Land Rover Caught Testing a ‘Compact’ Defender

      Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien

      The latest in automotive news and reviews, with no nonsense.

      Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most significant stories directly to your inbox every weekday.

      Land Rover is currently facing a severe and expensive cyberattack that has significantly disrupted its operations for a month. This situation has garnered the attention of the entire industry, and a cybersecurity expert we consulted explained the reasons for the lengthy resolution process. Although it may appear that this issue consumes all of the company's focus, Land Rover is still managing to test new vehicles because business must continue. For instance, this new Defender was spotted outside the company's Gaydon development center in the UK.

      Our spy photographer captured these images, observing that the angular 4×4 was seen alongside a Land Rover Discovery. This model could potentially be a successor to the current Discovery, as it aligns with the size specifications. One thing is certain: the overhangs are short, which is a design feature I particularly appreciate.

      Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien

      Now, let’s discuss the design, starting from the rear and moving to the front. The back of the vehicle is particularly reminiscent of the Defender. The designers have created a wall just behind the rear tires. While this may sound negative, it is actually a favorable design, as it maintains a high and compact profile. This design choice serves two functions: it reduces the overall length while enhancing the departure angle. While suburban drivers may not often take this vehicle off-road, those who do will certainly benefit from this feature.

      The roof has a slight rake, which complements the windshield that is not as inclined as the existing Discovery's. The hood is elongated, but it’s uncertain what engine Land Rover will choose to place under it. I would wager on a hybrid four-cylinder engine, and possibly even a turbocharged inline-six. Is a V8 in the plans? Or will that be reserved for the larger Defender? It's hard to determine.

      Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien

      The camouflage makes it difficult to discern details at the front. The hood is sharply designed, complementing the front fenders, which feature a noticeable indentation at the top. The front facade itself is predominantly flat, aligning with the sharp edge of the hood.

      It may take some time before we see this vehicle without its camouflage. However, when that moment arrives, I will be keen to see the complete design. It appears to encapsulate everything desirable about the Defender, condensed into a model approximately 15% smaller than the four-door 110 version. Naturally, while the two-door 90 is already impressive, some consumers will require a bit more room.

      Have a tip or inquiry for the author? Reach out directly: [email protected]