Cars

The Defender 130: A Capable Workhorse ideal for adventures for up to eight occupants

The Land Rover Defender is a legendary vehicle that has been in production since 1983, and the Defender 130 is the largest and most versatile version of this iconic off-roader.

With a length of 5.1 meters and a wheelbase of 3.1 meters, the Defender 130 is a true workhorse that can carry up to 8 passengers or a payload of over a tonne. Sharing the same wheelbase as the Defender 110, the 130 version featured a longer rear end. Thus, the trunk area sported a longer floor with wider side windows and quarter panels behind the rear doors. The 1.49 m (58.7") rear overhang decreased the departure angle of the SUV but offered more room inside. Moreover, even though it had plenty of space for the spare wheel, it still had it on the rear door.

Inside, the most significant change was, obviously, in the back. The Defender 130 is longer by 340 mm. This not only liberates ample room for a 2+3+3 seating arrangement but also increases cargo space. Last but not least, the trunk area was more than enough. It provided up to 2,516 liters of space up from the 2,380 liters available in the Defender 110. Like its siblings, the SUV offered a standard 11.4" Pivi Pro touch-screen infotainment system, with OTA (over the air) updates.

One of the key features of the Defender 130 is its robustness. The body and chassis are made from high-strength steel, and the suspension system is designed to handle the toughest terrains. With a ground clearance of over 30 centimeters and approach and departure angles of 45 and 50 degrees respectively, the Defender 130 can tackle steep inclines, rocky paths, and deep water crossings with ease. Another important aspect of the Defender 130 is its versatility. The interior can be configured in multiple ways to suit different needs.

Under the hood, the Defender 130 is powered by two electrified petrol engines. A mild-hybrid unit opens up the range, with the P300 trim. This is a 3.0-litre turbocharged engine with 296 hp and 470 Nm of torque. A higher P400 trim uses a more powerful version of the same engine, with 395 hp and 550 Nm.

Despite its ruggedness and versatility, the Defender 130 also offers modern safety and comfort features. These include traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and airbags. The interior is also designed to be comfortable and ergonomic, with ample headroom and legroom for all passengers.

In conclusion, the Defender 130 can handle any job you throw at it. Whether you need a vehicle for transporting people or goods, for exploring remote areas, or for tackling tough terrains, the Defender 130 is up to the task. With its robustness, versatility, and modern features, the Defender 130 is a great choice for anyone who needs a capable and reliable vehicle.