Model tested: Land Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon XS
Price: £28,495
Date tested: November 2007
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Overall rating: 74%
Sixty years of motoring has seen the Land Rover Defender become a British icon and one of the most recognisable vehicles in the world. Improvements to the 2007 Land Rover Defender are intended to make it more capable on and off-road.

1. Looks
One of the most recognisable cars on the road and a British icon to boot. The Defender looks brilliant; classic and modern in a single shell. The bonnet has been updated for the 2007 version too.
10/10

2. Looks inside
Everything is functional, and angular. Improvements include new surfaces which are more resistant to scuffing and the information displays are easy to read while the controls are simple and do a job.
8/10

3. Practicality
The model we drove featured seven seats, five of which could be folded to increase the load area. There is little space in the front, but overall, for practicality, there are few models which can touch the Defender.
9/10

4. Ride and Handling
Serious 4x4s have to trade on-road talents for off-road capability, but we were pleasantly surprised at the level of comfort. However, if you're buying mainly for on-road use, you should consider other Land Rover models first.
4/10

5. Performance
It's not for the 0-60mph or the top speed that buyers seek out the Defender. The 2007 model features an all-new 2.4-litre diesel engine which can deliver 90 per cent of its power from just 2,200rpm; it's also 30 per cent quieter.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
Average fuel consumption is 25.7mpg while CO2 emissions of 291g/km mean the Defender falls within car tax band G.
6/10

7. Reliability
Land Rover is at the wrong end of the Reliability Index – although its cars tend to have to go through a lot more than many rivals.
8/10

8. Safety
Great 4x4 capability, and, on some models, traction control and anti-lock brakes are the main means of keeping you safe and sound.
5/10

9. Equipment
The Defender comes in a broad range of body shapes with three trim levels. The range-topping Defender 110 Station Wagon XS features heated front seats and air conditioning. County models come with a stereo radio and single CD.
6/10

10. X-Factor
Off road-ability. The Land Rover Defender made its debut in 1948 and 18 million models later it's still going strong. Improvements to the vehicle mean on-road journeys are more comfortable but it's off-road that the Land Rover Defender is a star.
10/10