By The new generation of the legendary Defender arrived a few years ago. Once again, it came in 90 and 110 layouts and once again, it impressed not just the crowd, but also the highest demanding critics. Simply, it is probably the only SUV that offers excellent ride quality, whether it’s about on- or off-road terrain. However, it isn’t without drawbacks and one of them is the price, which starts pretty high. That’s why the company prepares a model called the 2023 Land Rover Defender 80, which will be more approachable to the wider masses.
Despite the same nameplate, the 2023 Defender 80 won’t have many things in common with recently introduced models. Instead, it will ride on a different platform and features a simpler layout, with some pretty interesting design solutions.
We expect that the new model will arrive by the end of this year, though the officials are still quiet about the exact date.
2023 Land Rover Defender 80 Design
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Land Rover Defender 80 won’t have to mind things in common with the 90 and 110 models. It will ride on a different platform and won’t necessarily feature a smaller size. Unlike the more expensive siblings, it will ride on an older-generation PTA platform, which still underpins models like Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Still, it will have most things in common with Tata Harrier, a model that comes from JLR’s parent company, which is primarily offered in India. This also means this will be an FWD vehicle, even though all-wheel drive is expected to be offered as standard.
On the other hand, the styling will closely resemble other Defender models. Despite the smallest number in the lineup’s numerification, it probably won’t be the smallest Defender in the lineup. We are pretty sure will feature four doors and a longer wheelbase than the Defender 90.
Interior
This is where the key differences will be found. The 2023 Land Rover Defender 80 will come with a significantly lower price and that means that you may expect some compromises. In this case, that would mean a little bit less exclusive dashboard design, with simpler design solutions and less impressive materials. We may see some inspiration from the aforementioned Tata Harrier, especially in terms of tech goodies, where we expect to see a smaller infotainment screen, more basic instrument clusters and similar things.
In terms of interior space, we expect to see a typical subcompact crossover. The front seats should be spacious and comfortable, while the second row probably won’t be all that generous. Still, we presume that five adults will be able to fit comfortably.
2023 Land Rover Defender 80 Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, we believe that the 2023 Land Rover Defender 80 could rely on JLR’s familiar AJ200 engine, which comes in various power outputs. This 2.0-litre turbo-four will probably be offered in two output variants, with either 200 or 250 horsepower. The engine should come coupled with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which would send power to either front or all wheels. Details about off-road features and suspension setup are yet to be announced.
We believe that a diesel version could be offered in certain parts of the world. This particularly refers to the markets like Europe and South East Asia. In that case, we would probably see a 2.0-liter MultiJet turbodiesel designed by Fiat, which put out around 170 horsepower. That engine would come paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.
2023 Land Rover Defender 80 Release date and Price
The 2023 Land Rover Defender 80 could arrive already by the end of this year, even though the officials are still quiet about the exact launch date. When it comes to the price, we presume that base versions would go around 30.000 dollars.
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