Land Rover Defender Commercial Hard Top - How good is it?

Land Rover Defender Commercial Hard Top Review

The Land Rover Defender Commercial Hard Top offers businesses a practical solution to the transportation of cargo across difficult terrains. Rugged and built to last, it's one of Land Rover's most capable 4x4s. Plus, the premium cabin delivers long-haul comfort which is second to none in the commercial vehicle segment. So, you really will experience the best of both worlds.

The vehicle comes in two different body styles; the three-door short wheelbase 90 Hard Top and the five-door long wheelbase 110 Hard Top. Additional accessory packs are available for both styles, to accommodate more specific business needs - for example, you can add extras such as roof racks, mudflaps and decals based on your own requirements.

Exterior

Instantly recognisable, the Defender Commercial Hard Top is pretty much identical to its SUV sister, aside from a few minor tweaks.

The traditional Defender name badge spans strongly across the bonnet, whilst smart LED daytime running lights, headlights, 3D camera sensors and Park Distance sensors all feature at the front of the vehicle.

From the side, the wing mirrors accommodate further 3D camera sensors, LED indicators and the intelligent Blind Spot Monitor system sensors. The back windows found on the Defender passenger model have been replaced by a customisable plastic panel, which is an ideal spot for company branding.

Moving around to the back of the vehicle, the Land Rover Defender Commercial Hard Top is still distinctively Defender. It features a full-size wheel mounted to rear door and also retains its traditional side-opening tailgate.

Interior - load space

Inside, the back seats found in the Defender SUV have been replaced by a large, flat floored cargo space, which stretches from the tailgate to the bulkhead at back of the front seats. Load volume in the Defender 90 is 1,355 litres, whilst the 110 can accommodate up to 2,059 litres, and has enough space for a standard Euro pallet. Both models feature heavy duty rubber mats and six load lashing points to keep cargo securely in place, even during the most rugged off-road drives. Plus, there's a bulkhead which separates cargo from the driver's cabin. This bulkhead has four hanging hooks on the load-side, and two stowage nets on the cabin-side to keep everything in its rightful place.

Additional loadspace can be found in the form of lockable storage compartments which provide a further 58 litres of underfloor stowage at the rear of both the 90 and 110. An extra underfloor area is found in the 110 Hard Top, providing 155 litres of secure, hidden stowage.

Interior - cabin

The Defender Commercial Hard Top is certainly not your average commercial vehicle when it comes to the cabin interior. In the front, there are two comfortable seats, with an optional Jump Seat in the middle, to carry an extra passenger if needed. If not, this can be folded into an armrest, with cup holders and handy USB ports.

From a tech perspective, the Defender Hard Top is well equipped. Land Rover's 12.4-inch interactive driver display and new 10-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system deliver connectivity and key information at a glance, effortlessly taking care of various navigation, phone and media requirements.

Engine and Performance

The Defender Hard Top is powered by an efficient mild-hybrid diesel engine, which is available in three forms - 200, 250 or 300hp. The engine utilises a battery to redeploy energy which is normally lost during deceleration to provide additional torque assistance during stop/start driving, as well as a more economical drive.

Both the 90 and 110 models are fitted with independent coil-sprung suspension, Terrain Response and 3D Surround Cameras as standard, to ensure greater control on tricky surfaces, such as grass, gravel and snow and exceptional visibility, making light work of difficult off-road manoeuvres.

With excellent towing capabilities - the Defender Hard Top makes moving heavy loads look easy. Both the 90 and 110 models can haul a 3.5-tonne trailer, competing with the best pick-up trucks around. Land Rover expects around a quarter of all new Defender sales to be of the Hard Top variant, so there's a clear demand for this exceptionally tough, commercial 4x4.

The rugged Defender 90 Hard Top comes in one specification whilst Defender 110 Hard Top customers can choose from three specifications above the entry level: S, SE and HSE, which each offering a unique range of exterior and interior enhancements.

How Vansdirect can help you

Here at Vansdirect, we're happy to talk you through these models further and help you come to a decision based on your particular needs.

With fantastic finance options available, from van leasing and contract hire to hire purchase, we offer you great flexibility too.

Get in touch today - our friendly team of experts are more than happy to help.