Experience with new Defender on trip to Flinders Ranges

[mac]

Last week my wife and I drove from Adelaide to Wilpina Pound in the Flinders Ranges for a short holiday. This was the first real trip in our new Defender 110. I'd like to share a few points as follows:

* Seats: I installed a set of Mud rail seat extensions from the UK for both front seats. They made a big difference, since I'm 6'4". While my wife is average height, she really likes the extra room on the passenger side. I'd recommend these rails to anyone that is tall or even medium height for trips. The rails are as easy to install.

* Fuel Economy: We averaged 11.3 L per100 kms on the complete trip. This included dirt roads through the Flinders and full speed limit cruising on the open road.

* Cruise Control: I'd like to find a cruise control solution for an upcoming trip to NT and WA. I found that I needed to stop every couple of hours to stretch my right leg.

* Engine & Transmission: I'm really pleased with the overall performance. At 100 Kms, the engine is right on 2,000 rpm in 6th gear. When over taking, the Defender performed very well at much higher speeds.

Air Conditioning: With tinted windows, the new air conditioning is great.

Metal Shop 101: I spent a couple hours when I got home cleaning out the dust on the interior of the vehicle. The dealer service tech said the Defender was hand built. I had the dust to prove it. Fortunately it cleaned up well.

While the Defender is not a modern 4x4 with all the comforts, my Defender performed well. I like to say that it is the last classic vehicle that you can buy new. If I can get cruise control installed, it will make for a great outback 4x4.

Mac

[Blknight.aus]

you probabley dont want the cruise control thats fitted to some of the transit vans.

its woefull on your fuel economy but holds your speed rock steady

same as some chippings on the TD5 the cruise control on a stock td5 is good but there are some rechips out there that while effecient when driven live are atrocious on fuel when on auto pilot.


That said your foot needing you to get out and stretch a leg every 2 hours or so is a design feature of the defender type landrovers to meet the anticipated ADR complience requirements for a device that encourages drivers to take a rest break.

its just like the in built rust protective navigating age and the additional ventilation provided to prevent death by asphyxiation in the event of you accidentally being locked in the vehicle with a flat battery and not being able to get out.

[sclarke]

Cruise... Easy.. lump of 2x3 and wedge it into the seatbox and hard on the Gas......

To slow it down.. stand on the brake....