are conveniently located for both the driver and passenger and two console options are available: a practical open-tray design that keeps contents to hand and a large, lidded design that provides an impressive 14-litres of stowage.
A powerful heating and ventilation system is designed to cope with the most extreme climates and features aluminium plate and fin heat exchangers to deliver impressive performance.
Tall front seats are designed to improve maximum back support and head restraint ergonomics in the most demanding driving conditions and there are robust, supportive second row seats too. 110 Station Wagon and 130 Crew Cab models can comfortably accommodate three occupants on an asymmetrically-split second row seat. A spring-assisted fold mechanism helps when folding the seats for carrying large or awkward loads.
Defender 90 Station Wagon second row occupants benefit from a pair of individual, full-size, forward-facing rear seats. Providing excellent comfort levels, these seats are also available as a third row option on the 110 Station Wagon. Accessed either through the rear door or by folding the second row seats, they can be easily folded and stowed sideways in the loadspace.
Seat trims include durable all-vinyl and cloth specifications; a half-leather option is also available to add a touch of luxury to the cabin. Three-point safety belts are specified for all seating positions.
Defender's unique vehicle architecture has been retained for 2012. The chassis frame is available in three different wheelbases and in both standard and heavy-duty guise (for even greater load-bearing capabilities). A total of 14 separate body styles - from pick-ups and soft-tops to crew cabs and station wagons - are produced on the mainstream production line. Beyond this, Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations team offer a range of products from standard drop-side or box-body conversions to bespoke design and build adaptations into ambulances, mobile hydraulic platforms and even airport fire tenders - all of which are covered by Land Rover's extensive warranty.
