[Taboleo] Grew Bigger but Agile on Slopes... The Secret of the Off-Road Emperor
by Choi Daeyul
Published 28 Apr.2023 06:30(KST)
Updated 28 Apr.2023 08:35(KST)
Rear extended to create 3 rows and 8 seats
Enough space for 3 adults to sit comfortably
Bluetooth connection for up to 2 smartphones
Dogang Prog and terrain response system
Handles deep water and steep slopes with ease
The Land Rover Defender from the UK is a vehicle well-known for its off-road capabilities. Although the name Defender was adopted in the 1990s, the model's origins trace back much further to the Series I, which marked the brand's beginning in 1948.
It was originally created as a vehicle for farm use but was also widely used by explorers traveling through remote areas and for military purposes. The Defender is largely responsible for Land Rover being synonymous with off-road vehicles. When it was discontinued in 2016 and then revived after about four years, many welcomed its return. A British chemical industry tycoon was so disappointed by the potential end of the Defender line that he went as far as starting an automobile company.
The recently launched Defender 130 in Korea is a model that extends the rear of the existing 5-seater Defender 110 by 34 cm. It now features a third row, increasing seating capacity to 8. While many large SUVs have a third row that is merely decorative, this vehicle’s interior space is designed to comfortably accommodate adults. Although the wheel arches protrude slightly, causing some inconvenience, the side windows and a separate sunroof for the third row provide a good sense of openness.
The infotainment system, developed in collaboration with LG Electronics, is intuitive enough for first-time users to operate easily. It supports simultaneous Bluetooth connection of up to two smartphones and comes with T-map navigation pre-installed.
Land Rover Defender 130 interior. As befitting an off-road vehicle, it retains many physical buttons.
Off-road vehicles need to handle steep slopes and water up to waist height without difficulty. While extending the rear seats like in the Defender 130 is advantageous for increasing interior space, there were concerns it might be a weakness for rough terrain driving. However, these worries quickly dissipate once you drive it yourself.
Land Rover’s unique suspension setup and stylish design are preserved by shaping the rear overhang into a boat-tail form that rises from bottom to top. The approach angle is 37.5 degrees and the departure angle is 28.5 degrees, which are among the best in large SUVs of similar size. Additionally, the electronic air suspension can raise the vehicle body by up to 145 mm, preventing the bumper from scraping the ground when climbing or descending slopes.
There is a dedicated wading program. It can be selected from the fully automatic Terrain Response system menu and is reportedly the first time Land Rover has included this feature in a Defender. The vehicle can cross water up to 90 cm deep, and when activated, it adjusts throttle response as well as interior heating and ventilation. Sensors measure the water depth and display it on the central infotainment screen. The Terrain Response system can also be adjusted for different surface conditions such as snow, mud, sand, and rocks.
Additionally, a camera captures the area beneath the hood, which is not visible from the driver’s seat, and displays it on the screen. The vehicle is also rendered in 3D images that match the surrounding environment. This feature is very useful in extreme driving conditions where it is difficult for the driver to check all surroundings. When the trunk or the rear seats in the second and third rows are loaded with cargo, obstructing the rearview mirror, the system can switch to a screen view. Land Rover is known for building sturdy vehicles with aluminum alloy bodies. The Defender 130 can tow up to 3,000 kg and the roof can support 300 kg when stationary and 168 kg while driving.
In Korea, the Defender is available with a 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel and gasoline engine, both equipped with mild hybrid technology. The diesel model produces a maximum output of 300 horsepower and is priced at 137.07 million KRW, while the gasoline model delivers 400 horsepower and costs 142.17 million KRW. Accessory packs, including roof racks and portable cleaning systems, can be selected separately according to driver preferences.
Land Rover Defender 130 interior. The second and third rows can be folded, but they do not fold flat.
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