Land Rover Defender is one of the most legendary frame SUVs existing today. The first model of this car was put on the assembly line back in 1948 and the production of Land Rover Defender lasted almost 70 years with minimal technological changes.

The production of cars was discontinued in February 2016, as the Defender did not meet European safety standards, and did not leave pedestrians with a chance to survive during the accident.

Currently, you can buy Land Rover Defender only hand-held. Therefore, it is extremely important to know the strengths and weaknesses of the technical aspects of the car, so as not to buy yourself headache for a lot of money.

Specific features of the Land Rover Defender

This vehicle has a very simple structure and minimum level comfort (like our UAZ). Moreover, its cost is quite high. This is explained by the fact that the car has a cult status and, even without modifications, is able to storm any off-road.

When purchasing Defender from your hands, you should not be surprised that, despite the low mileage, the car can be worn out quite badly.
Also, if the machine is equipped with power kit, a body lift is made and a winch is installed, then there is no doubt that this Defender stormed off-road.

The reliability of this car is legendary, but even the Land Rover Defender has sore spots and design flaws that you should be aware of.

Weaknesses Land Rover Defender

Body and frame;
the engine is afraid of our diesel fuel;
Transmission;
all-wheel drive elements;
power steering;
swivel balls;
transfer case oil seals.

Body and frame.

The car has a very reliable frame made of the best English steel. As practice shows, even 20 summer SUV maintains a perfect frame, without the slightest signs of corrosion.

Unfortunately, the body of an English SUV cannot boast of such durability. It is made from quality aircraft grade aluminum and will hardly rot. On the other hand, an intensive oxidation process takes place at the joints with steel parts. In these places, aluminum simply collapses, crumbles and turns into a white powder. Therefore, if during the inspection of the Land Rover Defender, incomprehensible white spots were found, then it is best to refrain from buying.

Engine.

The last modification Land Rover Defender (model range 2012) has the most reliable diesel engine used also on commercial vehicle Ford Transit. This is the so-called "millionaire", however, its weak point is low-quality diesel fuel.

In order to check the injectors, you need to start the car. If the SUV runs unevenly on Idling or even stalls, then you should think about a more accurate diagnosis of the English car.

Transmission.

If the Land Rover Defender has traveled over 100,000 kilometers or has been operated in particularly harsh conditions, then it is necessary to check the synchronizers and locks in the gearbox. For a preliminary check, it is enough to simply drive a few kilometers in an SUV. If, when driving under load, the speeds change with a grinding and crackling sound, or completely fall out of the lock, then it is better to refuse to buy a Land Rover Defender. High-quality repair The checkpoint will cost 2-3 thousand dollars, which is quite a decent amount in rubles today.

All-wheel drive elements.

For the unique cross-country ability and long-travel suspension you have to pay with reduced quality. The classic Land Rover Defender sore is the current transfer case. Usually, the leak begins after 70-100 thousand mileage, but if you operate the car off-road, the disease will begin to progress much earlier.

It is very simple to check the malfunction. Just place a couple of pieces of paper under the car and wait 30-40 minutes. Or simply inspect the asphalt that was under the car. If oil stains are found, the Defender is definitely leaking and needs to be repaired.

Power steering.

Perhaps the most sore spot cult car... The first generation hydraulic booster is installed in Defender. After 50-60 thousand run it makes itself felt. And by 100,000 it will require replacement or overhaul... The cost of solving the problem is at least $ 800. Unfortunately, it is impossible to check the power steering with the “naked eye”. You should focus on mileage and general state cars.

Swivel balls.

Due to the wear of the boot, as a result of active off-road use, dirt and water get into the balls. Accordingly, there is a loss of lubrication and, if you do not notice in time and do not regularly check it at all, then you can "get stuck" on a tidy sum. Since you will have to change not only the ball itself, but also the complete CV joint, hub bearings, etc.

Also, on many cars, transfer case oil seals may leak.

Disadvantages of Land Rover Defender

For such a car, poor noise insulation is not surprising;
low level comfort;
high price repair and spare parts;
weak dynamics.

But I want to repeat once again that in spite of all of the above weak spots and systematic malfunctions Land Rover Defender remains and will remain an off-road legend for a long time. The main thing is timely service and reasonable operation.

