Land Rover has launched hard top versions of its new Defender 90 and 110 models that will appeal to farmers, builders and tradesmen alike. Boasting all the off-road ability of the passenger vehicle, along with the practicality of a van, the Defender Hard Top will be high on many business driver’s wish lists.

The good

Go anywhere ability with van practicality

The bad

Have to adhere to LCV speed restrictions

Tech Specs

Price from

£35,820 (excl. VAT)

Combined Fuel up to

29.5mpg

0-62 from

7.1 seconds

max speed up to

119mph

co2 from

251g/km

Test Drive

Land Rover Defender Hard Tops – First Drive (2021)

Land Rover has launched an attack on the commercial vehicle sector by unleashing Hard Top versions of its new multi award-winning Defender models.

With a choice of two-door Defender 90 or four-door Defender 110 body styles, the rugged go-anywhere vehicles deliver exceptional off-road ability and the latest generation models are far more refined on the open road too.

All vehicles are powered by Land Rover’s 3.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine with the 90 Hard Top featuring the D200 in-line six-cylinder unit producing 200PS and 500Nm of torque. This costs from £35,820, excluding VAT.

The Defender 110 Hard Top is powered by the D250 or D300 diesel engine featuring mild-hybrid technology with the option of electronic air suspension. The D250 delivers 249PS and 570Nm of torque, while the D300 provides 300PS and 650Nm of torque. These models are priced from £43,012, excluding VAT.

The Defender 90 Hard Top is only on offer in one trim level, but those looking for five-door flexibility via the 110 can select from Defender, S, SE and HSE grades with the likes of Windsor leather upholstery included on high-end versions.

There is a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission with paddles for extra driver engagement, along with intelligent all-wheel drive to help conquer the roughest, toughest terrain.

The Defender can wade at depths of up to 900mm and can tow trailers weighing up to 3.5 tonnes with Advanced Tow Assist technology available to aid when reversing.

The latest Defender series has been winning awards globally since its recent launch and the arrival of the hard tops is another step forward, especially with so many pick-up models falling by the wayside.

We had the opportunity to test out the Defender 90 D200 Hard Top costing £44,210, increased to £49,060 with a host of optional extras fitted. This vehicle can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 9.8 seconds, maxes out at 109mph and can deliver a combined 29.5mpg with carbon emissions of 251g/km.

Out on the open road and country lanes, the Defender 90 Hard Top is perfectly balanced and even with a heavy load of potatoes in the back, it was controlled through tight bends, where previous models would have left you shaken and a little stirred!

The nicely weighted steering offers ample feedback and our road trip took us via Eastnor Castle, which is Land Rover’s tried and tested off-road proving ground, and it was the ideal location to test the model’s 4×4 ability.

Once again, the Defender 90 was undeterred as it ploughed its way through any obstacles. It waded through water-filled ditches, the hill-descent control helped it drop safely down steep inclines and it powered through mud and up sharply angled banks without any hesitation.

A further drive in the larger Defender 110 Hard Top in SE specification was just as rewarding. This model costs £63,315 (£72,460 with options) and was powered by the 300PS Ingenium engine with MHEV. It could complete the 0-62mph dash in 7.1 seconds, topping out at 119mph and can achieve the same combined 29.5mpg as the 90 model with identical carbon emissions of 251g/km.

Once again, this Defender 110 Hard Top was up to the challenge and it proved just how far the vehicle has come with regards to on-road refinement. It’s ultra-grippy through bends and cruises effortlessly at national speed limits on motorways.

But these vehicles have been designed to put in a hard day’s shift when called upon so need to cover all the practicality bases – and they do exactly that.

When it comes to load space, the Defender 90 Hard Top can carry 1,355 litres of goods, while the larger 110 models have increased room with a 2,059 capacity. Depending on the engine and specification pack, the vehicles can transport goods weighing up to 670kg (Defender 90) or 778-800kg (110) and there are lockable underfloor compartments too which is ideal if you are carrying valuable tools. All vehicles have a hinged rear door offering wide access and there is the traditional spare wheel on the back.

Up front there are two seats with the option of a third thanks to a jump seat that replaces the central armrest. And the vehicles are generously equipped with on-board technology, including a 10-inch touchscreen with Land Rover’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system. There is full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, a four-speaker sound system, DAB radio and plenty more besides.

With safety in mind the Defender Hard Tops feature a range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems with a 3D surround camera, emergency braking, a 360-degree parking aid, lane keep assist, wade sensing, a driver condition monitor, cruise control with speed limiter, plus traffic sign recognition and adaptive speed limiter.

There is also the option of Land Rover’s ClearSight Rear View camera costing £525. This provides an uninterrupted view out the back of the vehicle by simply flicking a switch on the rearview mirror and is ideal if you are carrying goods that are piled high, blocking the driver’s visibility.

All in all, the latest Defender Hard Top line-up is perfectly packaged for a mix of day-to-day driving and adventures, but will easily take on any challenge thrown in the way to get the job done without any fuss.

Visit https://www.landrover.co.uk/index.html for more details

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