Cars Review

2012 Land Rover Defender XTech Special Edition

 Among the many not-for-U.S.-sale vehicles we adore, there are few SUVs counted. In fact, there may be just one: The Land Rover Defender. Unavailable in the colonies since many of us were in short pants – or at least college – the Defender is the direct descendent of the original Landie and the last bastion of the traditionally butch British utility. Sure, the Defender is no longer quite as hardcore as it was in the Land Rover Series II and III days, but its clearly no Range Rover.

Just take a look at this new XTech Special Edition model, in its military hues of Orkney Grey and Nara Bronze with Santorini Black trim. Sure, it has heated leather seats, but check out that dash: No nav and manual climate controls. And those black alloy 16-inch wheels, shod with 235/85 Goodyear Wranglers are the real deal for off-roading. The Defender XTech Special Edition is powered by a 2.2-liter diesel is mated to a six-speed manual.

Available in both Defender 90 and the longer wheelbase 110 models in two- and four-door body styles, the XTech Special Edition goes on sale in the UK this month, with a starting price of £27,995, or about $43,445.

 The transformation begins with Orkney Grey or model-exclusive Nara Bronze paint, which contrasts with Santorini Black on the roof, headlight surrounds, fenders, bumpers, and door sills. The SUV’s front end receives special gloss-black Land Rover lettering and a body-color grille, while the rear wears a unique Defender decal above the LED taillights. The 16-inch wheels also have been painted gloss black.

The interior gets a blend of Ebony and Almond leather with contrast stitching, as well as woven Land Rover logos in the floor mats, and embossed logos in the headrests. The center stack is painted to match the Defender’s exterior color.

The Defender XTech isn’t just an aesthetic package, though, as it comes standard with extra features like air conditioning, keyless entry, heated seats, a heated windshield, and a rear bumper with an integrated step. The model is powered by a turbodiesel 2.2-liter inline-four engine rated for 121 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed manual transmission.






 Powered by the 2.2-litre diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, the Defender boasts 360Nm of torque for effortless towing and excellent driver refinement whether on or off-road.

With a choice of the 90 Hard Top, 90 Station Wagon, 110 Station Wagon and 110 Utility Wagon, a range of standard options and accessories are available to add even more capability and character to this iconic four-wheel drive vehicle.source:lincah.com,autoblog.com,wot.motortrend.com