SHORT DRIVE: Classic rock
Are you going to fall for the Land Rover Defender for its legendary looks or off-road ability?
WHAT'S NEW?
Okay, the Land Rover Defender is not a particularly new vehicle and has been on the market for decades. But the latest update occurred some three years back and today British Motors, the authorised Thai agent, is officially importing it at 3.25 million baht in 110 Station Wagon form.
Sure, the Defender is basically what it has always been since its inception, but Land Rover has tried to modernise it with more real-world relevance and creature comforts.
For instance, the manual gearbox has been updated to help improved economy for the 122hp 2.4-litre inline-four diesel-turbo.
Also, the cabin now has five seats with proper seatbelts and head restraints (seven's an option), nicer upholstery, instrument dials and audio head unit, a big storage box between the front seats and air-con (the last time we tried the Defender in the early 1990s didn't have it).
Four-pot diesel has a narrow powerband.
WHAT'S COOL?
Iconic looks sell, and the classic profile of the Defender really proves it on Thai roads _ heads just kept turning, along with curious scrutiny of the vehicle. The distinctive colour of the roof and wheels really help too.
The Defender is meant for the rough, after all, so that means nearly unparalleled ability. There are generous amounts of approach and departure angles and ground clearance, plenty of grunt when you shift the transfer case into low gear and easy manoeuvrability with those skinny tyres.
Due to the boxy shape, it's quite airy inside. There's enough space for five and more of it for luggage, while the rear seats can fold but not flat.
Just because the Defender is based on a chassis-on-frame platform doesn't mean its driving manners are compromised. The on-road ride is still sufficiently comfy and stable (thanks to a rear coil spring suspension) for a vehicle designed primarily for the grit.
WHAT'S NOT?
We don't have much space here, so we're going to try to keep it short.
First, the engine's action is limited to only between 2,000rpm to just over 3,000, so it can be difficult to maintain a smooth driveline at low speeds and the short spacing between the six forward cogs means lots of gear-swapping. And despite that gearbox, average economy is rated at just over 9kpl.
Second, the interior is full of flaws. There's limited adjustment for the driving position, itself marred by a protruding left footwell; the rear seats are too upright; cubbie holes are scarce; and entry/exit isn't too facilitating, despite the presence of side steps.
Third, the steering (which has no airbag, thus explaining its partial inability to sell in the US) can feel like a hula hoop, is vague at cruising speeds and provides access to one of the most appalling turning radius available in a pickup/SUV (like in the Nissan Navara).
BUY OR BYE?
The Defender isn't for car rationalists at such a price. And even if you consider its off-road talents, a pickup-based SUV is three-quarters as capable but two-thirds cheaper.
No, the Defender is about emotions. Sure, the flaws are extremely pronounced, but they also hold to the Defender's charms and help recall the old days of what driving an MPV (mud-purpose vehicle) was like.
Skinny tyres are useful for slicing challenging terrains.
Admittedly, the car began to grow on us when we returned it on the third day of the test duration.
The Thai agent believes those who buy it will hang the Defender on their walls at home, so to speak, as the 2014 replacement will get a modern makeover but with a retro touch.
Buy or bye? That's for you to decide.
THE OTHER TRENDY 4X4S
HUMMER H3
Since General Motors already wound down the brand last year, you'd be lucky to find a sample in brand new form. The bad boy's SUV sold for 3.95 million baht officially in Thailand and came with a 239hp 3.7-litre inline-five petrol engine.
JEEP WRANGLER
This is probably the closest thing next to a Defender when it comes to off-road heritage and ability. The Jeep brand is still dead in the country, so the grey market is the only solution. The latest Wrangler comes with a 202hp 3.8-litre V6 petrol head.
MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS
Despite its muddy origins, Mercedes-Benz has strangely stuffed a 507hp 5.5-litre supercharged V8 into the G-class and added the AMG badge. It came to the recent Bangkok motor show, trying to attract fat wallets with over 15 million baht to spare.
TOYOTA FJ CRUISER
This is a modern-day iteration of the classic FJ Land Cruiser of the '60s _ like what the Fiat 500, Mini and VW Beetle are doing today. The FJ can be fetched in the Thai grey market at some 3 million baht powered by a 259hp 4.0-litre V6 petrol motor.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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