New Land Cruiser breaks cover

Toyota has finally lifted the covers of the all-new Land Cruiser 300 that is build on a Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that allows for a significant drop in mass to achieve greater efficiencies. 

As the successor to the ‘200-series’, the all-new flagship Land Cruiser 300 has new petrol and diesel powertrains. 

The exterior design shows a rectangular theme with a prominent front façade, while stylised light guides, alongside large horizontal slats with either black or chrome accents (model dependant), maximise the visual impact. 

The U-shaped front radiator openings form an integral part of the design and create a solid appearance. In the rear, trapezoidal LED lamps help enhance the athletic look. 

The two new engine options are a 3,5-litre twin-turbo Petrol V6 and 3,3-litre turbo-diesel V6. The petrol V6 is borrowed from the Lexus LS500 and delivers 305 kW of power and 650 Nm of tractive effort. 

Outputs from the diesel engine are quoted as 227 kW and 700 Nm - representing a 32 kw increase and 50 Nm hike (versus the outgoing 4.5 turbo-diesel V8). 

Both engine options are coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission (with obligatory low-range included). 

By using key TNGA design traits, pioneering new welding techniques and reconfiguring the drivetrain placement, the Land Cruiser 300 offers increased torsional rigidity while also being significantly lighter compared to its predecessor. The development team focussed on not only improving off-road capability, but on-road performance and driving comfort too. 

Three grades will be offered locally; utility-minded GX-R, the urban-focussed ZX (replacing the VX-R) and off-road biased GR Sport. Each variant will feature a bespoke specification line-up, in accordance with usage and customer requirements. 

Local introduction is set for August 2021. Click here to view first-reveal video.

 Agilitee rolls out Africa mobility plan

With parts imported from India and the products assembled locally ahead of planned rollout of a full manufacturing facilitiy, Agilitee Africa is on the road to provide greener energy mobility solutions to Africa and beyond. 

The company is a manufacturer and reseller of electric motorcycles, car charging facilities as well as related products on the African continent. 

Agilitee has partnered with eBikeGo Private Limited, India’s largest smart electric mobility platform which offers an electronic mode of transportation in India, to produce and distribute electronic motorcycles in Africa. 

eBikeGo Private Limited is innovative and competitive with expertise in producing quality products for the EV market in India. The company is well-positioned with operations in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Amritsar, Jaipur, and Hyderabad to capture a 10% share of India’s two-wheeler market by 2022.  

This will also see a massive rollout of training and transfer of skills to young aspiring entrepreneurs.  

“The future belongs to those who stay conscious in the present moment and realise their decision plays an impact on the future of their children. Innovation is the key to success, but sustainability is the answer to carry us to the future,” said Kriekie Du Plessis Agilitee Chairperson. 

(For a full interview with Ms Du Plessis and COO, Boni Roberts, click on Podcasts at www.colin-on-cars.com – Ed)  

This partnership aims to tackle the reality of climate change and the high cost of fuel coupled with the need for a cost-efficient mode of transport on the African continent. The venture will contribute to minimising air pollution, creating employment and in the long term, contribute to the revival of the African economy amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.  

According to Dr Mandla Lamba, CEO of Agilitee, this is the catalyst for clean energy solutions and carbon reduction in Africa. 

“Our passionate and agile team are pioneering, researching, importing, assembling, manufacturing and franchising electric vehicle and motorbike technology, including battery swapping stations and solar charging facilities across the continent.” 

Agilitee’s vehicles are sustainable, products that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The ‘LoadEx’, Agilitee’s first delivery motorcycle, will retail for R35 000, which includes an efficient battery with a capacity of 160 km. The Wild Grace, designed for private use, carries a 330 km efficient battery. 

The ‘Wild Grace’ and the ‘RTF’ (Return to Freedom) will retail at R175 000 and R55 000 which includes the maintenance plan and three-year warranty and servicing for all motorcycles. Agilitee will also introduce  another delivery scooter , that will retail at R11 000 set out for the SME ‘S (small-to-medium enterprise), later in the year with the first pre-orders to roll out in June 2021.  

