Whitley / Symbolising ruggedness and introduced some 70 years ago, the hard top stages a comeback in the new Land Rover Defender in both the 90 Hard Top and 110 Hard Top body designs bringing macho toughness to the commercial 4×4 sector vehicles. The two-seater passenger has a durable interior with a third jump seat in the middle and a rear loadspace of 1,355 and 2,059 litres respectively.
The space and practicality of the Defender has been maximised by incorporating the underfloor storage and bulkhead partition transforming it into the most rugged commercial Land Rover ever produced. The Ingenium diesel engines, including D200, D250 and D300 in-line six-cylinder variants power the Defender Hard Top along with the advanced intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) for efficiency and performance.
The load area is separated from the occupants by a fixed full-height partition. The smooth driving experience of the passenger models has been preserved by the bulkhead which ensures security and safety. The loadspace side has four hanging hooks while the cabin side has two stowage nets for small items in the 110 model.
The flat load floor has six lashing points, rubber mats and storage areas which provide 58 litres of stowage in both the 90 and 110 models. The 110 Hard Top model has an additional underfloor area which provides 155 litres of hidden stowage. The load area has brighter interior lighting than the standard Defender. The interiors can be washed with a hose as the front footwells have rubber mats and rubber coverings.
The rear tailgate gives access to the Hard Top’s load area. The rear side doors on the 110 variants give customers access to the smaller items located in the front. To maximise the inside loadspace, the interior rear door have a slimline profile. The generous proportions and tailgate in the 110 Hard Top allow it to accommodate bulky materials. In the 110 variant, the maximum road length measures up to 1,472 mm and large loads can be secured due to the lashing points.
Michael van der Sande, Managing Director, Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said: “Land Rover Defenders have always thrived in the harshest environments. Whether for commercial or recreational use, the Defender Hard Top is a true no-nonsense vehicle that will take whatever is thrown at it, or in it.”
Coil-sprung suspensions can be found in both the 90 and 110 Hard Top models, with the 110 variant having the advanced Electronic Air Suspension. Outstanding off-road geometry is provided by both the set-ups. The ground clearance is at a formidable 291mm, with the 110 variant offering approach, breakover and departure angles at 38, 28 and 40 degrees.
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