Should be with us by March/April according to my local dealer (UK anyhow
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With it's new interior, 6 speed gearbox and new 2.4 litre engines it should impress. And as the new 2.4 litre diesel is DOHC 16v common rail it should also respond well to mods
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There are some things that never need improving. The New 2007 Defender retains Defenderīs unique vehicle architecture ensuring its legendary capability remains uncompromised. The immensely strong box section ladder frame chassis that gives Defender its best in class load carrying and 3500kg towing capability remains unaltered. Defenderīs versatility and adaptability is also unchanged.
The permanent four-wheel drive is always engaged, unlike Defenderīs competitors. The centre differential evenly distributes Torque between front and rear axles which ensures you have optimum safety and performance in all weathers and over all-terrain. When the going gets really tough, the central differential can be locked so that up to 100% of the Torque can be transmitted to either the front or rear axles, depending on where the grip is.
New 2007 Defender will also remain available in 14 bodystyles (including Hard Top, Pick Up and Station Wagon) and three wheelbase lengths. The body will continue to be built to last with lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminium body panels making New 2007 Defender is as durable as ever.
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The new 2.4 litre common-rail diesel engine gives New 2007 Defender greater drivability and refinement. Engine peak power output is 122PS with more than 90% of the power available over 60% of the rev range making the power more accessible and giving the engine a more responsive feel.
The new engine produces a class-leading 360Nm of Torque which is 20% more than the current Td5.
The new engine is designed to reduce carbon emissions and to be fully compliant with European EU4 emissions legislation. But in keeping with Defenderīs status as a truly global product, a unique engine tune has been developed to tolerate variable quality high-sulphur fuels. The lubrication and sealing systems have been specially adapted to cope with Defenderīs extreme range of operating angles.
The new six speed manual transmission features a wide spread of gear ratios. The lower first gear offers a reduction in crawl speed and improved pull-away to make off-roading and towing even easier. The additional 6th gear provides smoother cruising performance and reductions in clutch and gear change loads make the driving experience significantly more refined.
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An upgraded interior for New 2007 Defender makes the vehicle more usable than ever. The all new facia gives a more contemporary feel to Defenderīs cabin while also improving quality and ergonomics. A new instrument pack with LED illumination provides clear concise information to the driver. Defenderīs audio system has been upgraded to include new CD player, high mounted tweeters and an optional auxiliary/MP3 audio input socket.
The new facia features an all new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Cabin airflow is increased by almost 50% with significant improvement in heating and cooling performance. The addition of side window demist vents helps maintain visibility whatever the weather.
New 2007 Defender offers comprehensive improvements to passenger seating. All seats are now forward facing with 3 point seatbelts and head restraints. Defender 90 Station Wagon benefits from a pair of individual, full-size, forward facing rear seats which are also available as a third row option on 110 Station Wagon. These seats can be easily folded and stored sideways if greater loadspace is required.
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Looks like the on the road price for a basic Defender 90 pick-up is going to be Ģ18,000 so good value but not cheap.
I'm definitely going to try one as soon as my local dealer gives me a ring to say they have their demonstrator.
But the only thing that may stop me buying one is this:
I spoke to Jeep UK today and they reckon they should be available by about May time, so a bit later than the Defender.
But the Jeep does look to offer a lot, traction control, electronic disconects, Dana 40 and locker (rear) and a removable soft top.
Think the decision will come down to tow things:
1. Engines - The Jeep we know already has a 3.8 V6 with over 200bhp. And there's word that it will be either getting the 2.8 or 3.0 diesel engine. In either case thats more displacement and more power than the new Defender.
2. Price - Currently the TJ's are on offer over here and a brand new loaded one can be had for Ģ16,000 so Ģ2000 cheaper than the base entry model Defender 90.
This may be a tough decision, guess I have to go flip a coin or something.