The company is also developing its assembly plant which is expected to be operational by 2022. The plant is set to be transformed into a comprehensive manufacturing plant within six months to enable all products sold to be 100% proudly South African.  

The company has partnered with two of South Africa’s biggest banks, ABSA and Capitec which will provide financing of the motorcycles for all interested potential consumers and customers. Agilitee have also included a rent to buy option for the RTF, mainly targeted to students starting at R1 300 per month.

 First look at the new Kia Sportage

Opposites United is the key to the new design adopted for the upcoming Kia Sportage scheduled for launch in September in some markets. 

“Reinventing the Sportage gave our design teams a tremendous opportunity to do something new; to take inspiration from the recent brand relaunch and introduction of EV6 to inspire customers through modern and innovative SUV design. With the all-new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward but instead move on to a different level in the SUV class,” says Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Center. 

“When you see the all-new Sportage in person, with its sleek but powerfully dynamic stance, and when you sit inside the detailed-orientated cabin with its beautifully detailed interior and first-class materials, you’ll see we have achieved those goals and set new benchmarks. In the all-new Sportage, we believe you can see the future of our brand and our products.” 

Revealed earlier this year, Kia’s new design philosophy – Opposites United – is at the core of the all-new Sportage, influencing every aspect of its appearance and character. The principles of Opposites United will influence all future Kia designs, giving them the same basic DNA. 

The philosophy strengthens the connection between design and Kia’s new brand direction, ‘Movement that inspires’. 

The all-new Sportage is the result of a collaborative effort between Kia’s main global design network in Korea, Germany, the US, and China. 

The front of the all-new Sportage has a detailed-orientated black grille graphic stretching across the width of the face. Like an intricate web, the technical graphic pulls together the main frontal features of the all-new Sportage. 

The elongated grille links Kia’s modern signature Tiger Nose grille – that acts as the visual focal point of the car – to the distinctive boomerang-shaped DRLs (daytime running lamps), which in turn create solid boundary lines for the head lamps. 

At the rear, the all-new Sportage maintains its strong road presence with its broad shoulders, where the swooping fastback flows into the rear lamps. 

The interior of the all-new Sportage has a sculpted integrated curved display with a slim crush touchscreen pad and finely detailed air vents. The touchscreen pad along with the integrated controller act as the nerve centre for driver and passenger connectivity, functionality and usability needs. Both systems have been created to be easy-to-use, highly intuitive and soft to touch. 

The driver and front passenger seats combine high-tech with high comfort in sporting slim shell design and feature integrated hanger-type designs within the headrests, allowing clothing and handbags to be easily and conveniently hooked into place.

Three rounds for 2021 GTC series including Kyalami

This year’s Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli campaign will feature three rounds on as many continents following SRO Motorsports Group’s decision not to replace the Suzuka 10 Hours. 

Several new and existing events in the Middle East were considered since the 49th Summer Endurance Race – originally scheduled for August 20-22 – was cancelled by local organisers in mid-March due to Japan’s domestic Covid-19 measures. 

However, and despite evaluating promising opportunities across the region, a combination of calendar clashes, budget implications and general suitability has made a replacement round impossible to stage. 

Instead, the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa kicks off the global GT3 championship’s 2021 campaign on July 29-August 1 before IGTC joins forces with Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS at the Indianapolis 8 Hour on October 15-17. The campaign concludes with the Kyalami 9 Hour on December 2-4. 

Stephane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO says: “We invested much time and energy into finding a replacement event that would uphold Intercontinental’s purpose of uniting the world’s great GT endurance races. And although several options would have achieved this aim, each also presented a new set of challenges to overcome. Given the current global situation I believe it is better to focus our energies on IGTC’s three existing rounds. 

“I would like to thank each of the parties and promoters for their positive collaboration and hope to work with them again in the future. Indeed, although Intercontinental won’t be visiting the Middle East this year I remain confident that these discussions will subsequently allow us to explore fresh opportunities.” 

REVISED 2021 CALENDAR

Jul 29-Aug 1 – TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa – Europe
Oct 15-17 – Indianapolis 8 Hour – North America
Dec 2-4 – Kyalami 9 Hour – South Africa

 Polestar launches design contest

Are you handy with a pencil and brim full of ideas that could change the world? If so, Polestar wants to hear from you. 

