The Land Rover Defender is back, and in case you didn’t notice, the iconic off-roader previously ended its production in 2016 but returned in 2019 as a totally revamped model that’s built from the ground up.
This year, the Defender reached our shores through Coventry Motors Corporation (CMC), the sole authorized distributor of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, parts, and accessories in the Philippines. At launch, however, the long-wheelbase five-door Defender 110 was the only available option.
CMC now announces that the short-wheelbase three-door Defender 90 is coming by Q1 of 2021. Even better, those who want to buy the legendary vehicle with a diesel engine may do so with the availability of JLR’s Ingenium D240 four-pot, turbo-diesel engine.
The 2.0-liter Ingenium turbo-diesel mill is capable of producing 237hp and 430Nm of torque. That massive amount of pull makes the diesel Defenders an attractive buy to off-roading enthusiasts, considering the need for immense pull while traversing challenging terrains.
As a side note, we’ve confirmed from CMC that there are only less than five units of the initially available gasoline-powered Defender 110 in the country. Moving forward, all Defenders that will enter the Philippine shores, whether it’s a 90 or a 110, will have an oil-burner under their hoods.
Despite moving to a monocoque body for this generation of the Defender, Land Rover touts more rigidity and refinement with its lightweight aluminum construction. With the availability of the diesel engine in the lineup, as well as the short-wheelbase version, we can expect off-roaders to take delight in this news. After all, short wheelbase and diesel engine torque are a match made in heaven.
As with the initially launched Defender, buyers may choose from four packs for their SUV. Each of these packages aims to suit varying personalities of Defender buyers, partnered with the accessories that come bundled with the price tag.
The Urban Pack is meant for city dwellers and it comes with front undershield, spare wheel cover, and bright rear scuff plates on the outside. In the cabin, it gets bright metal pedals. The Urban Pack is priced at P5,510,000 for the Defender 90, while the Defender 110 can be had for P6,110,000.
On the other hand, the Defender Country Pack is meant to go dirty, armed with wheel arch protection, front and rear classic mudflaps, full-height cargo partitions, and even comes with a portable rinse system. The Defender 90 Country Pack has a sticker price of P5,560,000, while the 110 is priced at P6,160,000.
The Adventure Pack is the third option, and it’s for those who want to take their off-roading trips a bit further. It’s basically a Country Pack sans the cargo partitions but with extra side-mounted gear carrier, seat backpack, and integrated air compressor. The Adventure Pack sells for P5,640,000 for the Defender 90, while the 110 has a price tag of P6,240,000.
Those who want to go all in on their Defenders could go for the Explorer Pack which adds a disposable step ladder, a roof rack, and a raised air intake to the Adventure Pack. It’s also decorated with black hood decals to differentiate it from the range – priced at P5,810,000 for the Defender 90 and P6,410,000 for the Defender 110.
“We are thrilled to share this much awaited development. The Defender was well received in the Philippine market. With the growing following and demand for this truly exceptional vehicle, introducing a new powertrain and an additional body option comes as a natural progression in line with the brand’s intention to satisfy every driver’s desire to own and drive the most capable Land Rover yet,” said Chris Ward, President of Coventry Motors Corp.
The Defender 90 and 100 D240 can now be pre-ordered at All British Cars showroom in EDSA Greenhills and at BGC Boutique Showroom in 5th Ave. cor. 24th Street. Clients may set an appointment before visiting the showroom or book a virtual appointment by contacting (02) 8784 5003 or +63 919 068 2598.
As mentioned, deliveries are expected to happen by early Q1 2021, so it isn’t going to be a long wait.