Land Rover Defender 90: An iconic 3-door off-roader that will steal eyes wherever you go, Lifestyle News

Land Rover Defender 90: An iconic 3-door off-roader that will steal eyes wherever you go, Lifestyle News

My Rough‑and‑Ready Review of the New Defender

You won’t find this one bland. The new Defender faced a cacophony of praise and criticism even before the first test drive. Just the snapshots on social media could have steered your opinion.

I was among those early reviewers, and here’s what popped into my head:

  • Design: Bold angles that scream “adventure junkie” but also a touch of nostalgia for the classic look.
  • Performance: The engine roars like a beast, but is it going to navigate dirt trails with the same swagger it shows on glossy images?
  • Interior: Plush seats hint at luxury, yet the tech feels jarringly modern.

Bottom line? The Defender has kissed controversy, but that’s part of its charm.

Wait, you were?

Why the Defender Still Pops Up in My Thoughts

Hey there, fellow road‑rogue! I’ve always been a fan of the Defender—especially the classic, beefy version. It filled the gap between my short stature and my street‑style humility, proving that a vehicle can be a trusty sidekick on unforgettable escapades.

So Why All the Hype? The New Defender, Still a Legend

  • Retro‑vibe, fresh tech: The new model keeps the iconic grille and rugged silhouette but swaps in modern comforts so you don’t feel like you’re driving a safari wagon.
  • Thailand tones the chase: While most of us in Singapore would never actually pile on the off‑road gear, the spirit of adventure is alive in every hatch‑up.
  • Soundtrack set to nostalgia: Even with fewer buyers, the Defender’s history plays in the background of every driver’s headspace—think memory lane on four wheels.

Bottom line: Whether you’re cruising the city or dreaming of rugged trails, the Defender’s timeless charm and driving personality only get stronger with time. The newer model shows that heritage and innovation can coexist, keeping my love for the Defender alive—just as it should be.

<img alt="" data-caption="The Defender, while modernised, is still a go anywhere, do anything sort of car.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”f8d19913-b22c-43c6-8e7d-be402d9e6d3a” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210610_defender_sgcarmart.jpg”/>

Mini‑Version Showdown: The 90 vs. Defender 110

Last year, we poked around the Defender 110—a full‑blown beast of a car. Fast forward to today, and you can see the 90 on this page, which is essentially the “abridged edition” of that giant. Think of it as a compact superhero ready for action in a tighter package.

  • Same core power: the 90 keeps all the original tech but ships it in a more snappy format.
  • Better for quick tasks: testing showed the 90’s trimmed body makes it easier to juggle on the road.
  • Less clutter: the “handier package” means fewer unnecessary layers—ideal for those who like a clean ride.

Wait, truncated?

A Littler, Lighter, and Less Bulky Beast

  • Weight: 122 kg lighter
  • Wheelbase: 435 mm shorter
  • Length: 418 mm trimmed
  • Width: 12 mm narrower

Why Buyers Love It

Think of it as the sleek cousin of the 110 model—still rugged enough for off‑road adventures, but with a de‑bulky frame that doesn’t drain your energy every time you pull up beside a big commercial lot at places like Club Street or Ann Siang Street. It’s the kind of off‑roader that keeps your weight on the scale but lets you conquer those tight parallel parking spots without breaking a sweat.

<img alt="" data-caption="The car looks better than the 110 and is right home when parked off the roads.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”86cecaef-3186-45e9-a2a2-57b542fce3d3″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210610_ontheroad_sgcarmart.jpg”/>html

Why Everyday Driving Just Got Cooler

Bottom line: it means your daily commute will feel sleeker and much more polished.

  • 90 HP vs 110 HP – You won’t notice a big jump on the road; it’s almost raw‑equal.
  • No Suzuki Jimny‑style aggression or the Wrangler’s confusing swagger dragging you back.
  • The chassis isn’t that wobbly‑shudder vibe, keeping everything snug and reliable.

Basically, the car renowned for being “rough and tough” now feels tight, steady, and ready to roll.

Curious About Other Family‑Friendly Rides?

Want to see a car that balances power and space? Check out our Kia Carnival review—a practical family machine that packs a serious set of proportions.

Wait, did you just do a rhyme?

Inside the Landie: Rough, Tough, & Surprisingly Chic

What Makes This Cabin Different from the Regular Off‑Road Ride

The Landie’s interior is a no‑frills, industrial playground that veers away from the usual off‑road slickness. Think robust metal panels, a console that feels iron‑clad, and door sides that don’t just hide the mechanics—they* house them.

  1. Solid Construction – Every panel and bulkhead is engineered for toughness.
  2. Premium Finish – The materials look high‑grade even if the structure is brutal.
  3. Smart Design – Layouts are purposeful, not just random chaos, giving the cabin a well‑planned vibe.

Tech and Comfort that Aren’t Just About Bits and Pieces

  • Crisp Infotainment – The system is sharp, loaded with modern features that make you feel like a tech‑savvy explorer.
  • Leather Seats – Comfort meets class; you won’t have to compromise on softness.
  • Versatile Seating – The test model sits six, featuring a nifty jump seat in the middle front row that can flip into an arm‑sofa with handy cup holders when you’re not looking for extra cargo space.

Bottom Line

The Landie’s interior is a, well, rugged yet refined experience. It promises durability, a dash of luxury, and a clever seat that can do double duty—all wrapped in a design that feels deliberate and premium. Imagine a vehicle that’s ready for a mud‑slinger yet still bedazzles with a touch of class. That’s the Landie for you.