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand led by designer Thomas Ingenlath, has launched its 2021 vision of future mobility Design Contest under the theme of ‘progressive’. 

The contest features both student and professional categories, with initial designs submitted in the form of sketches or digital images. Designs should display new ways of thinking that could encourage positive change in society, including responses to the ongoing climate crisis. The progressive theme should be evident in the designs. 

“In a landscape of disruptive technologies, evolving lifestyles and fast-growing concern for climate change, design can be the driving force for positive change. We believe our contest provides a great platform for the design community to visualise progressive mobility ideas of the future,” says Maximilian Missoni, Head of Design at Polestar. 

The 2020 contest drew more than 600 applications from across the world. Entries included an array of cutting-edge design concepts, from prosthetic springboard blades for walking, to an autonomous pod, to a luxury yacht that exuded Polestar’s minimalistic design tonality. 

One of the winning designs was an airship that looked 20 years ahead, combining Polestar’s design ethos with a 21^st century aviation approach. The design did not need to be a car, but it needed to be ‘a Polestar’. 

An exclusive feature of the global Polestar Design Contest is the coaching and support it offers. Shortlisted submissions will receive guidance and feedback with Head of Design Maximilian Missoni, Polestar designers and sustainability lead. 

A unique prize awaits the winners, who will be flown to either Polestar Chengdu or Polestar Headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden to attend the Polestar Design Exhibition, as well as to experience both the brand and the cars up close. 

The winning designs in each category will be brought to life as 1:5 scale models and an exhibition of the winning designs will then tour Polestar Spaces around the world. This unique opportunity to promote the designers’ work during the inaugural contest last year even caught the eye of Demna Gvasalia, Creative Director at Balenciaga, who chose to integrate the designs within the fashion brand’s virtual AW show in 2020. 

To aid in their continued development as designers, winners will also receive a computer and tablet, along with a trophy. 

“Polestar is a design-born, purpose-led electric car brand, on a mission to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility,” explains Juan Pablo Bernal, Senior Interior Design Manager at Polestar, and curator of the @polestardesigncommunity Instagram page. “We feel the ‘progressive’ theme provides a unique canvas for designers around the world to express their creativity in the pursuit of our shared goals.” 

• No purchase or payment required to enter. English language required. Must be age of majority or older to participate. Registration starts 7 June 2021 and closes 30 June 2021. Subject to eligibility and other restrictions. For complete Official Rules, visit about.polestar.com/polestar-design-contest/2021/

 

Lemon used to refer to a no-hoper car; a complete dud usually bought off a used car lot owned by someone called ‘Honest John’ or similar – but, today, Haval is proudly using the term as the name for its new design platform. 

The Jolion, launched recently, was the first model to feature the Lemon architecture and it is now followed by the latest version of the Haval H6. 

The new platform allows more strength at a lower weight. Being lightweight is of great significance to the automobile industry mostly due to increased performance and improved economy. The LEMON platform can form up to 438 basic modules and 113 standard modules and has completed road testing of more than 6-million kilometres including 76 different kinds of road surface found globally. 

The all new Haval H6, penned by Phil Simmonds, has a purposeful aesthetic with the goal to be unapologetically futuristic with a ‘sci-fi-esc’ design intention so everything from the front bumper and mesh grille flows stylistically into an uninterrupted creation that embraces the futuristic mindset from the outset. 

H6 also boasts new generation technologies and all models come fitted with Full-Speed-Range Adaptive Cruise Control and boasts to be the only SUV in its class that can activate AEB in all driving scenarios, including passing pedestrians, bicycles and traffic intersections. 

This intelligent SUV features TSR (Traffic Sign Recognition) assisting the driver to further abide by the rules of the road and ensure passengers’ safety. TJA (Traffic Jam Assist) offers the driver the option to engage cruise control in bumper to bumper traffic with this setting engaged, while the 12,3-inch touch screen and the 10,25-inch full-colour instrument panel allows for seamless vehicle interactions. 