P.S: Dear owners, if during the operation of your Land Rover Defender, defects were identified, please let us know in the comments below. Thanks in advance!

Weaknesses and disadvantages of Land Rover Defender was last modified: April 28th, 2018 by Administrator

The main thing that can be said about the design of the Land Rover Defender SUV is brutal. So he was in 1983, and so he has remained until today. First, the comfortable front seats are worth noting. However, if the driver is tall, he will not be able to adjust the seat to a more comfortable position. Concerning rear seats, they are too narrow and inconveniently located. Also worth noting is the lack of a trunk.

The body of the model itself is coated with a primer and treated with a compound that prevents the formation of chips. As for the color palette, there are only 2 of them: monochromatic and metallic. It is worth noting the fact that the body of the model was completely made of aluminum.

In 2007, the interior of the SUV was radically redesigned: a new dashboard, the instrument cluster has been improved and convenient shelves for storing things have been installed. Also worth noting is the emergence of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. One of distinctive features This SUV has all-round visibility, which is achieved by the electric windshield heating function.

Exterior

The appearance has not changed for a long time, the manufacturer decided to leave it that way for fans of classic SUVs. Some people don't like it, and some just love this style. The muzzle has a high relief bonnet compared to the fenders. Round halogen headlights are used here, which are mounted on aluminum inserts. The radiator grill is large and has horizontal bars. The bumper is simple, metal and designed to protect the body.

On the side, you can see small plastic expanders on wheel arches Land Rover Defender. V general car has smooth details, but there is some bloat, but otherwise everything is done simply. The door hinges are on the outside, which again speaks of the old style.

At the back are small round halogen-filled lights. The trunk lid is designed as a vertical door, and it contains a full-size spare wheel... The 3-door version differs slightly in the off-road body kit and slightly on the side.

Dimensions for 5-door version:

• length - 4639 mm;
• width - 1790 mm;
• height - 2021 mm;
• wheelbase - 2794 mm;
• ground clearance- 250 mm.

Dimensions 90th version:

• length - 3894 mm;
• width - 1790 mm;
• height - 1968 mm;
• wheelbase - 2360 mm;
• clearance - 250 mm.

Specifications Land Rover Defender

The car has only one engine in the lineup, this is a 16-valve in-line turbocharged diesel engine... This unit, with a volume of 2.4 liters, produces 122 horsepower, which is very little for such heavy car, because acceleration to a hundred will take 17 seconds, and maximum speed equals 130 km / h. Consumption is 13 liters in the city and 10 on the highway.

This unit complies with Euro 5 standards and is paired with a 6-speed mechanical box transmission, which transmits the entire torque equal to 360 H * m to all wheels.

In other countries, many more units are offered, but high power they are not different either. Fully installed here dependent suspension and variable pitch springs with hydraulic shock absorbers. The chassis does an excellent job with off-roading, so if you need a car for such a ride, then this SUV will suit you.

Interior

If you buy a 5-door version, then the car will have 7 seats, and if the 90th body, then 4 seats. Leather armchairs, comfortable enough and free space in principle enough. In the 3-door version, there are two separate seats in the back and there is much more free space there than in the 5-door version.

The trunk here is also quite good, its volume is 550 liters, and if you fold the seats, you can get 1800 liters. In 3 doors, this is slightly worse, in the normal position the trunk is 400 liters, and if you fold the seats, it increases to 1400 liters.

The Land Rover Defender's driver's seat has a 2-spoke leather steering wheel, though optional. The instrument panel has stylish analog gauges and a small on-board computer... Little information is displayed, but in principle the driver will be able to find out the most important thing.

Now let's look at the huge center console, it is wide, but essentially simple. In the upper part, between the air deflectors, she received an analogue clock. Below are the buttons alarm, fog lights, glass heating and so on. Next, we are greeted by a regular simple radio tape recorder with power window buttons on the sides. Then we meet the air conditioning control unit, these are the usual knobs, levers and buttons. A cigarette lighter is located in the same area.

On the tunnel there is a gearshift lever and a control lever for lowering and other off-road functions.

Price

So, as you understood, this is a technically simple car, but it costs a lot. Minimum cost for 3-door 90 version 2 160 000 rubles, and 110 will cost 70,000 rubles more. Here's what the basic version will please:

• radio tape recorder;
• power steering;
• signaling;
• volume sensor.

