Our 'every day' Station Wagon
Defender 90: XS Station Wagon (2009)
Defenders are built to work hard and that is exactly what this 2009 SWB Defender Station Wagon does for us. As well as filling its slot in our epic Land Rover story, this vehicle is our daily run-about and principal tow vehicle. We purchased it as new and it is largely as the brochure dictated, save that we have added a few external adornments to protect its bodywork against the ravages of daily use (and abuse!). The standard (Ford) 2.4 Ltr TDCi PUMA diesel engine is perfectly matched to towing over short and long distances. It delivers more than sufficient torque for anything that we might chose to hook up behind. For all that is said about the Defender not keeping pace with leading design and manufacturing best practice in its latter years, there is no doubt that the Defender comes into its own when working under load. It is firm-footed and the dual ratio gear box and fixed four wheel drive will keep the wheels turning on any surface in any weather.
We keep the two rear seats normally folded to allow a modicum of stowage aft, but you could not seriously present this SWB Station Wagon body type as a load carrier. Defenders were not served well when the safety lobby put a stop to side facing bench seats in the rear. The more modern seating arrangement does take up space, even when folded, That said, when deployed this short wheel base Defender can convey four adults at distance and in relative comfort. Not that of a Range Rover, but comfort none the less.
In order to broaden the appeal of the Defender to attract 'Lifestyle' drivers, by this stage the interior of the Defender was more akin to a car than the spartan utility appearance that Land Rover drivers had learned to expect. It had a polished central dash, (moderately) well laid out switch gear and vents that (almost) directed warm air up the windows. The XS model also boasted alloy wheels, electric windows, electric defrosting windscreen and rear windows and the seat cushions were meaningful and fit for purpose. Even a carpet - which is a bit mad because all sensible Defender owners immediately cover all carpets with heavy duty rubber mats!
Spending much of its time navigating tight Somerset lanes, our working defenders are often covered with a dusting (or worse) of mud. Whilst that looks great and adds to their credentials, the quality of modern metallic paints and the clean (all be it rugged) lines of the modern Defender means that they look equally stunning as they have leave the wash bay. This vehicle's colour (Stornaway Grey) is particularly appealing when allowed to contrast with the gloss black highlights, side-steps and chequer plate that have been added by us for body protection.
If you don't see this vehicle inside our exhibition then take a look around outside. If its not on the road, it will probably be hooked up to one of our plant trailers outside the building. After all, we all have to earn our keep!
Part of:
Defenders
The Collection
Vehicle Owner: Land Rover Heritage Collection
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