It boasts an all new 2.0 GDIT (gasoline direct injection turbo) powerplant that is an inhouse creation featuring a Double overhead cam with continuous variable valve timing. This new unit offers 38% thermal efficiency ensuring lower running temperatures, whilst still churning out 320 Nm of torque between 1 500 r/min and 4 000 r/min. Maximum power output is at 150 kW at 6 000 r/min. 

The entire range features the second generation 7DCT transmission and it now has a McPherson strut independent front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension. 

The third generation Haval H6 also boasts the latest 9.3 Gen ESP (electronic stability program), HD 360 Degree View Camera, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist, an All-round Blind Spot Monitoring system as well as Tire-pressure Monitoring System, while six crash bags, Automatic Collision Unlocking Function, Anti-theft Alarm System and Electronic engine Immobilizer are all standard features. 

Pricing:

Haval H6 2.0T 7DCT 2WD Premium R 419 900

Haval H6 2.0T 7DCT 2WD Luxury R 454 900

Haval H6 2.0T 7DCT 4WD Luxury R 479 900

Haval H6 2.0T 7DCT 4WD Super Luxury R 514 900 

The H6 offers a 5-year/100 000 km warranty as well as a 5-year/60 000 km service plan. 

 

 Road Review - Hyundai i20 1.0 T Fluid

It is pretty much a given automakers will increase the size of new versions of existing models and, while making a big car or SUV bigger sometimes seems a tad gratuitous, increasing the dimensions of an urban crawler while keeping it in the ‘small’ car category takes somewhat more ingenuity. 

Hyundai has achieved this with the new i20. Now, I’m no giant but my partner on the launch drive was sufficiently taller and broader in the shoulder than me to be put to good use checking out the leg and head room in the rear – with the front seat left in his ‘comfortable’ place. 

The improved shoulder room in the front was also noticeable as we barrelled amiably along some of KwaZulu-Natal’s twisty back roads – and spritely cornering not producing shoulder or head banging meetings. 

The enlarged wheelbase provides increased seating space for passengers in the rear, with rear passengers able to enjoy 88 mm more leg room and 40 mm more shoulder room than in the previous generation. The new car gains a wider body (+41 mm) and increased length (+10 mm), while the wheelbase has also been increased by 10 mm. Ground clearance is 170 mm – an increase of 20 mm compared to the previous model. 

Boot space has been increased (311 litres) while a decreased beltline and a small, quarter-fixed glass window behind the rear door provide drivers’ with improved visibility. 

Hyundai has adopted a new design direction it is calling ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ and this rather aptly describes the new i20 – my test unit being the top of the range turbo powered 1,0-litre Fluid manual. 

The turbo-charged 3-cylinder petrol power plant offers a maximum power output of 90 kW at 6 000 r/min and generates 172 Nm from 1 500 r/min. Acceleration from rest to 100 km/h takes 9,9 seconds and will top out around 186 km/h. 

Average fuel consumption on the test cycle was 6,6 l/100 km and this gives the car a tank range around 550 kilometres. 

There is a nice balance with the chosen gear ratios so the i20 is responsive from early on and willing to rev to the limit when required – getting quite energetic in the process. The turbo also helps limit the amount of gearshift rowing required in traffic as well as out on the highway. 

While designed as a city car, the i20 is no slouch on longer journeys and will cruise quite effortlessly in the process, the little engine a lot quieter than some of its similarly specced opposition. 

Given the full wellie, the i20 is quite fun to throw at corners and handles directional changes with panache, the front McPherson struts with dampers and coil springs and coupled torsion beam axle with dampers and coil springs at the rear working well with the Motor Driven Power Assisted Steering (MDPS) to deliver accurate lines through corners and adding stability to the i20’s road manners. 

As for the looks of the new car, at the side, a bold side character line and unique C-pillar design create an appealing look. Meanwhile, the interior space achieves an airy feeling inside the cockpit, while appearing sculptured and appealing. One design highlight is the horizontal blades that cover the high and prominent dashboard. Dynamic proportions also improve roominess and visibility. 

The Fluid derivatives ride on 195/55 R16 wheels and rubber. 

