2007 Defender - in the metal

[rmp]

Had a look at the '07 Defender today at the Motor Show. This was a UK-spec model so ours are likely to be different.

- Underneath is identical a far as I can see. Thankfully still no swaybars
- Rear door still as weak as ever
- Third-row seating fantastic, possibly even better than the D3 which in my opinion is the current market leader
- second row seats much improved in support and headrests. Still plenty of room underneath for stuff, 60/40 split, but still no child restraints
- first row seats much improved, better support and and positioning
- there is more legroom in both driver and pax sides. Can't quite strech my legs out completely, but it's close and if you found the TD5 models adequate this will be even better
- airco unit gone from pax footwell
- the gearshift is a shorter throw and feels more positive. Difficult to tell without a drive
- liked the new instrument layout. Quite a few bolts to mount kit like GPS receivers and so on
- battery still under the pax seat
- electronics under the driver's seat
- this model had soundproofing/carpet
- couldn't open the bonnet as the catch was broken
- pax side dash has a grab handle and a shelf for storing stuff. I reckon that it'd be a good project to make a real glovebox or TFT monitor mount

Land Rover say specs should be finalised in June and deliveries in September. Pricing is expected to be around the current model's $47,900 and there will be the 110 and 130. They're considering the 90. We may not get the third row of seats (are LRA insane!) or the carpet. This model also had heated seats and a sunroof, both of which I'd be happy to delete.

Overall my impression is positive. I like the interior changes and assume the driveability has improved due to the engine and extra cog. So I'll probably run my '04 model till September and then upgrade.

On a side note the Defender was swamped with people. The D3 and even the Freelander next to it looked a little lonely in comparison.

Land Rover say you can register at www.defender.com.au (http://www.defender.com.au). The site is not active at the moment, but I checked and it is indeed registered to them (Registrant: LAND ROVER AUSTRALIA PTY LTDRegistrant ID: ACN 004352238). So check back soon, their bumph says it's ready anyway!

Land Rover UK have this "Coming Soon" website:

http://www.landrover.co.uk/gb/en/Vehicles/Defender/coming_soon/Overview.htm

which has no real details.

which has this pic:


http://www.landrover.co.uk/gb/en/Vehicles/Defender/coming_soon/Interior_Refinement_9065BE07-F909-4187-8959-E867EC2D53B6_199x599.jpg

[incisor]

some good news there mate, thanks for the info!

[rangieman]

sounding good cant wait to see one in the flesh:D

[Scallops]

Sounds good - and the information you present regarding pricing and delivery is consistent with what I have been told by a Brisbane LR dealer with whom I have placed a deposit and pre-ordered a 2007 110.

So perhaps I won't have to wait until 2008 (as some insist) nor pay $k's more than last year's model (as others suggested). Bring it on!!!

[rmp]

Sounds good - and the information you present regarding pricing and delivery is consistent with what I have been told by a Brisbane LR dealer with whom I have placed a deposit and pre-ordered a 2007 110.

So perhaps I won't have to wait until 2008 (as some insist) nor pay $k's more than last year's model (as others suggested). Bring it on!!!

No, based on what I heard today I don't think '08 is likely. Comment from LR was "we'd get slaughtered if it was more expensive".

Why did you pay a deposit so early?

[JDNSW]

The doubts about the rear seats are probably because of doubts about whether they meet or can be made to meet ADRs. Naturally there are no child restraints on the UK model, as these are an Australian special. It would be very helpful if they were fitted as standard.

John

[dmdigital]

UK Model probably has ISOfix child restraints

[Scallops]

No, based on what I heard today I don't think '08 is likely. Comment from LR was "we'd get slaughtered if it was more expensive".

Why did you pay a deposit so early?

We put down a deposit because by doing so we have put in place a firm order and as such, will be, as the dealer put it, "first cab off the rank" once they become available. The dealer also indicated that we might even take delivery prior to the vehicle being more widely available - even if only by a month.

I am keen to get hold of it ASAP so I can begin preparation for a long service leave trip around the country in 2008. Much to do - so the sooner we can get it the better.

[dmdigital]

What would be good is if RovacomLite is developed for it by the time of its realease. They still haven't got the RRS or D3 but I believe they are working on them too.

Let's hope LRA doesn't just go for one spec model of the 110 with all the bells and whistles on it.

[rmp]

UK Model probably has ISOfix child restraints

I doubt it. Every vehicle I've seen with ISOfix has the conventional restraint too. This one did not, of if it did, I missed it. These days the restraint is usually built-in to the seat back, but it wasn't there nor on the floor. And that was the UK model.

[Outlaw]

Great news

[p38arover]

- couldn't open the bonnet as the catch was broken

Lovely! And on a show model. :(

I bet that gets mentioned on a number of non-LR fora and in 4WD mags. They don't think at LRA.

Ron

[Pedro_The_Swift]

maybe it was broken on purpose?


though the engine is probable the only thing ready at this stage:angel:

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Lovely! And on a show model. :(

I bet that gets mentioned on a number of non-LR fora and in 4WD mags. They don't think at LRA.

Ron

That says they didn't want you looking under the bonnet... there could have been anything lurking in there...

[Pedro_The_Swift]

That says they didn't want you looking under the bonnet... there could have been anything lurking in there...

TDV8?:p

[dobbo]

TDV8?:p


more like a TD5. Aren't most of these cars eventually just destined for detruction anyway, they may have just built up a mock vehicle for the shows. It most likely was a dodgy cable though (good to see they haven't change too much)

[HSVRangie]

the reps at the stand said it had a 4 cyl under the bonnet.

LR put on a good show friday night.

dont know if I can use the Defender for comp car.

