Birmingham, 22 October 2002 - The Defender is the icon of the Land Rover brand – its familiar shape harking back to the first Land Rover launched in 1948. New features for 2003 are showcased at the Birmingham International Motor Show - these include upgraded in-car entertainment systems, new interior treatment and exterior updates give Defender contemporary relevance. The Defender range now has a new model line-up comprising of the Defender, the Defender County and a new premium version – the Defender XS.

Improved Specification for 2003

The new in-car entertainment systems feature the option of a head unit with a single slot CD player. This is available with four speakers on station wagons and hard tops. While utility models are fitted with a functional rubber mat, black carpet is now specified for certain derivatives to enhance its contemporary appeal. Vehicles fitted with a cubby box now feature twin integrated cup holders. With practicality in mind, load retention rings are fitted in the cargo compartments of all Defender 03 model year hard top and station wagon vehicles.

New Flagship Model

The new Defender model range consists of the Defender, County and XS. The Defender base model embodies all the robust features associated with Defender while the Defender County includes body coloured roof and wheelarch eyebrows, tinted glass and front mudflaps. The interior is equipped with cloth seats, radio cassette player and, on 90 County Station Wagon models, the bulkhead is deleted to provide more space. Convenience features include electric front windows, central door locking with remote control and an alarm/immobiliser.

Adding to this impressive list, the specification of the new top-of-the-range Defender XS has a number of unique, premium features including a ‘Brunel’ silver finish on the grille, headlamp surround and interior switch panel, black leather covered control knobs and steering wheel and seats in black leather and ripstop trim. A mesh storage pocket is fitted to the rear end door while the cold climate pack, consisting of heated windscreen and heated front seats is fitted as standard. Side runners and smoked side and front indicator lenses provide further external differentiation. The Defender XS is fitted with ABS with Electronic Traction Control (ETC), alloy wheels and air conditioning as standard. The SE derivative is available in Defender 90 Hard Top and Station Wagon and Defender 110 Hard Top, Station Wagon and Double Cab styles.

High Technology Five Cylinder Diesel Engine

Defenders sold in Europe are powered by the 90kW (122 bhp) direct injection, five cylinder, 2.5 litre Td5 diesel engine featuring electronic unit injectors. The Td5 engine offers superb performance and low-down pulling power controlled by a ‘drive by wire’ dual-mode electronic throttle. Continuous electronic monitoring of the engine ensures optimum performance in all conditions while fuel economy of up to 8.8 l/100km coupled with 20,000km service intervals ensures low cost of ownership.

Significant Upgrades

The features of the latest Defender 2003 model year vehicles build on recent significant upgrades to the interior, body and chassis. The interior has been enhanced by a revised facia with a new centre console and new switches while both the heater system and the wiper mechanism has been improved.

The latest Defender station wagon and hard top variants have a new rear end door. The new door is made from zinc plated steel with both the inner pressing and outer panel being one piece for greater strength with improved consistency, corrosion protection and sealing. Rear window retention is by a continuous seal and a central, high mounted stop lamp is fitted.

Central door locking is now available being standard on the Defender County and XS and optional on the base Defender. The system is operated using a remote control, the driver's sill button or the driver's door lock. The security of the door locks has also been increased and the Defender now has a common key for the ignition and the door locks. All Defender models can be fitted with electric front windows operated from switches on the new centre console. Electric front windows are standard on Defender County and XS models.

Option Availability

A wide range of options and accessories are available to enhance the appearance and functionality of the Defender. The performance and handling of the Defender is improved in both on- and off-road environments with the option of the ABS braking system combined with 4-wheel Electronic Traction Control. Other options include metallic paint, towing equipment, air conditioning and a centre seat on certain models. Accessories include winches, lamp guards, roof racks and aluminium appliqué panels. A choice of wheels and tyres is available including ‘Freestyle Choice’ alloy wheels with 235/85 tyres, heavy duty wheels for 110 and 130 models and a range of specialist off-road tyres.

Land Rover Special Vehicles

For the ultimate in practicality, Land Rover Special Vehicles provides an in-house conversion service and offers a bespoke service to customers world-wide as well as a range of specialist vehicles such as mobile workshops, high-lift platforms, dropsides and tippers. A full range of specialist options is also available such as winches, light bars, sirens, roof racks and generators.