Most expensive Land version Rover Defender is worth 3,156,500 rubles, 5 doors are a little more expensive. Here's what she gets:

• leather sheathing;
• air conditioning;
• toning;
• frontal heating;
• heated chair;
• another better audio system;
• Bluetooth;
• hatch - chargeable.

Land Rover SUV is the best remedy movement in off-road conditions. It is also worth noting the strength of its structure, high cross-country ability and good overview roads. As for the safety of the car, it provides it to the proper extent.

Video

Ardent opponents of the Land Rover Defender point to an archaic body style, numerous malfunctions and shortcomings in functionality. Land Rover owners are so in love with their cars that they perceive them as a family member and will never say a bad word to an SUV. But let's be objective and consider in detail the disadvantages and advantages of the model.

Model history

It's about the first generation Land Rover Defender. The production of the British SUV began immediately after the end of the Second World War. It would be a big mistake to assume that the car is out of date. The SUV was constantly being modernized, and after the mid-80s, it was united with its progenitor only by its external resemblance. The Defender name appeared in 1990, and until that time the model had the designation Series I, II, III.

Design features

The decent seats are comfortable enough, but too close to the door - no elbow room and quick maneuvering difficulties. Under the driver's seat is a toolbox and all of the engine control electronics.

Land Rover Defender - typical SUV... Off-road is his element. Rigid, spring-loaded axles have huge strokes, making it very difficult to get the wheels off the ground. But if this happens, then the driver can always lock the differential. It is worth noting that this is one of the few models in the class that has permanent all-wheel drive.

During the 1998 modernization, the Land Rover Defender received an optional combination of ABS with ETC, which were entrusted with locking functions by braking the slipping wheels. However, it quickly became clear that the system was ineffective, and soon mechanical interlocks returned to their place.

Excellent geometric cross-country ability also contributes to the successful overcoming of off-road. Damaging something during off-roading is quite difficult. The ground clearance on 235/85 R16 tires is 215 mm, and the exit and entry angles are 50 and 34 degrees, respectively.

The ignition switch is located to the left of the steering wheel. The photo also shows the flow direction control sliders and the fan operation mode selection knob.

The true off-road design did not allow for excellent performance on asphalt. But overall, it's not that bad. If there is no backlash, and everything works as it should, then big problems with "taxiing" will not arise. But 100 km / h (with a maximum of 130-135 km / h) is a reasonable limit in terms of noise level and control accuracy.

Measurements braking distance from 100 km / h, the versions with ABS showed the result just above 50 meters. This is a lot with the generally accepted modern standard 40 meters. This should be borne in mind by owners driving on public roads.

Land Rover Defender smoothly passes lateral irregularities. And although the city is not his element (due to the too large turning radius - from 12.8 to 14 meters, depending on the tires), an SUV is quite suitable for the role of a car for every day.

Body and interior

On the one hand, the Defender boasts a wide range of body styles. Short, medium, long - everyone can find something for themselves. But on the other hand, they all have one common disadvantage- overly spartan conditions. Central locking or power windows is a real luxury. Often the only electronic device there is a radio tape recorder on board.

Air conditioning is a rare option. But it's not worth chasing after her. The effectiveness of the air conditioner is controversial. Unfortunately, this also applies to the heating system. V severe frost temperatures in the second row of seats and in the trunk may be below zero. And this, despite the serviceable heating.

The 3-door Land Rover Defender 90 SW (Station Wagon) has two classic seats in the front and side benches in the trunk, which can accommodate up to 6 people. Similar benches are also present in the 5-door version, increasing the passenger capacity to 9 people. On the one hand, this is an advantage, but on the other hand, additional seats are deprived of comfort and unsafe. International standards prohibit such an arrangement of seats in the car, and the new generation of Defender (since 2007) received additional seats with the usual layout.

The level of comfort is controversial. The 5-door version can take up to 9 people on board. But the safety of passengers will be a big question.

The salon has a number of other defects. For example, it is very noisy inside, even at speeds below 100 km / h. In addition, there are many solutions that are not typical for modern cars – manual control interior ventilation (a damper under the windshield), an ignition switch on the left side of the steering wheel and seats located close to the doors.

