Inside & Out:
If ever there was a car to make you feel like a big kid (or an old farmer) then the Land Rover Defender is it. This thing looks like a Tonka toy, all straight edges and full of purpose. It does look dated though, with a design that relates closely to the 1948 original, and the panel gaps are large enough to lose a finger in.
Talking of which, it rained while we had our test car, and all that water easily made it past the doors and onto the interior mats - thankfully they are rubber. In reality that doesn't cover half of the compromises made with the Landy's cabin though. The driver's seat doesn't go back far enough, there's little room for adults behind, and the air conditioning and stereo systems are weedy beyond belief. But one look out through the flat screen, over the equally flat bonnet and down to those who're travelling beneath you means none of that matters - this is a feel-good vehicle.
Ride & Handling:
The Defender was never meant to be driven in anger, at least not on the road, and it shows the instant you move off. Turn the steering wheel and then rotate it some more, for the Defender requires more input than you'd expect at low speeds, and the turning circle is truly awful.
You sit high and upright on the driver's seat though, so there are no excuses for not being able to plan your manoeuvres and avoid obstacles - a task made even easier by the car's square corners. The view out is helped by the vast amount of glass, and slim pillars (a reminder of this vehicle's age) but there's no getting away from the fact this is not the most nimble of SUVs.
The tall gearlever is easy to reach at least, though we found the handbrake mechanism rested against our legs uncomfortably while the non-adjustable steering wheel proved to be at an awkward angle. Thankfully the tall sidewalls on the all-terrain tyres disguised the rather bouncy ride somewhat, and the Land Rover is actually relatively comfortable at motorway speeds.
Move onto a more challenging set of blacktop, or even just a city centre, and things began to unravel further. Body roll, even at low speed, is unlike anything else on the road and it wasn't long before our passenger began to feel ill with the movement. But then it was always designed to be used off road, and while we didn't get a chance to hit the muddy stuff this week, on previous experiences we can assure you that once you've tried it there you'll forgive it all on-road misdemeanours.
Engine & Transmission:
This is not a lightweight car; the Defender Station Wagon weighs a little more than two tonnes. So you'd expect the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel to be slightly overwhelmed by its bulk, and to a degree you'd be correct. It is not to be rushed, and performance couldn't even be considered ample - finding official performance figures is nigh on impossible. Best idea is to short shift through the gearbox as quickly as you can, get to your cruising speed and do your best to maintain it. Everything happens below 3,000rpm and revving the 2.2-litre any harder just makes for an uncomfortable noise.
Thankfully sixth gear does make it a little more bearable at motorway speeds, though the flat screen, large wing mirrors and bluff body mean there's no escaping the rather dodgy aerodynamics. The tall gearlever is well within reach, though the shift is vague, notch-like and rather agricultural - it certainly needs a positive hand to guide it between ratios successfully.
Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:
Over £30,000; that actually buys some serious kit - including BMW's X3 and even Land Rover's own Freelander. But then if you're looking at a Defender in the first place it's not because you want an SUV, it's because you've already made your mind up and want a Defender.
In terms of standard equipment you'll be disappointed - our car featured cloth seats and manual rear windows. However, if you're buying this car for its capability (off-road that is) and general Swiss Army utility then you'll not be disappointed. There's no tougher, more capable and more iconic off-roader currently for sale, and from that point of view it has to be worth every penny.
