2010 Land Rover Defender 90
November 23, 2009 by Alborz Fallah
Land Rover Australia has reintroduced the Defender 90, six years after the old car was dropped from the local line up.
The full-time four-wheel drive is powered by a 90kW 2.4-litre diesel engine which punches out 360Nm of torque – 60Nm more than the 2003 model.
Combined fuel economy remains the same at a flat 10.0-litres/100km but CO2 emissions are down from 282g/km to 266.
A new six-speed manual transmission comes with a lower first gear and a higher sixth to improve both off-road ability and highway cruising refinement.
Land Rover marketing and public affairs manager, Kevin Goult, said that with almost two million units sold since 1948, the 90 has a reputation for getting you there and back regardless of climate or terrain.
“With the reintroduction of the 90 in Australia, Land Rover now offers nine different Defender derivatives, across three wheel bases.
“We believe the enhancements to the iconic Defender 90 will win the hearts and minds of new and existing customers alike,” he said.
The new 90 is shorter in length but taller than the 2003 model with a greater ground clearance (323mm).
Wading depth is up to 500mm while max towing weight with a braked trailer is 3500kg (750kg unbraked).
Safety features come in the form of ABS and traction control.
Land Rover chief designer, Dave Saddington, said very few changes have been made to the model’s exterior but the interior received much more attention.
“The interior’s a different story. We wanted to change the heating system and instruments, as well as improve ergonomics, all of which gave us the opportunity to introduce an all-new fascia.
“The new fascia is better integrated, more robust and functionally superior to the old unit, whilst still entirely in keeping with Defender 90’s character.”
Inside is a new in-dash CD player, rubber floor mats and electric front windows.
The air-conditioning system can now cool the cabin in half the time and by seven degrees more than the old unit, while the heater works 40 per cent quicker and up to 12 degrees hotter.
Land Rover chief program engineer, Gary Taylor, said upgraded sound insulation and a quieter engine make for a far superior cabin experience.
“For many customers, the step change in Defender 90’s refinement will be one of the most welcome advances.
“Not only are noise levels significantly lower, but sound quality is transformed too.”
The Defender 90 is on sale now at a recommended retail price of $44,990 before statutory and delivery charges and will arrive in Australia early next year.
Tags: Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Defender 90
“Powered by Transit”
Does it still have a wading plug for deep water crossing?
Rather a Jeep Wrangler, NO oil leaks or “issues”
The JK doesn’t have any issues eh?
1. Diesel Slow fill problem
2. Death wobble (traction control/abs issue)
3. Auto/Diesel/towbar overheating issue resulting in fires
Those engine figures are pretty bad.
Fer crissakes Landrover, stick either the V6 TDI and /or option the V8 TDI into this vehicle, and re-ignite the passion!
Put the hyundai R engine in it.
Put the S/C V8 in it from the RR Sport, big brakes and some suspension attention. Create a hero car in the mould of the Merc G55. If that doesn’t get people excited and passionate about the lower rung models, nothing will.
Love these things they are still the most capable off road vehicle out there…
But most importantly I want this job Land Rover chief designer. Dave Saddington must be working his A off over the last few years………… LOL :p
I think it’s funny that the Defender interior gets a special mention because it has an integrated CD player, rubber floor mats and electric front windows! Times have changed LR, people aren’t going to be wowed by a CD player in this day and age.
I am not much a fan of cars,but this Land Rover car is really awesome!!Sounds and that color like a great combination.I think this car is HOT!!!
Avoid this one, I’ve got the same model in the 110, to date it has received a new engine, rear diff, steering gear box, brake master cylinder, several vacuum pumps, front prop shaft, numerous seals and bearings to name a few. tim
hi tim, presently looking at buying a 90 series (new )defender when they arrive here in oz in a couple of weeks – however, just read your comments and you have me worried. are they really that shit and unreliable – was intending to do some serious offroading, however, don’t fancy breaking down in the middle of bum fuck nowhere and would be pretty pissed off after having spent that much money on a piece of crap. spoke to a guy in the shopping centre car park not long ago who was driving a newish 110 station wagon. when i asked him if he had had any reliability issues, he replied no not really, but then went on to list a host of stuff he has had to have fixed under the warranty that has gone wrong – everything from the glass in the windows coming off thier rollers whilst off roading and being stuck inside the doorskin to numerous oil leaks. HAS ME VERY WORRIED AND AM WONDERING IF I AM MAKING THE CORRECT DECISION.
Everyone is soft. Badass, you are retarded, go buy a Terracan and be wowed.
If Tata is never going to invest the amount of money to design an all new Defender that can get the crash ratings etc to get into other markets they should continue to sell it as farm machinery. My hope is that in this plastic obsessed world icon cars like the defender will continue to be available. My friend owns a series 3 and it still runs every day – the defender, series landrovers etc are largely unchanged, they don’t need to be they are awesome. Only make them more reliable, increase the crash safety, and more economical. Keep the look, keep the aluminium, keep the class leading 4WD ability. Good idea about the TDV6.
Jeep wrangler what a piece of scrap,do not compare a true 4×4 with something as bad as wrangler what a joke
Meh. Nissan Patrol for the win. I’ve had my TI for over 10 years and its been everywhere. Reliability? I had a flat tyre once.
This car looks mad, but isnt a 2,4 engine to small for it? You fancy guys may laugh, but i have an 87 pajero 2.5 turbo diesel 2 door and it is sick, got big offroad tires and its unstopable. Does not have a good acceleration, but after you get some speed it goes sweet on the highway,even has overdrive!. Never let me down, doesn’t have one rust spot and i bought it for 3,500 and i wouldnt sell it for nothing! What kind of trusty 4×4 can i buy at this budget?
This car looks mad, but isnt a 2,4 engine to small for it? You fancy guys may laugh, but i have an 87 pajero 2.5 turbo diesel 2 door and it is sick, got big offroad tires and its unstopable. Does not have a good acceleration, but after you get some speed it goes sweet on the highway. Never let me down, doesn’t have one rust spot and i bought it for 3,500 and i wouldnt sell it for nothing! What kind of trusty 4×4 can i buy at this budget?
First up, I have never owned a defender but believe strongly that it is my destiny to own one. I am now currently in the position of re-leasing my Navara st-x with all the bells and whistles (winch, air lockers, suspension uupgrades, bull bar, recovery bar etc etc etc) OR trading it in on a brand spanking shiny new defender 90 or 110. I like the idea of a 90 due to having owned a TJ wrangler and, as much as people may think they’re a toy car. Shorties OWN offroad. Sure my navara feels more planted and can drag itself up the most horrifying of inclines without giving the feel of impending tip over that the jeep did but the bump and grind of a short wheelbase got me in and out of some serious trouble that I would not even consider in the nissan. So I guess I’m looking for opinions on A. the reliability of the new land rovers and B. whether the 90 is worth the trouble of sourcing over a 110. Cheers in advance guys.