Land Rover Defender Wins
The Land Rover Defender has been awarded the prestigious title of "Women's World Car of the Year 2021." This marks the first time that Land Rover has received this top honor, adding to its growing list of international accolades as the most powerful vehicle the brand has produced to date.
The Character of the Defender
The Defender maintains the pioneering spirit that has characterized Land Rover vehicles for over 70 years, redefining adventure for the 21st century. This iconic vehicle is available in various exterior designs and can be personalized through one of four accessory packages, allowing owners to enhance their experience with a vehicle that suits their preferences.
About the Women's World Car of the Year
The Women's World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) is the only automotive award judged exclusively by women. It features a jury of 50 female automotive journalists from 38 countries across five continents, recognizing the best new models available. The new Defender was previously named the best midsize SUV of 2021 in the same awards before winning the overall title on International Women’s Day.
Executive Statements
Mick Collins, the Executive Director of Jaguar Land Rover's Vehicle Program, stated: "This award is a great honor for the entire team and a well-deserved recognition of their hard work in creating a vehicle with such superior capabilities. The Defender has won over 50 international awards so far, confirming that our original vision for a 21st-century Defender was spot on. The new Defender combines a distinctive overall appearance with advanced technology in a design that respects the vehicle's heritage while delivering true Land Rover capabilities. The result is an SUV family worthy of the Defender name, with enhanced models designed for performance, a rechargeable hybrid powertrain, and our standout 'Defender V8'."
Updates and Technology of the Defender
Marta Garcia, CEO of the Women's World Car of the Year, remarked: "This legendary vehicle has been updated; the Land Rover Defender is no longer just an SUV that traverses the Amazon rainforest or ventures into the depths of the desert. It has evolved to offer the same comfort as luxury sedans on regular roads, thanks to its updates. For these reasons, along with its advanced technology and comfort features, it has been chosen as the Best Car of the Year by the Women's World Car of the Year awards."
Interior Design and Comfort
The distinctive design style of the original Defender has been carried into the interior, emphasizing simplicity and practicality. The Defender 110 offers arrangements that include:
- 5 seats
- 6 seats
- 5+2 seats
The Defender 90 accommodates six passengers in a footprint comparable to that of compact family hatchbacks.
Advanced Defender Capabilities
The Defender sets new standards in handling rugged terrain while ensuring comfort on regular roads, enhanced by:
- Land Rover's robust D7x aluminum platform
- Advanced all-terrain technologies
- A superior powertrain
Carefully tuned steering provides an enjoyable driving experience and maximum comfort on long journeys across various terrains. The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has awarded the Defender a five-star safety rating, the highest available.
Ingenium Engines and Performance Efficiency
The Ingenium petrol and diesel engines ensure that the Defender delivers the power, control, and efficiency required in any environment. The plug-in hybrid electric powertrains (PHEV) allow for all-electric driving for distances of up to 43 km (27 miles)*, along with a supercharged V8 petrol engine that adds a new level of performance and driver enjoyment to the Defender lineup.
Advanced Technology in the Defender
The cutting-edge technology in the Defender ensures modern connectivity. The new electrical architecture, known as EVA2, works in conjunction with Software Over The Air (SOTA) to provide continuous updates and connectivity for the Defender. The user-friendly Pivi Pro infotainment system features an easy-to-navigate menu layout, allowing quick access to the most frequently used functions directly from the main screen. Redesigned and customizable menus reduce the number of steps by 50% compared to previous systems.
The Defender Family
The Defender family currently consists of the Defender 90 and 110 models, along with the work-oriented Hard Top variants of 90 and 110. The new 'Defender V8' combines Land Rover's renowned capabilities with impressive performance and chassis tuning for maximum driver enjoyment.
Awards and Accolades
Since its launch, the new Defender has received over 50 global accolades, including:
- "Car of the Year" from Top Gear magazine
- Motor Trend's Best Mid-Size SUV of 2021
- Autocar's Best SUV of 2020