Note: The jump seat’s armrest feature may sometimes interfere with your instinct to sip coffee—use it responsibly.
<img alt="" data-caption="The jump seat up front is a lovely setup.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”eaf3f286-31e0-4c43-9819-326fe7572c82″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210610_jumpseat_sgcarmart.jpg”/>

Inside the Land Rover Defender: Cabin Highlights

When you step into the newer Defender, most of the cabin feels like a refreshed sibling of the 110 model. It keeps that bold, off‑road vibe you love, but gives the interior a splash of contemporary luxury. Think smooth textures, a dash of high‑tech gear, and a hint of that rugged DNA that only Land Rover can deliver.

  • Seating layout: The newer editions rework the seats a bit—keeping comfort while swapping a few details for a smarter, more ergonomic feel.
  • Boot space: It’s a tad smaller at 297 litres, but still massive enough for those weekend adventures. The older 110 version offered a bit more room, so take note when packing your gear.

In essence, you get a tough, adventure‑ready house inside that’s dressed up with a touch of modern flair. It’s the best of both worlds—ready to tackle the wild while keeping you comfy and stylish at the same time.

Wait, what about the engine?

Engine Showdown: 110 vs. 90

Picture this: the 110 rolls off the line with its throaty 3.0‑liter V6, a muscle car at heart. The 90, meanwhile, pulls up with a sweet 2.0‑liter four‑cylinder. Less torque, but hey, size matters.

Feel the Throttle Slip‑together

When you kick the accelerator in the 90, it’s like a kind of gentle rebellion—edges get a little rough, a nudge of “give me more.” Yet it never really turns into a full‑blown struggle. It’s charmingly hauled something: a burst of spirited performance that keeps the driving experience lively.

Key Takeaway

  • Higher horsepower menu: 110 (3.0‑l V6) = “big, bold, and boom.”

  • Compact power: 90 (2.0‑l four‑cyl) = “less gas, more sass.”

So, whether you’re chasing that extra punch or enjoying a spirited sprint, both models have personality’s on the lineup—just choose which engine gets the spotlight on your road trip.

<img alt="" data-caption="2.0-litre Ingenium engine is never laborious.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”1bc2b337-a35b-44c9-8a56-d7a63901b64c” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210610_engine_sgcarmart.jpg”/>

Powerful Yet Practical: The Defender’s Beastly Punch

Get ready to feel 296 horsepower and 400 new‑ton metres pushed straight to all four wheels—yeah, that’s overkill for a weekend getaway, but the Defender rolls away from 0 to 100 km/h in just eight seconds.

Speed Isn’t the Game

  • Driving a Defender is more about conquering rough trails than beating the clock.
  • Whether it’s twisting gravel or aligning with family commitments, the torque stays smooth.
  • Belting out a roar in traffic might get heads turning, but you’re more likely to enjoy the “no‑stress” attitude it offers.

The Daily Driver

With a low‑maintenance profile, the Defender keeps things light and breezy—perfect for those days when you just need to roll through.

Humor & Heart

Picture yourself in the driver’s seat, winding through a muddy slope and still feeling the whole world is on a “no‑problem” road. The Defender balances brute strength and everyday charm—like a loyal bull with a soft heart.

Wait, it can be an everyday drive?

Why the 3‑Door Variant is a Real Bummer

Let’s face it – with only three doors, a bit of a juggling act is unavoidable. The real pain point starts when you try to hop into the rear seats. First, you have to get the front seats to swing out. And if they’re electric, that’s a leisurely, drawn‑out motion, like waiting for a grandma to shuffle through a doorway.

The Wait Game

  • Front‑seat motors start and play it slow and steady.
  • Your eyes grow wide as you watch the rear hunk of the cabin teeter‑on‑tumble.
  • Once the front lifts, you’re left dangling and contorting like a figure skater with no ice.

In short, the rear seating experience can feel like a comedic slow‑motion routine: wait, extend, and awkwardly squeeze yourself in. It’s all in good spirit—just don’t try to do a backflip while you’re doing the whole thing!

<img alt="" data-caption="Once you're done moving the front seats electronically (top) rear passengers will enjoy ample head and legroom at the back (bottom).
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”72c67fc5-f44a-4b7c-9f91-78514ee94905″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210610_frontseats_sgcarmart.jpg”/>

Heads‑Up: Back Seat Comfort

Once you push past the cramped front end, the back seats start to shine—ample head and legroom turns the rear into a comfortable zone for adults that feels like a mini vacation.

  • Headroom: Wide enough for those going for a chill hairstyle or simply breathing easy.
  • Legroom: Plenty of space to stretch, props, or even nap (if you’re lucky).

<img alt="" data-caption="Ample head and legroom at the back.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”7dfdd8d4-d747-4aff-8460-848387a8c513″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210610_backseat_sgcarmart.jpg”/>

Why the Land Rover Defender’s Tiny Imperfections Matter

Those nitpicky comments from a tiny writer are just that—nineteen‑year‑old adjectives tossed in the wind. The real merit of a classic car isn’t a flawless story; it’s the little flaws and nicks that give it character.

Spotting the charm in the cracks

  • ~A few dents, a worn-out handle, a scuffed paint job—each tells a tale.
  • These imperfections aren’t flaws; they’re miles earned.
  • They show the vehicle has seen roads, rain, and a few too many adventures.

Defender: more than a car, a legend

When you look at a Land Rover Defender, you see a robust icon that can take you on the toughest terrains. Inside, those quirks make it feel authentic, popping out the same theatrical flair that drives hobbyists for decades.

Final thought

So next time you read a review saying the Defender has “small quibbles,” remember: those are the features that add personality. It’s not about a perfect picture; it’s about a legend in motion.

— Originally covered in sgCarMart, LifestyleCars