New Land Rover Defender Hard Top 30 | 06 | 2020
LAND ROVER HAS confirmed the new commercial Defender 90 and 110 models will restore the Hard Top name to its rugged 4x4 family. The new Defender Hard Top will go on sale later this year with indicative pricing for the short-wheelbase three-door 90 version starting at £35,500 (ex-VAT). It’s likely the longer 110 version will cost just over £40,000 (ex-VAT). (Related: Defender 110 gets ... a roof tent)
The Hard Top name dates back to 1950, when the introduction of demountable Hard Tops gave early Series Land Rovers added security and protection from the elements. New Defender Hard Top continues this ethos, sharing its fixed metal roof and silhouette with the iconic original.
The Defender Hard Top is being developed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations to deliver unrivalled durability, practicality and toughness. It uses the same aluminium-intensive architecture — said to be three times stiffer than the best body-on-frame structure — as used on the passenger models. The Hard Top uses independent coil-sprung suspension, though adjustable air suspension is available on the larger model. (Related: Return of the iconic Land Rover Defender)
Full technical details will be released, along with confirmed prices, later on in the year. At the moment, Land Rober has confirmed both 90 and 110 models will have a wading depth of 900mm. The 110 will also have approach, breakover and departure angles of up to 38, 28 and 40 degrees respectively in the Off-Road setting. (Related: New PHEV Evoque and Discovery Sport)
Land Rover’s state-of-the-art Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment will provide immediate and intuitive control of all the major vehicle functions, including seamless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Twin eSIM technology underpins Pivi Pro and supports Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) capability, allowing customers to download updates for a variety of vehicle systems. For professionals using the Defender Hard Top for business, Land Rover says this will minimise time spent off the road as SOTA updates can be completed without the need to visit a Land Rover retailer.
Other tech available includes the ClearSight rear-view mirror, which relays an HD camera feed in place of a mirror; obviously handy if the rear load bay is full. (Related: All-new Range Rover Evoque)
Also available will be Advanced Tow Assist, which allows drivers to manoeuvre the car in reverse using a rotary controller in the centre of the car. A 3D surround camera will also help with tricky manoeuvres, presenting an all-round view of the car on the central screen. There’a also an impressive payload and towing capacity of up 3500kg
And though there’s no second or third-row seats, the optional front-row jump seat means it will still accommodate up to three people.
“We will maximise the functionality and usability of New Defender’s cargo area, with tough materials and clever storage solutions to ensure it surpasses the capability of any previous Defender Hard Top, Michael van der Sande, managing director, Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said.
And his views were further backed by Nick Collins, Land Rover Vehicle Line Director.
“New Defender 90 and 110 Hard Top will be the toughest, most capable and most connected commercial 4x4s we have ever produced,” Collins said. “They have been engineered to meet global safety standards and deliver impressive long-haul comfort, giving businesses and professionals the best of all worlds.”
Related: Range Rover Velar limited edition
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars
Jim McGill