Thread: Defender - is black (hot?) in summer?

So, after reading all that: Is the air con on the Puma engined Defenders effective in an Australian summer?
As Im near Cairns, its an important issue so informed replies are appreiciated fellas.
Im right on the verge of purchasing a 2013 110, sight unseen.
Thanks in advance.
Ken

The air con is OK but still not awesome in my opinion, although I find a lot of heat actually comes from underneath (another project for me to get stuck into).

The air con does cool down the interior of my 90 reasonably quickly on a hot day, but you don't get terrific air circulation with just the vents in the centre. It's OK at the front in the middle, but conditions vary as you move away from the vents (although the cold air shooting onto your legs does negate the hot floor OK).

I have a white roof, so I don't know how a black roof will treat you differently. I also have window tint which helps a lot.

I'm unhappy enough with the heat in the 90 to be lining the floors and rear cargo area, plus upgrading front rubber lining and adding similar to the rear (also for the noise suppression benefits).

I've got a black 110 with a white roof. My partner's grey VW Polo gets A LOT hotter when parked out in the sun. Not sure exactly how much, but it's definitely noticeable. I never really get into my 110 after being parked in the sun and feel like it's that hot. Maybe the white roof makes a difference. The air con works well for about the first hour, then the heat from the floor takes over

Thanks fellas.
I appreiciate the informed replies re air con effectiveness.
I still want the car😉
Ken

Get it

Originally Posted by Landi

I've got a black 110 with a white roof. My partner's grey VW Polo gets A LOT hotter when parked out in the sun. Not sure exactly how much, but it's definitely noticeable. I never really get into my 110 after being parked in the sun and feel like it's that hot. Maybe the white roof makes a difference. The air con works well for about the first hour, then the heat from the floor takes over

The Defender has the advantage over the Polo of having the windows near vertical, which makes a big difference. The white roof is the only bit that really matters - unless you want to lean on the top of the mudguards after it has been in the sun for a while. There is a good reason why nearly all civilian Series Landrovers and 90/110 had white (or near white) roofs, regardless of the body colour. Dark coloured roofs only became common as the model moved out of the working market into the lifestyle market.

John

Yes, Black Defenders get hot as all hell mate! Mine is all black 110, with a sunroof too. Best thing I have done for when I'm up north is a sunshade cut out and stuck onto the underside of the sunroof. Dropped internal roof temp significantly!
Not enough on the last trip north in 43degree sun though...next investment I made has been a Solarscreen (from Solarscreen Australia) - got a touring kit which covers all the glass behind the front. That has made the biggest difference, now the AC works a treat, and the fridge doesn't work as hard either.
Would I swap it for another colour? NO WAY! Love it in all Black

I've been pleasantly surprised with my new Defender. It's a Corris Grey 110 with a black roof and it doesn't seem to get anywhere near as hot as I expected it would. Obviously any car is going to be uncomfortable to return to on a 41 degree afternoon, but it doesn't feel as bad as other cars I've owned and certainly doesn't get as stuffy.

White would have been a more practical choice for Perth, but practical is boring