Exterior colour choices range from Titan Grey to Polar White, Starry Night, Fiery Red, Typhoon Silver and Phantom Black, complemented by two 2-tone colour schemes: Fiery Red with a black roof, and Polar White with a black roof. 

Convenience items include power folding mirrors for the Fluid variants, a rear-view monitor with guidelines displayed on the infotainment system’s screen, air-vents for rear passengers in the Fluid variants, a USB charging socket and cell phone storage space for rear passengers, a multi-function steering wheel with radio and telephone control buttons and a cruise-control function on the steering wheel for Fluid variants. 

The new 10,25-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver and high-resolution 8-inch centre touchscreen for the infotainment system have been visually combined and there is a wireless charging pad in the centre console with two front USB charging ports in all variants – one for connectivity and one for charging in the middle console, while another charging port is available for rear passengers in the Fluid variants. 

Passive safety systems in the new i20 include six crash bags (driver, front passenger and two curtain bags) in the Fluid variants, and driver and front passenger crash bags in the Motion derivatives. 

An anti-lock braking system and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are standard features in the whole range. 

It comes with a 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan and 7-year / 150 000 km roadside assistance.

Racking up the kilometres

 

Statistics are wonderful things and, structure the question correctly, they will tell you exactly what you wanted to know – but here’s one that does produce some interesting and relevant information, notably European electric vehicle (EV) drivers travel further than their combustion counterparts (ICE). 

In fact, on average they are annually travelling 630 clean kilometres further than European internal combustion engine (ICE) drivers according to recent research commissioned by Nissan. 

The study reveals EV drivers are becoming trailblazers on European roads, totalling on average more than 14 200 km yearly compared to their ICE driver counterparts, who are averaging 13 600 km – this research using pre-lockdown numbers.  

“This research reiterates electric driving is not only a smart option beneficial to the environment but also a fun, exciting and convenient choice for the owners. It is no surprise people now drive EV further than ICE cars. We are confident that with more EV on the road dispelling myths, range anxiety will soon be in the past,” says Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy and Pricing, Nissan AMIEO. 

Of the European EV drivers surveyed, Italian electric drivers travel the furthest, averaging more than 15 000 km yearly closely followed by those in the Netherlands (14 800 km), and the majority (69%) of European EV drivers are happy with the current charging infrastructure available. 

Almost half (47%) of European ICE drivers say the main advantage of a petrol or diesel car is greater range autonomy. Likewise, when looking into the reasons behind the 30% of European ICE drivers who are unlikely to consider a fully electric vehicle, the majority (58%) said the biggest concern is EVs have low driving range autonomy.  

Further exploration into factors that would convince drivers to switch unsurprisingly reveal:

• 38% of ICE drivers in Europe believe the biggest pull-factor would be greater range 
• 32% of European ICE drivers would be drawn by ease of charging. 
• 30% note having a better charging infrastructure would persuade them to switch. 

“With EVs on the cusp of wide-spread adoption, we can be confident these positive findings should help change the opinion of the ICE drivers for whom a degree of range anxiety is still preventing them from converting to electric mobility,” continued Arnaud. 

A quarter of European EV motorists say that running out of charge (28%), charging time (30%) and EVs being expensive (31%) are amongst the biggest myths of EV driving, implying that charging and infrastructure are sufficiently developed. 

Still a long way to go for South Africa - Ed 

“This is an exciting time for the automotive industry. As we continue to expand our electric line-up with the all-electric coupé crossover, the Nissan Ariya and the all-new Qashqai with our e-POWER technology, there will be more choice to help inspire drivers to make the switch and continue this positive trend of cleaner travel for our planet,” continued Arnaud Charpentier. 

 

Vehicle prices skyrocket

Year-on-year comparisons of new vehicles sales are still hopelessly out of kilter with 2020 having been the hard lockdown – but, what is concerning is the fact vehicle prices have skyrocketed by nearly three times the general inflation rate during the first quarter of this year according to the latest Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI) released by TransUnion. 

“When measured against WesBank’s average deal size, we can see a similar trend in the amount of finance to access these vehicle purchases,” says Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank.. “Compared to a year ago, new vehicle finance agreements through our book are averaging a deal size of R356 313, up 11,2%, while pre-owned deals average R253 537, an increase of 10,6%.” 

