Land Rover Defender Hard Top commercial version revealed

KUALA LUMPUR: Land Rover first used the Hard Top moniker back in 1950, when the early Series cars were given hardtops to save them from bad weather and hooligans. Now, it is back after 70 years as a permanent fixture in the new commercial Defender 90 and 110 models. 

The new Hard Top versions will be the next additions to the legendary bloodline that experienced unprecedented worldwide demand since the world premiere happened in last September.

Land Rover says that the versatile and durable Defender Hard Top combines unstoppable all-terrain capability with the latest connectivity to give off-roaders a unique combination of cargo space, practicality, and premium comfort.

Both the models will feature an independent coil-sprung suspension, while 110 would also have an advanced electronic air suspension. Each setup provides outstanding for off-road geometry, along with a ground clearance of 291 mm. The bigger trim will also have approach, break-over and departure angles of up to 38, 28, and 40 degrees, respectively. 

Nick Collins, Land Rover vehicle line director, said: “The new Defender 90 and 110 Hard Top will be the toughest, most capable and most connected commercial 4x4s we have ever produced. They have been engineered to meet global safety standards and deliver impressive long-haul comfort, giving businesses and professionals the best of all worlds.”

The Hard Top Defenders also have a 3500 kg towing capacity. The cabin has no second or third-row seats, but there is an optional front-row jump seat that provides three-abreast seating upfront. To deal with rearward visibility when the jump seat is occupied, or when the load space is full, the automaker fitted a ClearSight Rear-View mirror system to the models. It uses a live video feed from a rear-facing camera and gives an unobstructed view to the drivers.

The Defender Hard Top towing capacity is further augmented by the Advanced Tow Assist system, enabling smoother trailer reversing manoeuvres using a rotary controller on the centre console. The maximum wading depth of Hard Tops will be 900 mm.

The Defender Hard Top version also features a new twin eSim technology that supports over-the-air updates. It gives customers the ability to update their vehicles during their ownership. The automaker claims that it will help in minimising the time a vehicle is kept off the road, which will reduce costs to businesses. While with the Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment setup, the driver would be able to control all the significant functions, including seamless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The full details of new Defender 90 and 110 Hard Top will be revealed later this year when it will be available to order. However, the automaker hints at a price, starting from £35,500 (RM 186,686) in the UK.

Also read: 2020 Range Rover Evoque launched in Malaysia; price starts at RM 426,828