WeeklySA_AdminTHREE ROWS OF SEATING: Perfect for all-terrain family expeditions with up to eight on board in superior comfort
By Ali Mphaki
Big, bigger, biggest. Land Rover Defender 90, Land Rover Defender 110, Land Rover Defender 130. Take your pick, but if you one of those who believe the more the merrier, the Defender 130 might just be your ideal set of wheels, with opportunities for up to eight adults across three rows of full-size seating.
Noticeably longer, and unavoidably more expensive, the Defender 130 benefits from a 340mm extended rear overhang, which makes for an enhanced interior space across all three rows and load area, a perfect example of anti-claustrophobia.
Perish the thought that its designers merely extended the vehicle to include a third row of seats (ala what we see in some local taxis), ingress and you can only marvel at the Defender 130’s 2+3+3 seating arrangement, with thoughtful storage and convenience solutions provided for every passenger across all three rows of seating. And unlike most vehicles whose access to the third row of seating can be a pain in the back, the Defender 130 offers effortless access as the row two seats slide and fold forwards to provide wide access to the spacious three-abreast third row in a bright cabin,
Passengers in rows two and three also benefit from a small stadium rise, for superior visibility. For families, ISOFIX child seat attachments are found on up to five of the passenger seats, on the outer seats of the second and third rows, as well as the front passenger
While all three models are fitted with a panoramic sunroof as standard, the Defender 130 comes with a second sunroof above the third row. Access to the cargo area is unchanged – maximum load capacity of 2,516 litres – while a body-colour hard-shell cover for the spare wheel is available.
A subtle boat tail-style uplift maximises the all-terrain capability providing a departure angle of 28.5 degrees2. Narvik Black roof rails are fitted as standard. Latest connected technologies and chassis systems – including a new, larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen, standard Electronic Air Suspension and Cabin Air Purification Plus, provide for modern off-road excursions.
It is expected that every trip in such a vehicle should be an adventure, which is why Land Rover designers in ensuring the maxim “adventures begin and end effortlessly”, the Defender 130 like all the derivatives – feature Approach Unlock and Automated Walkaway Lock. When the key fob is detected approaching the vehicle, it automatically unlocks when it is within 1.5 metres. When leaving the vehicle, New Defender 130 will automatically lock when the key fob is more than 1.5 metres away. Fine feathers, we told, make fine birds and to enhance its exclusivity status, the Defender 130 has its own colour palette, a new Sedona Red option – ensuring the 130 stands out in the line-up.
The Defender 130 stands on 20-inch Luna alloy wheels – mitigating its ruggedness – , which are available in a Bright Silver finish.
Available in South Africa in X-Dynamic HSE and X specifications, in addition to a First Edition. The First Edition is available in three combinations, each one featuring a distinct colour and design theme. Offered with a choice of P400 petrol or D300 diesel Ingenium six-cylinder powertrains, it is expected to break cover in South Africa toward the end of 2022 with pricing announced closer to the time
For those with a fetish for things royalty, it may interest you to know that Land Rover celebrates Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year by gifting Her Majesty a specially commissioned Defender 130 for use by the British Red Cross Land Rover engineers will work with representatives from the charity, of which Her Majesty The Queen is a patron, to adapt the Defender 130 before it goes into service later this year.
Published on the 52th Edition. Get E-Copy
