Thread: Disappointed in the D5 / waiting for the Defender

Originally Posted by RobA

My info six months back from the inside was NO to air suspension as they could not get the performance out of the suspension. But that was six months back and model specification would not have been totally finalised but exceptionally close I would think as they normally lock that sort of stuff away 2 years or more into product development.

Still I will be happy with either quite frankly

Rob

TBH if it has air suspension i wont buy it! Id much rather prefer a hydraulic system like HMBC or KDSS.
Why? All you need to do is search disco and air suspension issues to find out why. The hydraulic system used in the y62 has been around for 8 years and is rock solid, in fact i dont know anyone on the Patrol forum thats had an issue with it.
I hope its boxy like the old defender/disco and not range rover/new disco round and bulgey.

I hope the batery is kept under the passenger seat, the jack in the boot (more convenient) and has a high seating position.

Anyway......cant wait to see what it looks like.

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

I was speaking to a LR sales guy recently who had recently done done his product training with head office. Obviously the topic of Defender replacement came up. He was told not to expect a FJ Cruiser clone. It is not going to be a flash in the pan fad model. Think tough genuine vehicle was all he could/would say....

Here's hoping!

So, last night I was happy to attend the opening of the new Berwick dealership premises. An all around good event, plenty of eye candy and finger food getting around, although someone managed to set off an alarm on said candy,, haha, trying to find the right keys 🔐.

Met up up with DiscoBen there, we chatted for quite some time, was good to meet him.

On on the way out, having driven the Series 2a down, I was stopped by the principal owner and one of the executives from Sydney who were interested in the car 🚙.
The fellow from Sydney owns a “Malaysian Prototype 6x6 Perentie”. He’s been involved with LR for about 30 odd years, and helps with the engineering/sales perspective. So he has a high regard and desire to see the return of the Defender.
Several guys from Syd were overseas for the testing of several models of LRs, including the Defer Mule. The DM was last in the line up, and where others struggled a bit, the mule just power through. So in his words, this thing is GOOD.

The owner has been over to see the new car in all it’s genuine glory, and he too,
said the cubby seat is awesome 😎. What is it about the this cubby seat 💺??
he did however say, he thought at first the front looked a little FJ Cruiserish to start with, but went on to say it still retains a lot of its present “Looks”.

I guess ultimately, we’ll see when it gets released.

Chops, Having bought a few cars from Barry Bourke, I've been down that road a few times. I wasn't impressed with the initial site of Berwick Landrover (at the corner), but the new premises are VERY impressive indeed.
Glad you had a good night, Pickles.

Originally Posted by 1nando

TBH if it has air suspension i wont buy it! Id much rather prefer a hydraulic system like HMBC or KDSS.
Why? All you need to do is search disco and air suspension issues to find out why. The hydraulic system used in the y62 has been around for 8 years and is rock solid, in fact i dont know anyone on the Patrol forum thats had an issue with it.
I hope its boxy like the old defender/disco and not range rover/new disco round and bulgey.

I hope the batery is kept under the passenger seat, the jack in the boot (more convenient) and has a high seating position.

Anyway......cant wait to see what it looks like.

Just a point about HBMC and KDSS.
Neither of those 2 systems are for load and height.
They’re still coil sprung. Essentially an advanced ACE system.

If they just uprate the Compressor quality the air system would be very stable.

I was there too! I saw your Series 2 when driving out!

Originally Posted by Chops

...
The owner has been over to see the new car in all it’s genuine glory, and he too,
said the cubby seat is awesome 😎. What is it about the this cubby seat 💺??
he did however say, he thought at first the front looked a little FJ Cruiserish to start with, but went on to say it still retains a lot of its present “Looks”.

I guess ultimately, we’ll see when it gets released.

I'll interpret the FJ Cruiser reference as being it takes styling queues from the original defender into a modern design. It won't look like a D5 then :-).

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

I'll interpret the FJ Cruiser reference as being it takes styling queues from the original defender into a modern design. It won't look like a D5 then :-).

You are kind (or optomistic). My interpretation was of rounded soft throwback design. I hope it reminds me not at all of FJ. Cheers

Al grist for an interesting mill.

My preference is for air suspension if I can get it. I do way too much outback travel towing and it just makes life more comfortable and easier when hitching up.

Jump seat thing will be an individual need thing I hope. We don't want one for sure. I would rather have more space to put stuff for travel.

FJ Cruiser comments are interesting. Having had a lot to do with its launch here I like the way it was a modern interpretation of the 40 series which for me still looks pretty good. As per other comments I am hoping for a modern and faithful interpretation of the original Defender. Having driven them a lot I hope, like FJ they really improve its safety, handling and all round capability which for me is all about towing

Rob