New commercial variants of the Land Rover Defender 90 and 110 bring back the Hard Top moniker of the 1950s. They are likely to go on sale by the end of the year.
Land Rover is expanding the Defender model line-up with the addition of new commercial variants of the Defender 90 and 110 to the famed bloodline. Interestingly, the famous 'Hard Top' moniker that made its debut on Land Rover models during the 1950s is being revived. Though the original Hard Top Land Rovers featured demountable roofs, the new Defender will carry forward the same ethos with a fixed metal roof.
Though the new Defender Hard Top shares its architecture with its PV counterpart, it's still being developed by the Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division to ensure next-level ruggedness and durability. The SVO folks will also optimise the Defender Hard Top's cargo area for maximum practicality. One way of doing so is by removing the second and third row of seats. But a jump seat at the front can help accommodate up to three people.
However, do not assume that the Defender Hard Top will skimp out on equipment for being a commercial version. Land Rover will offer the Defender Hard Top with independent coil-sprung suspension as standard (90 and 110) or optional electronic air suspension (only on the 110). Even the new Pivi Pro infotainment system will be offered as part of the standard kit.
Numerous driving aids, such as a ClearSight rear-view mirror (part of the 3D Surround Camera), an advanced Tow Assist system, an updated Terrain Response 2 system, and a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), will also be offered with the Defender Hard Top models. How much of it will be part of the standard kit, though, is a question that will be answered around the time of the Hard Top's market launch.
In terms of figures, the Defender Hard Top will boast 291mm of ground clearance, a wading depth of 900mm, and payload and towing capacity of up to 3,500kgs. The detailed specs will, of course, be revealed near the car's launch.
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