The long-awaited commercial variant of the
new Land Rover Defender has just been revealed and is dubbed the ‘Hard Top’.
Development of the commercial Land Rover Defender is being handled by Jaguar
Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division. The vehicle retains the
same premium features as consumer-oriented versions of the Defender but
maximizes cargo space. It will be sold in three-door 90 and five-door 110
forms.
All available Defender Hard Top models
will use independent coil-sprung suspension, with the 110 variant offered with
electronic air suspension. The duo are both rated at 3,500 kg of
towing and will include the car manufacturer’s Advanced Tow Assist function
that allows drivers to steer trailers with a rotary dial on the center console.
In addition, both 90 and 110 models
provide 291 mm of ground clearance while the 110 Hard Top has
approach, break-over, and departure angles of 38 degrees, 28 degrees, and 40
degrees respectively.
The most obvious difference between the
commercial model and regular Land Rover Defenders will be the lack of a second
and third row of seats. However, buyers will have the option of a small center
seat at the front row to provide seating for three people. The utilization of
the company’s ClearSight rear-view mirror will ensure drivers can maintain
vision out the rear of the vehicle even when it is loaded up with cargo.
The Hard Top name dates back to 1950 when
Land Rover introduced the demountable Hard Tops of early models. Further
details about the new Defender Hard Top models will be announced later this
year. Prices will start at £ 35,500 (US$ 43,700).
