MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS DIESEL HATCHBACK A200 CDI Sport 5dr [Map Pilot]

The Land Rover Defender has been revitalised for the modern era. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The new-era Land Rover Defender brings the design of this legendary Solihull model bang up to date. Despite the modern tech, it remains as solid and uncompromising as it's always been, with off road ability to worry a Challenger tank. Approach it as an alternative to modern luxury SUVs and you've missed the point. Buy a Discovery for that. Here instead, is the hardest wearing, most capable and most cost effective proper off-roader that sensible money can buy.

Background

You may have forgotten what a real Land Rover is - and what it looks like. These days, we associate the Solihull maker with lifestyle SUVs and Range Rover products. Rather than the kind of farm working 4x4 that Maurice Wilks developed for agricultural use back in the Forties. There are still some people who feel that this is exactly what a true off-roader should be. It shouldn't feel like a car on stilts. It needs to be rugged, practical and offer a number of field-serviceable parts. Is that what we have here? Everything has been changed to differentiate this modern era Defender from the Land Rover original - but ultimately, nothing is really very different. Thank goodness for that.

Driving Experience

Engine-wise, the range is fundamentally built around straight six 3.0-litre MHEV mild hybrid engineering. For diesels, this is offered in two forms - the D250 (with 250PS and 570Nm of torque) and the D300 (with 300PS and 650Nm of torque). Even the D250 powers to 62mph in 7.9s on the way to 117mph. If you want efficiency but don't want to fuel from the black pump, there's also a P400e Plug-in Hybrid option with the 110 body style. This PHEV variant uses a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine mated to a 105kW electric motor powered by a 19.2kWh battery, this combination producing a combined 404PS output and offering an EAER-rated all-electric driving range of up to 31 miles. There are also two conventional petrol options, the 300PS P300 and the 400PS P400 variant. Eight-speed auto transmission is mandatory across the range. Land Rover insists that this new-era Defender is even more capable than its predecessor, despite the fact that, unlike that previous model, there's no hard core separate chassis or rigid axles. Instead, the architecture is fundamentally the same as that which features on the current Discovery, Range Rover Sport and range Rover modes. But it rides on reinforced suspension with greater travel and there's more ground clearance too. Both coil springs and air suspension are available. As you'd expect, there's permanent 4WD, along with a Terrain Response system allowing you to set the car up for various driving conditions (or you can simply select an automatic setting and let the Defender handle everything for you). All three body shapes have impressive mud plugging stats; in a 90 or 110 model, you can expect an approach angle of 38-degrees and a departure angle of 40-degrees. It can climb a 45-degree slope and descent a 47-degree one. And it'll wade through water up to 900mm deep. Try doing that in your lifestyle SUV.

Design and Build

You'd recognise this as a Defender - there are lots of design cues ensuring that, including squared-off wheelarches, super-short front and rear overhangs and so-called 'Alpine light' narrow windows set into the roof. Like the old Defender, it's possible to buy both three and five-door body shapes. The three-door is the Defender 90, while the standard five-door is the Defender 110. You can also choose a lengthened version with up to eight seats, the Defender 130. Whatever body style you choose, modern touches include full-LED headlights and a square body-coloured panel in the rear side glass (which is optional on the 90 and standard on the 110 and 130 models). Inside, the exposed metal on the doors and the minimalist dashboard give an appropriately Defender-style feel but this time round, the cabin's wider, so you won't be bashing your wrists on the doors every time you twirl the wheel round. The mandatory auto gearbox leaves room at the front for an optional centre seat that would allow even the smallest 90 model to seat up to 6 people, even though its roadway footprint is no bigger than something like an Audi A3 family hatch. The five-door 110 version can be had in five, six or seven-seat configurations. The five-door 130 is usually offered in eight-seat form, with three seats in the third row, three in the second and two at the front; but you can delete that variant's third row seating if you want a really large boot. Unlike more lifestyle-orientated SUVs, this Defender in all its guises has its spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, which means that must be side-opening; that'll be a problem if you're in a tight parking bay.

