Land Rover Defender 110 2.4D

What is it?

The longer-wheelbase version of the massively revised 2007 Defender.

The Land Rover 90 v 110 debate shows no sign of ending this side of 2013, the date when design legislation finally catches up with the classic Landie. The nub of the argument goes like this: the 90-inch wheelbase Defender is best because it’s lighter, cheaper and looks coolest; the 110-inch model is best because it carries more people and doesn’t cost much more.

What's it like?

The latest engineering modifications have changed the relationship between the two Defender models. Enough space has been found in the 90’s rear to provide sensible accommodation for two, and that cuts into the 110’s raison d’etre.

Drive them one after the other and you’ll soon perceive differences. The 90 wagon’s now a safe four-seater but the 110 can carry five in its first two rows, plus two more at the extreme rear. That extra accommodation comes cheaply too. At County station wagon level, you pay just £2500 more for two rear doors and the chance to put three extra bums on seats. If you’re carrying people, the answer is obvious.

The extra 20in of wheelbase is heavy, however. Land Rover says it adds 180 kilograms, though it also claims similar 14.7sec 0-60mph acceleration and 82mph top speed.

The 110’s combined fuel consumption falls by about 2.5mpg, and the CO2 output shoots up to 295g/km. Off-road experts reckon the 110’s less agile on the loose, but this wasn’t a problem during an afternoon at Eastnor Castle, and the flatter ride on British back-roads really was an advantage.

Should I buy one?

It depends on what you want from your Defender. The 110’s better on-road and carries more people cheaply. Situation normal, I’m afraid: it’s horses for courses.