It was the noise and lack of comfort that made the lovers of travel to remote areas of the world, over time, prefer the Land Rover Defender to the more comfortable and powerful Discovery. V long distance travel Engines will also seem to be a serious drawback. Low power does not allow you to confidently move with high speeds... However, this does not mean that the powertrains are not suitable for rough terrain. Thanks to transfer case even the most weak motors help to easily deal with difficult-to-pass areas.

Engines

For a short period of time, at the very beginning of production, the Land Rover Defender used a naturally aspirated 2.25 L 60 hp diesel engine. It was soon replaced by a 2.5-liter diesel, which lasted until the mid-90s. For owners who do not need dynamics, its potential is quite enough. A little later, a 2.5-liter turbodiesel with indirect injection appeared. But it quickly gave way to the 200 Tdi borrowed from Discovery I. In the mid-90s, 300 Tdi got under the hood. Interestingly, 300 Tdi and 200 Tdi have a working volume of 2.5 liters, but differ in equipment.

In 1998, the Td5 was added to the range. The new turbodiesel had the same dynamics as the 300 Tdi (acceleration from 0-100 km / h in about 18 seconds), but became more economical. If 300Tdi consumed on average 12-13 l / 100 km, then the more modern Td5 is almost 1.5 liters less.

Td5 is more vulnerable to poor quality fuel, but it has more reliable drive Timing - chain type. 4-cylinder Tdi often let their owners down with an unexpected break in the timing belt. Another Achilles' heel of the Td5 is electronics. Problems with starting or a sudden stop of the engine are almost always "on the conscience" of the immobilizer. In cold weather, sometimes fuel pumps start to strike. Chip tuning often damages the expensive exhaust manifold.

Much less choice for amateurs gasoline engines... The list of proposals included 4-cylinder blocks with a volume of 2.0, 2.25 and 2.5 liters. There were even V8s in the range - carburetor and injection volumes of 3.5 liters and 3.9 liters. But such engines were available mainly in the United States, as was the in-line 2.8-liter BMW engine.

Typical problems and malfunctions

Probably, many have heard about the problems with the Land Rover Defender. Unfortunately it's true. But one should take into account the fact that most of the copies are operated in extreme conditions without any preparation, which is disastrous for any modern car.

First of all, you need to be prepared for various leaks of fluids: engine and transmission oil, coolant. You can fight this forever, but it is not always possible to win.

Other sore spots are various defects interior decoration- here the handle disappears, there is a button. Land Rover Defender is not suitable for pedantic natures who love order in everything and care about aesthetics. Moreover, some owners note that after rain, water can be found inside. Yes, the SUV comes from the land of the rains sometimes.

This implementation of ventilation in practice works very poorly, moreover, noise and water penetrate through the open valves.

These were little things. What about serious breakdowns? Well maintained engines will certainly demonstrate acceptable durability. Over time, backlashes appear in the transmission - wears out drive shafts and hinges.

However, in terms of reliability, only old gearboxes fail. And even then, the drivers themselves are largely to blame. It's just that not everyone realizes that Defender, in fact, heavy truck who doesn't like haste. The clutch pedal and gear shifting should be smooth.

Despite more interesting characteristics petrol versions, it is better to stay away from such cars. And it's not about the intricacies of carburetor settings. Finding replacement parts is much more difficult. In addition, it sometimes refuses electrical part throttle control systems.

Corrosion is another major drawback. It attacks steel elements: frame and doors at the junction of aluminum and steel. Those who are going to operate the car for a long time should spend anti-corrosion treatment and the conservation of cavities.

Generally, technical part SUV will not be a mystery to mechanics who know their business and are familiar with Defender components. The main thing is to look for help not in ordinary network or random services, but in points specializing in service British cars... You can also count on professional tuning there.

The car is not for everyone

The purchase of a Land Rover Defender makes sense if you are really going to go off-road or spend a lot of time in field conditions... The car allows you to adapt itself to almost any task.

However, if you have to drive mainly on asphalt, then the purchase is pointless. The reason is obvious: lack of functionality, a large number of minor faults, mediocre dynamics, high consumption fuel and poor handling. Operation of Land Rover Defender will turn into an eternal struggle with disadvantages, and you will not be able to feel the real advantages of a true "all-terrain vehicle".

