Thread: Defender Commercial model

Due to it's design, the old Defender (plus D1, D2 & RRC) had the option of sill tanks, rear quarter panel tank, or a larger replacement main tank if you wanted to carry more internal fuel. Looking at these pics from another thread, my first thought was, where would you fit more fuel internally in the new Defender if you required it?


Defender 2020 - 01.jpg

Defender 2020 - 02.jpg

what is this thing about steel wheels?

I haven't driven on steel wheels for near on 30 years...haven't had a problem.

the other thing everyone is going on about is the fuel tank. nothing wrong with 85 litres, the vehicle is more fuel efficient than the previous models.

I could get 900km out of tankful in my D2, I can get 1,000km out of 86litre tank in my Ranger both vehicles fully loaded. Whereabouts in Australia can't you drive 5-600km without finding fuel?

Originally Posted by scarry

And if they want to take customers from say LC owners,I don’t think to many will be jumping at a 4cyl 2L diesel with a small fuel tank,particularly if towing,which is a huge portion of their sales.

In fact without a large diesel,here in Aus,sales are not going to be great.

Isn't the old Defender just 2.2 litre? And I understood that it was a very good towing machine.

Originally Posted by TB

Yeah the 85L fuel capacity for the diesel is definitely a real limitation. The 2L diesel will probably tow just fine, only at higher revs and/or lower gears. Ford are heading that way with their 10-speed auto tranny and smaller engines. The question in my mind is range.

How is 1000km + range a limitation.

Originally Posted by blackrangie

How is 1000km + range a limitation.

No way are you getting that range from 85L when towing 3.5t.

Edit: my D4 thanks to off-road tyres, bash plates, roof rack and awning is lucky to get under 12L/100km on the highway without any significant load and towing nothing at all.

Originally Posted by ramblingboy42

what is this thing about steel wheels?

I haven't driven on steel wheels for near on 30 years...haven't had a problem.

There is an 18 inch alloys option which I suggest that I'd take.

Originally Posted by TB

No way are you getting that range from 85L when towing 3.5t.

Edit: my D4 thanks to off-road tyres, bash plates, roof rack and awning is lucky to get under 12L/100km on the highway without any significant load and towing nothing at all.

D5, im just talking normal range

If your towing range is not usually an issue as you usually have room for fuel storage on what you are towing.

Originally Posted by blackrangie

How is 1000km + range a limitation.

How did you work that out?At 10l/100,thats 850K if you want to run out.

Loaded,touring,i doubt it would consistently get better than 12l/100,with some margin as you don't want to run dry.A bit of off road stuff and it will drop some more.

Towing a heavy van you will be around 16 to 18l/100 at least.

Have a look at some of the real mileage figures for the D5 people are getting,same engine,and its lighter,and they wouldn't have many accessories.

Anyway,its no deal breaker,but would be nice if it was a bit bigger.