Market and Model

There are three distinct sizes of Defender. The three-door 90 is priced from around £61,000; the five-door medium length 110 is priced from around £64,000; and the super-sized 130 version is priced from around £74,000. There are four core trim levels; 'SE', 'HSE', 'X-Dynamic' and 'X'. With the 90 version, a 'Commercial' van version is also offered. Across the passenger model range, customers get to choose from four optional design packs. There's 'Country', which you'll want if you'd like to replicate the classic Defender look. If you want something a little more modern, there's 'Urban', which adds a bit of bling with 22-inch wheels. 'Adventure' gives you underbody protection and side-mounted storage boxes. And 'Explorer' includes a roof rack, a roof ladder and an anti-glare bonnet. Plus of course, you'll be able to personalise your Defender to your heart's content with everything from an electric winch to a roof-top tent. There's even a removable body wrap package that protects the metallic paint when you're off roading. This model also employs Land Rover's 'ClearSight Ground View' technology which shows you the area ahead of the front wheels on a fascia-mounted screen. The Defender P400e Plug-in petrol variant comes with the 110 body style and is available with the option of five or six seats, standard three-zone climate control, Privacy Glass and Solar Attenuating Glass. Specific to the PHEV variant is regenerative braking, a key technological component in achieving impressive fuel economy, recuperating energy lost under deceleration and braking and sending it back into the battery pack.

Cost of Ownership

The whole reason the old original Defender had to be discontinued was that there was no way to make it comply with current stringent emissions regulation. This modern-era model has no such issues. Thanks to MHEV mild hybrid tech, the Defender 110 D250 diesel variant that most customers choose returns 32.1mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 231g/km. The MHEV technology contributes to enhanced fuel economy through an efficient Stop/Start system which cuts the engine at a standstill, as well as recuperating energy normally lost under braking or decelerating. This energy is then sent back into the battery pack and can be redeployed later. A key benefit of MHEV is that this energy is used when accelerating, delivering faster responses for greater performance. If you want to do better, you'll need a Plug-in Hybrid petrol version. The Defender 110 P400e petrol PHEV produces up to 59g/km of CO2 and is capable of up to 109.5mpg and can go for up to 31 miles on all-electric power (EAER-rated). All PHEV variants come with a Mode 3 charging cable as standard, while an optional Mode 2 cable is also available. The Mode 3 charging cable enables charging to 80 per cent in two hours, while charging via a Mode 2 cable will take around seven hours to charge to 80 per cent - perfect for home charging overnight. Using a 50kW rapid charger, the P400e charges to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes. Like all Defenders before it, this one will enjoy healthy residual values, buoyed by a strong rural market, easy parts availability and a vibrant owners' community. Insurance is reasonable although VED tax will sting a little. That only leaves the warranty, an unremarkable three year unlimited mileage deal. Also included is European cover and a promise to get you on your way as soon as possible in your own car or in a loan vehicle if the required repair will take longer than four hours.

Summary

Land Rover has re-invented the Defender for a new era without allowing this model to lose its iconic feel and legendary off road ability. The amount of time this car spent in development suggests how difficult it must have been to achieve this but we think many will very much like the end result. Like its predecessor, this Defender effectively operates in a virtual class of one, being a vehicle that's exempt from the usual rules of assessment. The style is unique, it'll embarrass just about any other SUV off road and it'll probably out-last you. For most people, most of the time though, a Land Rover Discovery will still be an infinitely more suitable choice. But there remains a section of the population for whom nothing other than a Defender will be quite right and these people have waited a long time for this car. If you want the real deal, there really is no substitute.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Electric rear windows

Rear wiper

Automatic rain sensing wipers

Heated rear window with timer

Brakes

Adaptive brake system

Hill start assist

Electronic parking brake

Electronic Stability Program with Anti Skid Control

Anti lock brake system with Brake Assist

Communication

Bluetooth interface for hands free telephone

Driver Aids

Attention assist

Speed sensitive parameter assisted steering

Speedtronic cruise control

Collision prevention assist

Driver Information

Becker Map Pilot

Low fluid warning light

Bulb failure indicator

External temperature gauge

Trip computer

Service indicator (Active Service System PLUS)

Driving Mirrors

Electric heated + adjustable door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Chrome air vent surrounds