Classics are immortal, a common saying tells us. This is true, but there is still one change in the life of the classics: sooner or later, it remains to live only in hearts and memories, leaving the usual rhythm of everyday life. This happens with music, painting, architecture ... It happens with people, discoveries and inventions. So it happened with the Land Rover Defender.

Another anniversary

The Defender remained one of the few infinitely resilient that seemed unsinkable. Despite the decline in output and demand, he continued his assembly line life in Solihull - quiet, measured, but strict, as befits an elderly veteran. V last years In this life, when conversations about the completion of production became too loud, so loud that even the veteran himself heard them, the demand grew - people tried to be in time, bought for future use and as a keepsake, bought for business and soul. The end of production was even postponed from December to January. But what is two months of life if you are already sixty-eight ...

Over the years, everything has happened - military service, the conquest of the African deserts, helping the sick and suffering, hard country work, idle fussing in the mud and service royal family... The two million hard workers who have left the assembly shop over the years have honorably carried out everything that was entrusted to them. The last of them will take a place in museums, leaving the descendants a vivid reminder that the car was so - simple, rude, uncomfortable, but almost animate.

It remains to say that with the departure of the Defender, a whole era has passed - but, although this is true, there is no need to end on this note. Enough groans. Moreover, even at the plant in Solihull, where the solemn ceremony of the end of production took place, at which last car, there were no tears. The era remains with us as long as its representatives remain. And they will be enough for a long time. Therefore, on January 29, not a farewell evening was held at the plant, but another anniversary.

Remember history

Strictly speaking, the current Defender is the heir to original Land Rover Series I, born in post-war England as an intermediate means of earning money for the resumption of production of Rover cars. A simple square-shaped car was riveted in haste with an eye to use in agriculture, and the source of inspiration was the unpretentious. Body Land Rover, by the way, got one of its main features just then: since steel after the war was a valuable and scarce material, the bodies of new SUVs began to be made of sheet aluminum alloy. This is also due to the extremely primitive form: the body was such that it was easy to make it from sheet blanks, so there were no graceful bends and transitions here. But later, the owners of even modern Defenders received just such a body - lightweight and resistant to corrosion.

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In the photo: Land Rover Series I

The new "farm assistant" took root, and instead of disappearing, giving the opportunity to produce other cars, specialized for the company, he himself became the founder of a whole family of cars. All-wheel drive, extreme simplicity and unpretentiousness made it popular, despite the low level of comfort and the lack of a more suitable diesel engine. Diesel appeared only almost ten years later - in 1957.

In 1958, the second generation of the model saw the light, whose name was as simple as itself - Land Rover Series II. He, however, has already been touched by the hand of the designer, presenting him with another " family trait", Which remained with him for the rest of his life - the line of expansion of the body at the" waist "passing under the window. Its main role, however, was purely functional - to cover the widened track. All other features of the car were retained, and he continued on his successful journey.

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In the photo: Land Rover Series II

The third generation - Series III - is easily distinguished by its main feature: the headlights that have moved from the radiator grille to the fenders. Land Rover Series III cars have become the most common - from 1971 to 1985, about 440 thousand SUVs were produced. There were quite a few of them in the British army: the armed forces became interested in the car from its very birth, and by the end of the 70s, more than nine thousand Land Rover Series III were in service.

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In the photo: Land Rover Series II I

In 1983, another generational change took place, as a result of which the model received two main modifications - long and short, called Land Rover 110 and Land Rover 90, respectively. The indexes indicated the length of the wheelbase in inches. The appearance of the car has not changed too dramatically, but technical stuffing nevertheless, it underwent revision: the springs gave way to a spring suspension, a permanent all-wheel drive system with a two-stage "razdatka" and blocking center differential was borrowed from the new model of the company - Range Rover, under the hood appeared more modern motors, and the interior was "refined" a little more. And that was enough!

On the picture: Land Rover 90 and Land Rover 110

The further life of the SUV was varied in terms of surrounding events, but calm in relation to its production. Changed engines, added modifications, experimented with wheelbases and applications - he could do it all. Oh yes, he acquired the Defender name only in 1990 - in lineup appeared Discovery model, which received the base name Land Rover, and therefore decided to give the "old man" a new name so as not to confuse buyers. In the 2010s, the Defender, of course, already looked like a veteran, but thanks to a series of technical improvements, it was again and again adjusted to tightening requirements, far from those that were presented to it in 1948. In 2012, for example, he received updated engine the Ford Duratorq range is a 2.2-liter diesel engine that meets the Euro-5 requirements. And he continued his service until he passed his post on January 29, 2016.

