Plush Defender 130 good for taking an enormous household wherever in model

The introduction of a extra highly effective diesel engine, the choice of captain’s chairs within the second row, and the usual inclusion of the Signature Inside Pack have boosted the Defender 130’s standing within the luxurious three-row SUV phase. We not too long ago sampled the 130 in D350 X spec to place the updates to the take a look at.

Beginning with the powertrain, the Ingenium three-litre straight-six twin-turbo mill has been upgraded from D300 to D350 guise. This leads to 257kW of energy and 700Nm of torque, up by 36kW and 50Nm, respectively. Energy remains to be despatched to all 4 wheels through an eight-speed automated transmission.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) claims the D350 will dash from 0 to 100km/h in 6,8 seconds in contrast with the D300’s 7,5 seconds. We didn’t put both of those automobiles by means of a high-performance take a look at however consider the claims are correct.

Flooring a 5,3m monstrosity that weighs in at over 2,5t when the sunshine turns inexperienced isn’t one thing on our each day to-do listing. However spending much less on the flawed aspect of the street when overtaking needs to be seen as a win and right here, the additional oomph is available in very helpful.

We additionally observed a marked enchancment in gas consumption. Whereas couldn’t get the D300 to dip underneath 15ℓ/100km, the D350 got here in at 13,5ℓ/100km.

Like we’ve stated earlier than, the Defender 130 handles remarkably nicely for such an extended automotive. The air suspension soaks handles the imperfections within the street with ease, which is at all times a plus on our pothole-ridden roads.

Choosing the captain’s chairs pack at no extra value sees the three-seater second row being remodeled into two separate seats with arm rests on each side. This creates simpler entry to the three-seater third row and extra leg room for the passengers there.

Our tester was fitted with the non-obligatory heated and cooled seats, with winged headrests within the second row. At a contact underneath R30 000, these are a should.

A part of the vary replace sees the inclusion of the Signature Inside Pack as customary on the Defender X. The pack ensures 14-way electronically adjustable entrance seats with heating and cooling capabilities, together with winged headrests. It additionally provides a heating perform for the third row.

The Signature Inside Pack combines a complete suite of upgrades to Defender’s inside throughout seating and trim finishes for an much more distinctive atmosphere.

This pack additionally upgrades the Defender’s cabin Windsor Leather-based and Kvadrat seats, showcased in our tester in a mixture of Caraway and Ebony. The standard really feel of the leather-based offers the inside with a very premium really feel.

One other replace launched throughout the vary after our take a look at sees the 11,4” Pivi Professional infotainment system upgraded to a 13,1” display.

A brand new driver consideration alert monitor has additionally been added on high of the steering wheel and comes customary together with a complete listing of security techniques.

Exterior enhancements launched after our take a look at embrace a tinted end for the restyled taillight clusters, a darkish oval badge on the grille, new headlights, and a shiny black end for the grille bars throughout all variants.

At a beginning value of R2 410 800 earlier than choices, the Defender 130 D350 X comes at a premium, but it surely presents a variety of premium automotive in a phase that’s not that densely populated.

Mannequin: Defender 130 D350 X
Worth: R2 410 800
Engine: 3ℓ twin-turbo diesel
Transmission: Eight-speed automated
Energy: 257kW at 4 000rpm
Torque: 700Nmat@ 1 500 to three 000rpm
Gasoline consumption (examined): 13,5ℓ/100km
Gasoline tank dimension: 89ℓ
Gasoline vary (examined): 658km
Licensing mass: 2 591kg
Towing capability: 3 000kg