Heritage meets modern engineering
The new Defender honours the original's boxy charm while delivering comfort and tech the old car never dreamed of.
Rebooting an icon is risky — just ask anyone who remembers the last G-Class before the update. Land Rover has managed to modernise the Defender without sanitising its character.
We spent two weeks with the Defender 110 P300 to test it as both a daily driver and a weekend explorer.
Daily driving
Despite the upright stance and flat windscreen, the Defender is surprisingly easy to live with in Singapore. Visibility is excellent, the turning circle is tight thanks to all-wheel steering, and the Pivi Pro infotainment is a massive step up from JLR systems of old.
Adventure ready
Where the Defender truly shines is away from tarmac.
- Terrain Response 2 with automatic surface detection.
- Optional air suspension with 291mm ground clearance.
- Wade sensing through 900mm of water.
- Roof rack and accessory ecosystem for camping gear.
Practicality
The 110's five-plus-two layout works for occasional third-row use. The boot holds 1,063 litres with five seats up — more than enough for a family holiday.
Conclusion
The Defender 110 is the most capable and most liveable off-roader on sale.
It is expensive and thirsty, but nothing else combines this much character with this much competence.