Checked pattern trim

Entertainment

USB port

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Twin chrome exhaust tailpipes

Body colour side skirt

Body colour bumpers

Exterior Lights

Adaptive brake lights

Headlamp assist

Daytime running lights

Interior Features

12V power socket in centre console

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Load securing rings in luggage compartment

3 spoke leather multifunction sports steering wheel

Luggage compartment cover

Leather gearshift

Front centre armrest with storage compartment

Centre console with cupholders

Interior Lights

Illuminated glovebox

Luggage compartment lighting

Footwell lights

Ambient lighting

Packs

Light and sight pack - A Class

Seat comfort pack - A Class

Safety

Active bonnet

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Crash responsive emergency lighting

Window airbags

Front side airbags

Drivers knee airbag

3 rear 3 point seatbelts

Front passenger seat occupancy sensor

Dual stage driver/passenger airbags

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Child proof door locks

Seats

Rear head restraints

1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seats

Auto Mercedes-Benz child seat recognition sensor

Front head restraints

Isofix rear child seat preparation

Front sports seats

Security

Alarm system/interior protection/immobiliser

Remote central locking

Wheels - Spare

Tirefit sealant with electric air pump

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.347

HC: N

NOx: 0.15

HC+NOx: 0.175

Particles: 0.0001

Noise Level dB(A): 73

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 5

CO2 (g/km): 118

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Gears: 6 SPEED

Transmission: MANUAL

CC: 1796

Compression Ratio: 16.2:1

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 83

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): 62.8

EC Extra Urban (mpg): 72.4

EC Urban (mpg): 51.4

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: No

General

Special Order: 0

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 20E

Service Interval Mileage: 15600

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 93

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 81

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 67

NCAP Safety Assist %: 86

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 136

Badge Engine CC: 1.8

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Coin Description: CDI

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30

Coin Series: Sport [Map Pilot]

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 31

Engine Power - BHP: 136

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Top Speed: 130

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.3

Engine Torque - RPM: 1600

Engine Torque - NM: 300

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 221

Engine Power - RPM: 3600

Engine Power - KW: 100

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: 5 TWIN SPOKE

Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R17

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R17

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4292

Wheelbase: 2699

Width (including mirrors): 2022

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1434

Width: 1780

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2010

Minimum Kerbweight: 1445

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 720

Max. Loading Weight: 565

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1157

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 341

No. of Seats: 5

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Heated windscreen wash system

Communication

Telephone pre-wiring with hands free facility

Driver Aids

Active park assist with parktronic system

Reversing camera

Entertainment

Mercedes Audio 20 radio/6 CD changer/telephone keypad

Harman/Kardon logic 7 surround sound system + 11 speakers

Media interface

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Panoramic sliding sunroof

Model designation deletion

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

Intelligent light system with cornering lights + adaptive high beam assist (when chosen with Night pack)

Intelligent light system with Bi-xenon headlights, headlight wash, cornering lights and adaptive high beam assist

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Luxury automatic climate control

Interior Features

Rear armrest with 2 cupholders and load through provision

Grey headlining

Packs

Night pack - A Class

Memory pack - A Class

Lane tracking pack - A Class

Mirror pack - A Class

Exclusive pack - A Class

Dynamic handling pack - A Class

Night pack - A Class with R10 18" bicolour 5 twin spoke alloy wheels

Stowage Pack - A Class

Memory pack - A Class (when chosen with Exclusive pack)

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Cosmos black

Metallic - Polar silver

Metallic - Universe blue

Metallic - South sea blue

Metallic - Mountain grey

Metallic - Northern lights violet

Paint - Solid

Solid - Cirrus white

Solid - Jupiter Red

Safety

Rear side airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system

Seats

Heated front seats

4 way adjustable lumbar support

Towing

Trailer coupling

Trim - Leather

Exclusive pack - Leather - Hazelnut brown

Exclusive pack - Leather - Lava black

Exclusive pack - Leather - Crystal grey

Trim - Part Leather

Cloth/artico man-made leather - Grey

Cloth/artico man-made leather - Black

Wheels - Alloy

17" 5 twin spoke titanium finish alloy wheels

17" 5 twin spoke alloy wheels