Aggregate domestic sales in May 2021, at 38, 37 units, reflected an increase of 25 463 units, or 197,8%, from the 12 874 vehicles sold in May 2020. Export sales also recorded a gain of 23 425 units, or 196,8%, to 35 326 units in May 2021 compared to the 11 901 vehicles exported in May 2020. 

Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 38 337 vehicles, an estimated 33 642 units, or 87,8%, represented dealer sales, an estimated 8,2% represented sales to the vehicle rental industry, 2,0% to industry corporate fleets 2,0%, and sales to Government. 

The May 2021 new passenger car market at 24,122 units registered an increase of 15 156 cars, or a gain of 169 0%, compared to the 8 966 new cars sold in May 2020. The car rental industry accounted for 11,4% of car sales in May 2021.

Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini-buses at 11 930 units during May 2021 had recorded an increase of 8 859 units, or a gain of 288,5%, from the 3 071 light commercial vehicles sold during May 2020. 

Sales for medium and heavy truck segments of the industry also reflected a positive performance and at 559 units and 1 726 units, respectively, showed an increase of 256 units, or 84 5% in the case of medium commercial vehicles, and, in the case of heavy trucks and buses an increase of 1 192 vehicles, or a gain of 223 2%, compared to the corresponding month last year.

The Naamsa CEOs Confidence Index, an in-house leading business confidence indicator of current and future developments in the domestic automotive industry, reflects the general agreement by the Naamsa CEOs business conditions for the automotive industry over the next six months will continue to improve.

They are mainly positive of a robust recovery in the domestic as well as the global new vehicle markets over the next six months, as the domestic and international markets rebound from the low base of 2020. However, structural constraints in the economy, coupled to the growing debt of the country and the ongoing electricity capacity limitations would continue to curb a potential quick recovery to pre-COVID-19 levels. 

“This is very heartening, particularly the fact that dealer sales represented 87,8% of the total reported new vehicles sales of 38 337 units in May,” says Mark Dommisse, the Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA). 

“Strong sales through the retail dealer channel means there is an improvement in consumer confidence, which is good news for the remainder of the year. Admittedly, the figures in April and May last year were very skewed, as our members operated under stringent lockdown regulations. However, the ongoing upturn in 2021 is an encouraging positive with naamsa now forecasting year-on-year growth for 2021. 

“A year ago, dealers were resuming limited retail sales in May under lockdown Level 4, but now the market is improving significantly while we await the possible negative effects that could flow from a third wave of COVID-19 infections. 

“The lockdown had a devastating effect on the rental industry which has resulted in a lack of year-old cars coming onto the used vehicle stands at dealerships. That is putting upward pressure on used car pricing. This, in turn, is impacting on sales volumes of preowned models. However, it is encouraging to see that rental companies are re-fleeting again and in May these companies bought 8,2% of total vehicles and 11,4% of the passenger car volume. 

“We are seeing limited new vehicle availability in certain segments due, in main, to the global microchip shortage which is taking longer to overcome than was originally presumed,” added Dommisse. 

“It is also invigorating to see the introduction of and the appetite South African car buyers have for new model ranges, specifically in the Compact SUV segment, such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Toyota Starlet, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, and the ongoing stream of new models from Hyundai and Kia. Notable as well is, the Peugeot 2008 and the Haval Jolion, with Nissan set to join the fray with its Magnite crossover.”

Short wheelbase Defender 90 joins the ranks 

With 16 variants to choose from, off road travellers will have no problems in finding the Land Rover Defender 90 that best suits their requirements. 

The short wheelbase Defender 90 launches locally with the base Defender S, X-Dynamic, First Edition and top-of-the-range Defender X models, each sold with a choice of four engine options. 

As an entry point to the range, the Defender S features standard equipment including LED headlights with auto high beam assist, keyless entry, Ebony grained leather with woven textile seat facings, Pivi Pro 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an interactive driver display among others. 

Driver assistance features include items such as Terrain Response, 3D surround cameras, emergency braking, lane keep assist, 360-degree parking aid, wade sensing and a driver condition monitor. 

