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. 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/Veh...n/Overview.htm

which has no real details.

which has this pic:

[incisor]

some good news there mate, thanks for the info!

[rangieman]

sounding good cant wait to see one in the flesh

[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.