Thread: New Land Rover Defender on cards for 2013

Originally Posted by OffTrack

So maybe this is how the lineup shape up?

Disco 5 => G-Wagen
Defender R => Amarok/HiLux
Freelander => BMW X3
DC100 => Jeep Wrangler???

Disco 5 to take on G-wagen?
I don’t think so. I see you own a discovery, are you sure you don’t want a defender? The G-wagen is already much like the current defender. Old

More likely:
Disco 5 to price down and compete with vehicles like the Land cruiser Prado
Freelander to hang in there with the cheerful 'sports utility' 4x4s
Evoque is for the BMWx3 types

The new Defender should offer much of the same in terms of utility and body options except on a new build so it can be sold at a competitive price worldwide. If they get it right they will increase their take across utility and military markets => G-wagen, Land Cruiser 70, amarok, hilux etc.

So we all have our personal views on this

For me, the ladder chassis and solid axle suspension, payload and off road utility are key. I'm less concerned with engine size. At present the Defender, even in standard Station Wagon configuration has a useable payload well above most of its oriental SUV rivals, and only the G wagen Professional tops the heavy duty Defender pickups for payload (at treble the price).

These things are important for touring, here in the bush- and across the developing world. Land Rover will not be looking to Europe and Australia for its future market growth for the Defender but to places like India, China and African countries. So if Land Rover want to achieve mass sales they should steer clear of a recreational runabout like the Jeep Wrangler with its 300 kg payload (or DC 100 sport) and go for something with the simplicity of the current basic design, the robustness and reliability of the old style Hilux but with better payload. If they can keep prices down on a working vehicle they will do well.

Personally this arrangement would suit me well. Those seeking primarily a comfortable touring vehicle might prefer to migrate to the Disco -as I probably will when my needs change.

Cheers

Alan

I see JLR has done deals for vehicle plants in China and South America and obviously has Tata in India so they certainly have the option to build a low-cost vehicle on each continent, even if the engines are shipped in from their new engine plant in England.