The Land Rover Defender, a vehicle synonymous with rugged capability and decades of service in challenging environments, is undergoing a transformation at the company’s Nitra, Slovakia plant. While the original Defender was a utilitarian workhorse prioritizing function over comfort, the recent generation aims to blend off-road prowess with modern SUV sensibilities.
Land Rover has introduced the OCTA variant, positioned as the most extreme Defender yet produced. The model represents a significant overhaul of the Defender lineup, seeking to preserve the vehicle’s legacy while appealing to a broader market. According to Land Rover, the Defender 90, 110, and 130 models are currently available, with price points starting at £57,135, £62,795, and £84,070 respectively. A Classic Defender Hard Top is also offered, starting at £148,045.
The Defender’s history dates back to 1948, originating as the Land Rover Series I. Over time, it evolved into the Land Rover Ninety and One Ten, eventually becoming the Defender in 1990. The vehicle gained a global reputation for its durability and versatility, becoming a British equivalent to the World War II-era Jeep.
The OCTA model, tested during the winter months, represents the pinnacle of the Defender range. Land Rover also offers a bespoke Classic Defender V8, remastered to individual specifications and equipped with a 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine producing 405PS and 515Nm of torque. These remastered vehicles undergo over 300 hours of work in the paint shop, with options for customized interiors and exterior finishes.
Land Rover is also offering an Advance Payment Plan for the Defender OCTA, featuring a single upfront payment and the option to retain, return, or renew the vehicle at the end of the agreement. The company states that new Defenders can be delivered in as little as one week, depending on the model and configuration.
The Classic Defender V8 is built upon carefully sourced 2012-2016 donor vehicles, rebuilt and upgraded for improved road handling and ride comfort while maintaining the Defender’s off-road capabilities. Braking performance is enhanced with Alcon 4-piston calipers and larger discs.
