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By
EWAN KENNEDY
16 June 2008
A Land Rover Defender with an iPod connection – what's the world
coming to! Purists in the 4WD field may gasp at the concept of
this rough and tough vehicle having such a modern inclusion, but
these are guys who aren't right into the culture of the Defender.
Because
the iconic Land Rover 4WD, which celebrated its 60th birthday in
April this year, is all about being sensible and practical. And if
you’re camped in the middle of nowhere without a radio station
within cooee, then being able sit beside a fire and sip on a beer
whilst listening to your own choice of music is an excellent idea.
Land
Rover Defender 110 SVX (not to be confused with the Subaru SVX
coupe of the 1990s) is a special 60th anniversary edition which
will go on sale in Australia in July. Not only does it have the
iPod connection, its audio system also features such luxuries as a
sub-woofer (no worries about disturbing the neighbours when
you’re out back ‘o Bourke!) and a USB socket.
Other
upmarket items are satellite navigation (so you can leave the
sextant at home!) Recaro front seats and machined alloy gear knobs
- yes, two knobs, this is a true old-style 4WD under its luxurious
outer layer.
All
this is clothed in a Defender body finished in black metallic
paint. Which may prove a disadvantage to outback users as metallic
finishes can be notoriously difficult to restore if the paint
becomes scratched. Also making this special Defender slightly less
useful off road are tubular side steps as these can reduce
clearance in really harsh conditions.
Alloy
wheels are part of the SVX package, as is a good-looking,
reinforced front undertray in lightweight aluminium.
There's
a revision to the style of the grille surround, and the headlights
have clear covers to set this special model that little bit
further apart. Tail-lights are now in LED format to give them a
brighter look and the advantage of faster lightup.
Individually
numbered build plaques are installed on the metal panel under the
driver’s seat in each vehicle. Something that may lead to higher
resale value down the track. And you get a special SVX key chain
as part of the package.
Seating
is for seven in a two/three/two arrangement that gives reasonably
space for seven adults, though, as always, the driver is hampered
by a seat that’s cramped against the front door. Then again,
Land Rover enthusiasts seem to like the seat being like that, and
sit with a great deal of political incorrectness with their right
elbow out of the window to compensate.
Power
in recent Defenders comes from Ford four-cylinder turbo-diesel
displacing 2.4 litres and producing 315 Newton metres from 1500
rpm to 2700 rpm. That spread of peak torque means the engine is at
its best virtually all of the time.
The
dashboard of the Defender benefitted from a major upgrade in 2007
and is now not only easier to use, but also provides more interior
room in the knee and foot areas.
In
Australia, this special edition Land Rover Defender 110 SVX will
be priced at $62,990 plus on-road costs. Note that only 80 are
coming here, and that half have already been accounted for, sight
unseen, so if you’re halfway interested it might be an idea to
move quickly.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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