Land Rover was another manufacturer returning to the CV Show this year, displaying its all-new Defender Hard Top commercial models to potential business users.
The 4×4, remagining the brand’s classic vehicle that traced its lineage back to the original Land Rover of 1948, was launched in five-door 110 form in early 2020 just as lockdowns began and dealers shut their doors. The three-door 90 model followed later that year.
Both the Defender 90 and 100 have been displayed in the Birmingham NEC halls by Land Rover Commercial in Hard Top form, targeted at business users and described by their makers as “the toughest Land Rover ever made.”
The standard Defender is transformed into a commercial vehicle by replacing the rear windows and seats with the hard top to create a load bay. The Defender 90 offers 1355 litres of load space along with 58 litres of lockable underfloor storage – the 100 version increases this to 2039 and 213 litres respectively.
Payload is quoted at 670kg for the 90 and 800kg in the 110 – this can be increased by 118kg and 168kg respectively by specifying the optional off-road tyres and ‘Expedition’ roof rack.
The towing capacity of both versions is 3500kg and Land Rover’s Trailer Stability Assist electronic aid is fitted as standard.
A 3.0-litre diesel is the standard engine, offering 200hp in the 90 and 249hp in the 110, and in mild-hybrid form with energy recuperation from deceleration. Permanent all-wheel-drive is standard with electronics to aid serious off-road use, including a twin-speed transfer box and Land Rover’s ‘Terrain Response’ driving aid.
The load bay in both versions is finished in rubber flooring with a removable rubber mat, while six lashing points are included.
Up front the cabin includes an extra, central jump seat to carry a third person, while the full-height load partition is meshed allowing the user to keep an eye on their load. Deep-sided rubber mats are also standard.
The hard top’s exterior sides are designed with branding panels allowing sign writing for business users.
The Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Top starts from just under £37,000 plus VAT, the 110 version just under £44,000.