MIchael.

[hiline]

can i ask a stupid question :angel:

which motor show was it ???

i hope not Melbourne :(

[mns488]

its ok. its on till 12 march:D

i might pop along one night this week:)

[hiline]

its ok. its on till 12 march:D

i might pop along one night this week:)


i might go in the morning :D :D :D

[cornerofthegalaxy]

Sounds good. I'll have to go check it out when it gets to Sydney.

Thanks for the info NM!

[Defender=1st]

Hey Rmp does the new fender have an ECU like the Td5 or is it a step back to basics ?? and is it a Fly-By Wire accelerator or good old wire ?? one more thing is it in general more electronic than the Td5 ??
Thanks Mate

[rmp]

Hey Rmp does the new fender have an ECU like the Td5 or is it a step back to basics ?? and is it a Fly-By Wire accelerator or good old wire ?? one more thing is it in general more electronic than the Td5 ??
Thanks Mate

It has an ECU. Different to that of the TD5, but it's there in the same place. It's certainly no less electronic than the TD5. Nothing new these days won't be electronic. FBW accel.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I'm afraid to say gents that they will never be able to make a 200tdi again.. it's just not going to pass emissions :(

[Defender=1st]

Yeah i think even the new land cruiser 70 series which has always been Electronically Stupid has even got an Ecu on the 07-08 model Now

[hiline]

Yeah i think even the new land cruiser 70 series which has always been Electronically Stupid has even got an Ecu on the 07-08 model Now


i dont really care :D ;)

about bloody toyota :angel:

[Quiggers]

Carpet?

That'll uspet the purists no end:twisted:

OMG If they keep that up it'll probably have an auto and leccy windows....:D

GQ

[abaddonxi]

Was watching the best of Top Gear this evening and saw the Ford Transit around the Nurburgring.

Would this be the same diesel that's going into the new Defender. The driver of the Transit said Diesel and six speed.

This'd be the Transit that did it in just over 10 minutes.

That'll do me.

Cheers
Simon

[disco_ute]

I went today was very disappointed with the Defender and the show but the girls were worth it :o they could have least moved that damn handbrake!!! anyway i got the bonnet open... not a TD5 or V8 under it but a funny looking diesel and the engine seemed cocked to one side.... I didn't realise none else could open the bonnet other wise i would have taken pics...... just look for the cable and pull on it.. and did anyone notice that funny plastic thing in front of the brake pedal??

[Quiggers]

Just out of curiousity, what was the entry fee / charge for the general public at the Motor Show?

GQ

[jake]

G'day All,

Must have missed something. Can soemone tell me where the show is at.

[disco_ute]

entry was 17 buks i think and it s at Jeffs shed

[numpty]

Carpet?

That'll uspet the purists no end:twisted:

OMG If they keep that up it'll probably have an auto and leccy windows....:D

GQ

Nothing new about leccy windows, our 2006 Defender has them.

[cookiesa]

Wouldn't have been the first "new release" to have no engine. I have worked for a couple of different manufacturers and have been involved in pushing a few on to the stands!

Maybe they couldn't find the release! (assuming it is still on the "wrong" side like the disco's. Too embarrassed to say he didn't know where it was.

It's amazing what goes missing from show cars, cigarette lighters (those that still have them) gear knob's and decals!

[rmp]

The release is in the same place as before, but broken. I gave it a hard pull or three but no result. Given I'd already lifted both seats up to look underneath I thought I'd inspected far enough for one day! Most interested to see what space there is (or not) under the bonnet.

[cookiesa]

The release is in the same place as before, but broken. I gave it a hard pull or three but no result. Given I'd already lifted both seats up to look underneath I thought I'd inspected far enough for one day! Most interested to see what space there is (or not) under the bonnet.

Sorry, this was aimed at the salespeople/promo people at the stand. Sometimes they hire people to make up numbers and often car yards send the most junior staff to these stands

[disco_ute]

The release is in the same place as before, but broken. I gave it a hard pull or three but no result. Given I'd already lifted both seats up to look underneath I thought I'd inspected far enough for one day! Most interested to see what space there is (or not) under the bonnet.

no point pulling the bonnet release as there was no cable attached to it..

not much room under the bonnet either

[trebor110]

It did have an engine, not sure what type as I only have a photo of it from underneth.

[shorty943]

I love my Series model, I even like the older Deefer, but, this my friends, is an off road motor-omnibus.:eek: And they forgot to put a bloody roof on it.:p
I love tug boats, because they may not be pretty, but they are tough. The new Deefer is just not even, I don't know, it looks odd to me. Hmm, each to their own tastes.


Shorty.

[shorty943]

It did have an engine, not sure what type as I only have a photo of it from underneth.

Further to cookiesa's writing. That, is the very reason, every enthusiast car and motorcycle show and shine, is now strictly, drive it in pal. Lots of flash shiny bits, but no spinning round making bang thump bits inside the engine cases or blocks. Maybe the bonnet release was "accidentally broken" for a reason.

Shorty.

[rmp]

http://www.defender.com.au/

is now online.

it's not actually worth a visit though. Just a silly animation which ends in "coming soon". No further info.

[mns488]

Anyone know if they are bringing the 90s out in the new version?

I noticed on a lot of the other 4wds there that they had simple new accessories like 12V outlets in the rear, but not on the defender.:(

[rmp]

Anyone know if they are bringing the 90s out in the new version?

I noticed on a lot of the other 4wds there that they had simple new accessories like 12V outlets in the rear, but not on the defender.:(

The 90 is being considered. Email LRA and ask!

[UncleHo]

G'day RMP :)

You not wrong:( should be on "Play School" :D