The X-Dynamic model bridges the gap between Defender and Defender X with a tough exterior look and unique interior fittings to set it apart from the rest of the line up. 

It features gloss painted Narvik Black exterior door and wheel arch cladding with Silicon Satin skid pans and the Defender X-Dynamic is available with a choice of SE and HSE Specification Packs. 

On the range-topping X derivative, the gloss black inset contrast hood is standard along with Gloss Black claddings. To give further differentiation between the X and Core vehicles, the front and rear skid pans and other detailed exterior parts are coated in a Starlight Satin finish while brake calipers are painted orange, the dashboard cross beam is a dark grey powder coat brushed finish and door sill treadplates are illuminated with Defender script. 

The X also sees air suspension is fitted as standard along with an electronic active rear differential, configurable Terrain Response 2, a sliding panoramic roof, Matrix LED headlights, 14-way heated and cooled front seats, ClearSight interior rear view mirror and a head-up display among others. 

The Defender First Edition, available for one year from launch, is available in Pangea Green, Gondwana Stone or Hakuba Silver, with a folding fabric sunroof incorporated in the contrast white roof. Standard fare includes air suspension, 12-way heated seats, an electrically adjustable steering column ClearSight rear view mirror and 20-inch alloys. 

Customers can personalise their Defender 90 with four Accessory Packs. The Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban Packs each give Defender a distinct character with a specially selected range of enhancements. 

The Explorer Pack includes a raised air intake, a lightweight Expedition roof rack to carry up to 132 kg, a 24-litre exterior side-mounted gear carrier, matte black bonnet decal, and wheel arch protection to help conquer the most uncharted African landscapes. 

The Adventure Pack consists of a portable rinse system for hosing off boots, bikes and wetsuits, a 20-litre Seat Backpack, bright rear scuff plate, front and rear mud flaps, a spare wheel cover, an integrated air compressor ideal for inflating tyres or air mattresses, and the same side-mounted Gear Carrier. 

A Country Pack equips the Defender with front and rear Classic mud flaps, a full height load space partition to prevent items in the rear load space from entering the cabin, wheel arch protection, a bright rear scuff plate and the portable rinse system. 

Finally, the Urban Pack comprises bright metal pedals, a bright rear scuff plate, a spare wheel cover, and front undershield protection to make the Defender stand out with style in the concrete jungle. 

The four engine options comprise two diesels and two petrol. A 2,0-litre D240 turbo-diesel produces 177 kW and 430 Nm, enabling 0-100 km/h in 9 seconds with a top speed of 188 km/h, while a 2,0-litre P300 turbo-petrol with 221 kW and 400 Nm achieves 0-100 km/h in 7,1 seconds and a maximum speed of 191 km/h. 

The more powerful 3,0-litre straight six-cylinder options include a P400 petrol featuring efficient Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology with outputs of 294 kW and 550 Nm, and a D300 diesel with 221 kW and 650 Nm. These two models accelerate from 0-100 in 6 and 6,7 seconds respectively, with top speeds of 191 km/h for both.

 

Defender 90 Pricing:

Defender 90  D240 S                                         R1,095,600

Defender 90 D300 S                                          R1,186,800

Defender 90 P300 S                                          R1,095,600

Defender 90 P400 S                                          R1,214,200

Defender 90  D240 X-Dynamic SE                     R1,215,500

Defender 90 D300 X-Dynamic SE                       R1,297,000

Defender 90 P300 X-Dynamic SE                       R1,215,500

Defender 90 P400 X-Dynamic SE                       R1,338,600

Defender 90  D240 X-Dynamic HSE                   R1,284,400

Defender 90 D300 X-Dynamic HSE                    R1,365,900

Defender 90 P300 X-Dynamic HSE                    R1,284,400

Defender 90 P400 X-Dynamic HSE                    R1,407,500

Defender 90 D240 First Edition                           R1,223,800

Defender 90 P400 First Edition                           R1,341,700

Defender 90 D300 X                                          R1,542,100

Defender 90 P400 X                                          R1,575,000

·                  Including VAT, excluding CO2