Changes in the Defender range

Land Rover has upped their Defender game by adding spec and engine options to their popular 4×4’s line-up.  Engine wise a 2.2 litre diesel engine, currently on test with the Leisure Wheels team (Defender 110), has been introduced.

According to Land Rover global, “The appeal of the Land Rover Defender has been strengthened with the opportunity for customers to enhance their driving comfort and also to personalise their vehicle with a range of contrast roof colours. Underpinned by the powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine and its go anywhere capability, the iconic Defender retains the rugged appeal that it’s always been famous for but now with even greater customer choice,” says John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

The difference

The 2.2-litre diesel engine replaces the 2.4-litre diesel, matching it for power, torque and fuel consumption, whilst a full acoustic engine cover replaced the previous splash cover, reducing radiated engine noise and improving driving refinement.

According to Land Rover, the 2.2-litre diesel engine produces 90kW @ 3500 r/pm and torque of 360Nm @ 2000 r.pm, CO2 emissions on the combined cycle are 266g/km for the Defender 90 and 295g/km for the 110 and 130.

They further claim GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox has an excellent ratio spread, high top gear for cruising and enhanced low-speed crawl capability. The lower first gear offers low crawl speed making towing on-road and off-road much easier. The low-down engine torque also helps in-gear acceleration and the tall sixth gear ensures excellent real-world cruising, refinement and fuel economy. Ground gears in both the gearbox and transfer box help contribute to the refinement of the transmission.
You can read the team’s review of the new 2.2 online soon, as well as a detailed off-road test in the November issue (103).