Land Rover Defender 2007–2016 car dimensions: 3894 mm long, 1790 mm wide and 2021 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,705 kg. Braked towing is 3,500 kg.
The cabin is simple and practical with a one-piece scuff-resistant facia, stadium-style seats for good visibility and three-point belts. Heating is standard with optional air conditioning. Entertainment is a basic radio/CD/MP3 system, with Bluetooth audio streaming available on higher options. No advanced driver aids are fitted.
The Station Wagon has foldable rear seats that free up a large square load area when down. Access is via a side-hinged rear door. Space is limited with seats in use.
It offers strong towing with a braked capacity of 3500 kg and unbraked of 750 kg. Payload is around 700 kg depending on specification. The ladder-frame chassis and permanent four-wheel drive with locking centre differential suit heavy work and off-road loads. Heavy-duty suspension is available on some versions.
The cabin feels upright and purposeful with the classic command driving position that gives clear views of the ground ahead and surroundings. A one-piece moulded facia keeps instruments simple and controls within easy reach for the heater and optional air-conditioning, which push air through top vents and footwells. Front seats have redesigned backrests and adjustable head restraints for better support, while Station Wagon models add forward-facing rear seats. Materials are tough and scuff-resistant so mud can be cleaned off quickly, with an optional cubby box adding cup holders and storage between the seats.
Diesel engines: 2.4 TDCi then 2.2 TDCi.
Fuel tank capacity 60 litres on 90 models.
Combined fuel use around 10.0 l/100 km on 90.
Main service every 12,000 miles or 12 months.
ABS with electronic traction control optional, standard from 2015 in some markets.
Three-point seat belts on all seats. no airbags.
The Defender 90 runs a 2.4-litre common-rail diesel from 2007, switched to a 2.2-litre version from 2012 that meets later emissions rules with a particulate filter. Both deliver strong low-down torque through a six-speed manual and dual-range transfer box. Fuel tank size is 60 litres. Brochure figures list combined consumption near 10.0 l/100 km for the short-wheelbase models, with higher use in urban or heavy work.
Factory service schedules call for engine oil and filter changes every 12,000 miles or 12 months. Gearbox, transfer box and axle oils need checking at the same time and full renewal at longer intervals. Brake fluid is renewed every two years. Extra attention to fluids and underbody items is advised for vehicles that tow or go off-road often.
Safety kit centres on servo-assisted disc brakes all round and three-point belts for every seat. ABS with electronic traction control was an option on most of the run and became standard with dynamic stability control on UK and European cars from 2015. No airbags were fitted. The ladder-frame chassis and aluminium body panels give the vehicle a strong, corrosion-resistant structure that shrugs off hard use.
Day-to-day ownership means accepting a simple, hose-clean interior and planning regular checks of chassis, suspension bushes and driveline seals. The aluminium panels and cargo bed resist rust well, but the steel chassis still needs inspection and protection, especially after water crossings or winter salt.
Length 3894 mm, Width 1790 mm, Height 2021 mm, Wheelbase 2360 mm (Defender 2007–2016)
Sources: manufacturer data, Land Rover Defender brochures, carexpert.ru and autoevolution.