Defender models will be completed. Let us remind our readers that this legendary SUV has been in production for 67 years. For more than half a century, this car has been produced in countless modifications and has become a real cult for many SUV enthusiasts. This year, despite serial assembly model, the Defender model will be produced in a limited edition. We dear friends have selected for you the most basic models and variations of this legendary SUV, which subsequently became the most popular and recognizable all over the world in the entire history of their release.

1947 Land Rover prototype.

This is the first car prototype. Let us remind you right away that this auto brand was created on the basis of the "Rover" company. The Willys model was taken as the first model and as its basis. In the picture friends, you can see the first prototype of the car, which, from the technical point of view, is essentially the same US off-road vehicle. True, some changes were made to the body structure itself, since Maurice Wilkes personally considered that American version its body metal constructions load-bearing body parts during the operation of the vehicle were exposed to excessive corrosion.

Besides all this this model Defender also received three versions of modifications, which also differ in their wheelbase. Among other things, both three-door and five-door versions of the car were available to buyers. Also, in a small amount, a version of the machines was offered.

Interesting: 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

After all, since 2000, the Ford company became the owner of the auto brand. car defender got an update for myself. True, the number of such updates was limited at that time. It is worth noting here that after this, this car has expanded its range of offered engines. Immediately after the update to the line power units a diesel 2.4 liter engine was also added.

It was real in full sense the words an SUV that could really conquer the most incredible off-road sections. Since 2007, this car receives for itself an increased ground clearance (clearance), as well as a new six-speed gearbox gear.

2015 Land Rover discovery Sport has a pedestrian airbag

Since 2012, the Defender model has become available in the European Union, but only with a 2.2 turbodiesel. since the 2.4 liter Ford diesel engine failed to meet the Euro 5 emission standards set in Europe.

Land Rover Royal - Royal version.

The Queen of Britain herself personally appreciated the superiority of the earlier versions of this SUV. Land Rover decided to make (create) a Royal version of the car in which Queen Elizabeth II could stand tall and greet her people.

Front wheel drive Land Rover 109.

This is one of the most rare cars Land brands Rover with front wheel drive. The vehicle was built specifically for firefighters.

Land Rover 2-Series (model "109").

In this photo, friends can be seen heavily recognizable by everyone Land car A Rover that has been specially designed and built for forestry.

Converting Land Rover into an extraordinary version of the car.

A total of 2 (two) copies of the tracked version of the Land Rover brand were developed (by the Scottish company). The car was indispensable for his passage through wetlands.

Land Rover for military needs.

From 1965 to 1985 this SUV received small and special changes, it began to be supplied in this form for the military needs of the English army.

Land Rover Defender Electric.

There is even an electric version of friends this car, which can carry out the most difficult tasks assigned to it. True, this car model did not advance further than the prototype itself.

Land Rover Defender Special Edition - Adventure.

In the fall of 2015, a special limited edition Defender Adventure vehicle will hit the market. In total, it is planned to produce 200 copies (pieces) of cars. The cost of such a car in Europe is about 45 thousand euros and up to 50 thousand euros.

Land Rover Defender "Autobiography".

In April 2015, the European market will also appear special version auto-off-road vehicle "Autobiography". A total of 30 copies (pieces) of cars will be produced. The approximate cost of each car is 65 thousand euros.

Land Rover Defender Heritage.

Another special edition, which will appear before the public this year and will be considered the company's return to Great history of this legendary car off-road vehicle.

Land Rover Special Editions 2015.

After 67 years of its serial car production, Land Rover has specially prepared anniversary editions of cars for true fans of this brand. After the release of special editions (copies), this car model will cease to be mass-produced.

Land Rover DC100.

What will come to the market to replace the Defender in the future? Could it be the same concept car that Land Rover showed at the 2011 Frankfurt show? This concept is called "DC100". It is quite possible that this very SUV will replace the world-famous Defender model.