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August 17, 2021
Test Drive the New Defender 90: The Most Alluringly Styled SUV Today | Land Rover
Land Rover Defender 90 | Land Rover Defender 90
The Most Alluringly Styled SUV Today
In 2019, the Land Rover "Defender" debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show, undergoing a full model change for the first time in 71 years. Approximately one year after the introduction of the long-wheelbase "110" version, we finally test-drove the short-wheelbase "90" version that has arrived in Japan.
Text by FUMIO Ogawa | Photographs by KAWANO Atsuki
Wheelbase Shorter Than the New Volkswagen Golf
The "Land Rover Defender 90" is what I'd call the most alluringly styled SUV today. Its style, reminiscent of a modern redesign of the popular original Defender, is captivating, and it also offers an enjoyable driving experience with its 300ps engine.
The new Defender arrived with a full model change in 2020. Although the 90 was the flagship model at its debut, the 110, with its spacious four-door body, had landed in Japan first. It wasn't until July 2021 that I finally got to drive the 90.
The 90 is characterized by its compact two-door body within the Defender lineup. Land Rover's own designers say the 90 is purer in design than the 110. It looks stylish even when driven in the city.
The model name "90" (Ninety) has been used since the previous generation, originally indicating the length of the wheelbase. A 90-inch wheelbase is 2,286mm. The new 90 is longer at 2,585mm, but still shorter than the new Volkswagen Golf (2,620mm).
The 90 sold in Japan is exclusively the "P300" model, signifying a 1,995cc four-cylinder gasoline engine with a maximum output of 221kW (300ps) and a maximum torque of 400Nm. Additionally, several grades are available based on equipment differences.
The synergy between this engine and the chassis is quite good. The acceleration is more brisk than expected, and as it was developed as an SUV rather than a traditional cross-country vehicle, the steering is more precise than anticipated, and the suspension system effectively controls body roll. Both are doing an excellent job.
While it's compact compared to the 4,945mm long 110, its overall length is 4,510mm and the wheelbase is 2,585mm as mentioned earlier, providing considerable space, including the rear seats. Access to the rear seats isn't ideal (cramped when getting in), so it might be best used primarily as a two-seater.