The Land Rover Defender has been around since the 1980s until it was discontinued in 2016. During that period, it’s fair to say that the car styling had barely changed, which contributes to the iconic popularity of the Land Rover Defender. For Land Rover’s enthusiasts, it’s part of its charm, and it’s fair to say that you’d expect new models to carry on in the same aesthetic. 

The new model for the Land Rover Defender, which is finally hitting showrooms this year is an ode to the performance of the old one. So if you’re considering buying a Defender, should you go for the old or the new model? 

No fair price comparison 

If you are going to buy on a budget, a second-hand Rover is the best option. However, remember that the old Defender remains an iconic car, so you are unlikely to make huge savings on a used Defender. Ideally, you want to have a look at the Defender from the new Land Rover range, which starts at just above £40,000. Granted, it is more expensive than a second-hand car, but the new model is completely different from its predecessor. 

Still a fantastic off-road experience

The Defender has always been one of the best choices of vehicle to explore any type of off-roading adventure. It was, after all, the vehicle of choice for the military force and the UN. As such, its off-road performance is no secret. The new Defender follows the same principles, even adding option packs Explorer and Adventurer with specialist gear. The new model has been tested in most unwelcoming territories, from the Sahara to the Arctic Circle, to ensure maximum performance. For drivers who dream of an uneven mountain path or a slippery muddy track, the Land Rover Defender 2020 is not just going to perform as well as the old model; it’s even going to be better! 

A new luxuriously spacious interior

The old Defender had relatively sparse levels of equipment. The interior space felt cramped and chunky. On the other hand, the new Defender is a breath of fresh air. Drivers who are familiar with the Range Rover Velar will recognize the luxury finish. The design remains rugged, as part of the structure, but the Defender finally comes with all the best of modern technology. 

Amazingly fun performance 

If you’ve been driving the old Defender, you probably appreciate the heavy steering, clutch and gear combination that is part of the car’s charm. The Defender was never designed as a sports car, which means the old model was somehow sluggish in the road. The new Defender model hits 0-62mph under 10 seconds with steering that emphasizes feel over brute force. It’s a fun car to drive on the road, even though you’ll get more enjoyment out of it off-roading. The new model feels light to operate and alert, making it a completely different driving experience! 

There is still a place in the gallery of iconic Land Rover for the old Defender. However, the new Defender delivers a substantial improvement on a car that was already iconic. Without losing any of the off-roading capacity, Land Rover has managed a tour de force by smoothing out the performance, the interior design while remaining faithful to the original character.