Land Rover Defender 110 Adventure UK

They’re only making 600 of the Defender Adventure, and they’ll sell out fast.

Such is the appeal of the Defender. That total covers both 90 and 110 Station Wagon versions. They’re based on the XS trim which costs around £30k but for this special edition you’re looking at £43,495 for short- or long-wheelbase options. So what do you get that makes this special edition special?

You get a black bonnet, with either white, grey or orange paintwork, leather seats, LED headlamps, snorkel, roof rack and ladder, diamond-cut alloys, proper underbody protection and unique badging inside and out.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine under the black bonnet works well. In the 90, it gets an upgrade from 122bhp to 148bhp and torque is up from 226lb ft to 295lb ft. Derived from the Ford Transit, the engine delivers from low revs, which is good as noise and vibration at higher engine speeds is considerable. The gearshift for the six-speed manual transmission is rather stiff, but you can rapidly build up speed in the lower gears.

Inside, the steering wheel isn’t adjustable at all, yet there’s not much driver’s seat adjustment either, so you’d better check for fit. The clutch feels like you’re working out in the gym and the heavy steering will at least mean your forearms get pumped up like your left leg. The most comfortable seats are, surprisingly, in the third row, but everything is covered in leather, including a perforated leather steering wheel, while the floor and roof lining do add to the quality ambience.

Ride is very old school. It crashes around, and rolls and struggles for composure on rough roads and at lower speeds. The longer wheelbase is better here of course. Generally that’s what the Defender is, old school. For those who want one, and want the addition of at least a little luxury, that will be an attraction more than a turn-off. The cost will be irrelevant, which is useful as you’d actually be better off buying an XS spec and adding what you wanted. You’d save thousands.

Or consider the other two limited edition Defenders coming out at the same time. The back to basics Heritage and the relatively luxurious Autobiography appeal to different markets, but they probably have the edge over the Adventure.

Land Rover Defender 110 Adventure Station Wagon

Price £43,495

Engine 4 cyls, 2198cc, turbodiesel

Power 120bhp at 3500rpm

Torque 266lb ft at 2000rpm

Gearbox 6-spd manual

Kerb weight 2125kg

0-60mph 14.7sec

Top speed 90mph

Economy 25.5mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band 295g/km, 37%