Land Rover Ireland pulled out all of the stops last week when it hosted a media drive at the 800-acre Killruddery Estate in Co Wicklow, which saw a convoy of Defender Hard Top commercials reach the summit of the Little Sugar Loaf mountain.
Over 340-metres above sea level, the summit required little-to-no driving skill to conquer thanks to the ruggedness and durability of the Defender. From behind the wheel of the Defender Hard Top, we witnessed exceptional off-road capabilities in tandem with a strong load carrying capacity.
Both 90 and 110 Hard Top models are equipped with independent coil-spring suspension, with advanced Electronic Air Suspension available on the 110. This allows for a ground clearance of 291mm and approach, breakover and departure angles up to 38, 28 and 40 degrees respectively.
The Hard Top also demonstrates impressive towing prowess, with the ability to pull up to 3,500kg, and it will wade through water up to 900mm deep. Depending on engine and specification, the 90 has a payload of up to 670kg, while the 110 can manage between 778-800kg.
If required, the 110 Hard Top can accommodate a standard Euro Pallet thanks to its wide-opening tailgate. The maximum load length measures up to 1,472mm in the 110 and lashing points ensure large loads can be safely secured in place.
Power for the Defender Hard Top comes from an Ingenium D250 3.0-litre diesel engine featuring mild-hybrid technology, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with twin-speed transfer box. The D250 delivers 245hp and 570Nm of torque.
Available in both 90 Hard Top and 110 Hard Top body styles, all Defender Hard Top models come with a practical cargo area with a fixed full-height partition to separate occupants from the generous load area.
The bulkhead comes with four hanging hooks on the loadspace side, and two stowage nets on the cabin side of 110 models for small items.
The full-width load floor is completely flat, with up to six integrated lashing points, heavy-duty rubber mats and a set of lockable storage areas providing 58-litres of underfloor stowage at the rear.
An additional underfloor area is fitted to the 110 Hard Top, where the footwells of the Defender passenger model would normally be found, providing 155-litres of hidden stowage.
The rugged Defender Hard Top comes exclusively in Defender specification with durable Ebony fabric seats and rubber flooring throughout. The Defender 110 Hard Top specification includes side steps as standard.
The Defender’s Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment provides intuitive control of all the major vehicle functions, including smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen houses the Defender’s excellent 3D Surround Camera system for tight manoeuvres.
For an uncompromised view out of the rear of the vehicle, the Defender’s ClearSight Rear View camera can be accessed at the flick of a switch on the bottom of the rear-view mirror.
There is also the option of a central jump seat to accommodate a third passenger.
The 90 Hard Top is available from €55,000 (excluding. VAT & VRT ) and the Defender 110 Hard Top from €68,829 (excluding VAT & VRT ).
