It’s the end of the line for the venerable Defender, but is it a fond farewell from Al Suttie?
1 – Judging from the reaction of other drivers, the Defender is a much-loved machine. I’m not one of that group.
2 – Off-road, the Defender is hugely capable, but so is a Discovery that also drives on the road with aplomb. The Defender does not.
3 – This last hurrah Heritage limited edition has some neat touches, such as the ‘HUE 166’ detailing to hark back to the original Land Rover.
4 – The last of Land Rover’s Defenders plays on its heritage, but it’s also as out of step with the modern world as an original.
5 – A turning circle that is more of a suggestion is joined by suspension that ba-doings over bumps and poor refinement. I said POOR REFINEMENT.
6 – Then there’s the gearchange that some would call macho, but I would call heavy and cumbersome.
7 – As for the engine, it pulls strongly from low revs, but it’s noisy and there’s way too much play in the transmission.
8 – There are also the usual Defender gripes about the handbrake and door handle digging into your legs and the dreadful driving position.
9 – Any positives? Well, this 110 model has seven seats and the high up driving position lets you be very nosey.
10 – Anything else? Umm, Land Rover should have retired the Defender a long time ago as this feels like making your arthritic Granny dance for her supper.
