IF there’s one thing Land Rover has perfected in SA, look no further than investment.
Investment bears economy, resulting in job creation, wealth and stability.
With a focus on Defender range, as many as 767 units have been registered in South Africa, according to figures from Naamsa.
This translates to a monthly average of around 128 units. The Slovakia-built SUV’s best single month was March 2023, when 151 units were sold locally, closely followed by June 2023 (140 units).
Defender 130 is now available in South Africa in X-Dynamic HSE and X specifications, as well as in First Edition guise.
Having tested driven the latest Defender 130, it is the longest in the model line-up, measuring at a whopping 5 358 mm from nose to tail, 340 mm of length comes in the form of an extended rear overhang, with the 3 022 mm wheelbase.
According to Whitley-based firm a subtle “boat tail-style uplift” at the rear maximises the Defender 130’s all-terrain ability, providing a departure angle of 28.5 degrees, while not impeding on interior space.
Interior is spacious, thanks to its 3-row version of the reinvented off-roader boasting up to 8 “full-size” seats.
The second row of seats slides and folds forwards to provide access to the rearmost perches. With all pews in place, it claims a luggage capacity of 389 litres, which expands to 2 291 litres with the second and third rows folded down, boasting an even higher utility capacity of 2 516 litres.
Its fitted with heated seats, padded armrests, useful storage solutions and USB-C provision to charge devices. A panoramic glass sunroof is standard, complemented by a second sunroof above the final row. A new four-zone climate control system is optional, considering the heat-wave we’re experiencing. And a mini fridge came in handy.
Other sophisticated features such as larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen, standard air suspension and an uprated cabin air purification arrangement are included in this Slovakian built SUV. Yes, its not a 4×4, as I had to field such questions from so called “know it all” and they know themselves. Aha.
As for Infotainment, presents key vehicle data, including speed, gear position and navigation directions, on the windscreen. It features crystal-clear, full-colour high-resolution graphics, enabling you to see all information with ease, including off-road driving information such as incline and camber angles.
The exterior- its brash and comes with all terrain tyres and 20’’ style gloss black outlook, to give it that added vavavoom. It comes with what is called ‘privacy glass’ that also solicited much attention and curiosity from yours truly.
The First Edition model build on the HSE specification with an extensive equipment list includes Matrix LED headlamps, heated second and third-row seating, the four-zone climate control, a Meridian sound system, and the driver assist.
The petrol, yes very important element, derivate Outbound Defender 130 features distinct colour Carpathian Grey, that had heads turning at 180 degrees, dare I said it. Other colours are available.
Outbound is an 8-speed Automatic Transmission, with maximum speed 191 km/p and acceleration 6.6 seconds averaging 0-100km/p.
Powertrain engine capacity 2,996, maximum power (kW/rpm) 294 / 5,500 – 6,500 Maximum torque (Nm/rpm) 550 / 2,000 – 5,000.
“New Defender 130 brings a new dimension of capability to our most durable and rugged family of vehicles. Its spacious interior welcomes and transports up to eight people in supreme comfort, enabling unparalleled sophisticated adventuring opportunities for families, with unique design signatures to create a distinct New Defender experience,” Nick Collins, Executive Director for Vehicle Programmes at Land Rover, was quoted.
Billed as “ultimate luxury explorer” it comes with excellent ride and handling. It comes fitted with storage bin, of which I used to store ‘personal’ stuff, a story for another brighter day.
Unfortunately, I did not go offroad, neither being adventurous this time, but when I visited a friend in Haartebees- North West province, after shutting the Outbound down, exiting, and walking 50m away, my phone remained connected and kept connecting through multiple phone calls. The hardware seems to work well, a good sign that investing in mzansi is worth a while.
‘One size fits all type’ that’s the Defender Outbound 130.
It retails for R 2,132,200
Image (‘The Ultimate luxury explorer’ Defender Outbound 130).
