Thread: All discussions relating to the Defenders end of production

Darien Gap, camel trophy, G4 challenge, Trek in the US all prove that the rest of the Land Rover range, from the first classic range rover to the latest D4 are all capable of 'Land Rovering'


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I have hosed out the Puma a few times,we have a slope at our place so the water runs out,easy done.Removable mats all removed,front mats lifted up and left for a couple of days,so the floors dry out properly.All the large self tappers in the floor panels, were replaced with stainless a few years back,to reduce rust which appeared on all the old ones.

Back on topic(sort of),apparently in the UK,there are very few new vehicles that are rated to tow 3.5T on the market,apart from luxury vehicles.

Another hole the Defender used to fill.

The defender was not made obsolete from the new models, there has been no suitable replacement. So now we wait.

We are not questioning the offroad abilities of the new range. We are talking about a utility model that is capable of serving the many roles the 110,130,90 have been used for over the years.

There is a void, but does land rover need to fill it? Sad if they don't.

Originally Posted by manic

There is a void, but does land rover need to fill it? Sad if they don't.

There in lies the big question...

Do they need to? Is the market already saturated?
What do people want in a new model?

Do people want simplicity (almost impossible with tech / emissions requirements)

Does the market want comfort and utility?

A number of points raised here have significant merit.

Something many haven't considered (overall) that I'm sure many manufacturers have.
You don't need 4wd in most places around the world.
Sorry folks but most of the "romanticised" journeys people kit up for (in Oz) are traversed by very old and sad Falcons and Commodores regularly.
4wd of any description is typically not required to see the countries great points of interest anymore For the most part it's a status symbol and a wealthy mans game.
So manufacturers are aiming at wealthy recreational 4wd ers.
No need for no nonsense no frills pioneering machinery in this market anymore.

I wonder how many would want to go flying around the world in machines that were still utilising post WW2 tech.

Thats why any new Defender will be a very good machine indeed or a complete flop.
Just one of my many wandering thoughts😀

I feel you have to look to the likes of Jeep (no matter how you feel about them) to see that a more utility type of vehicle build is still a worthwhile exercise. To the point, that Jeep have confirmed a pickup version of Wrangler in the 2017 model release.

Originally Posted by Daz7

I feel you have to look to the likes of Jeep (no matter how you feel about them) to see that a more utility type of vehicle build is still a worthwhile exercise. To the point, that Jeep have confirmed a pickup version of Wrangler in the 2017 model release.

Yes. I think they're targeting those who want to haul a Chook chaser etc.

I doubt it will be a large capacity unit..

However, in the USA market alone that would sell enough to survive.

I would think that today the heavy commercial 4wd users lean towards a light truck rather than a landcruiser or defender. Much like buses are preferred over 11 seat troopys. That leaves the recreational market for a defender replacement.

I use my d4 every day as a site vehicle and am not afraid to get mud or sand inside. The sheer livability of it make it a joy to use every day.

If Landrover were to use the d4/5 t5 platform, with a body with wagon/ute styles with styling qs back to the defender (much the same as a FJ cruiser does to a FJ40), they will be on an absolute winner.

Cheers
Chris