Test drive Land Rover Defender 110 1991 - 2007 SUV

Defender who traveled past Russia

Although Defender NAS (North American Specification) is very different from the basic version, it does not produce the impression of a sophisticated car at the first acquaintance. From the American version you expect some special comfort, and you see an ascetic Defender familiar to the limit.

The first external difference that is striking is a powerful kangaroo with two additional headlights. In front of the main headlights, two orange fitrongs are adjacent, which complies with American standards and contradicts European. The rear lights are located not vertically, but horizontally, and protected by small bars. In addition, again, in accordance with American standards, an additional stop signal is installed on an arc with a spare wheel. A footboard with a powerful frame appeared from behind, for which, as we later found out, it is very convenient to pull Defender out of captivity. Instead of conventional heavy wheel drives, new five -spoke -peeps with an impressive rubber of 265/R16 are placed.

The NAS version was prepared for lovers of outdoor activities in a warm climate - in the Topless version. However, on the way to Russia, Defender NAS acquired a plastic top. Under this top, we found a powerful frame that plays the role of a security arc.

There are few changes in the cabin. The partition separating the front seats and the salon disappeared. It very annoyed our tall drivers, but without it the range of longitudinal adjustment of the seats increased not much. They remained as uncomfortable. There was a rear transverse seat (before I had to sit on longitudinal benches). A box for small things appeared between the front seats, two cup holders (it is simply impossible to imagine a machine for America without them) and a radio. The clock moved from the combination of devices to the middle of the front panel, and a tachometer stood in their place, small and absolutely unreadable.

The main difference between the NAS version is a 3 liter gasoline engine. The same can be installed on any Discovery model, but for Defender it is offered only in an American configuration. The power of the motor is 182 l. With. Defender NAS is equipped only with a manual box, which is not acceptable for the American market. That is why a tachometer was installed on NAS - the Americans accustomed to the machines will be able to manually switch speeds only by hint. It is written in the operating instructions that it is necessary to move from 1st to 2nd gear at 4500 rpm.

Having received a more powerful engine, Defender has become noticeably more agile. In terms of acceleration dynamics, he caught up with many frisky classmates (4-liter Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Opel Frontera Sport, Toyota RAV-4). The maximum speed of the car increased to almost 150 km/h. On the highway, he moves very confidently. And the unexpected battle of Defender and Discovery, equipped with the same engine, ended in our convincing victory - Discovery could not get NAS.

A powerful engine improved the off -road qualities of the car. The Defender has already had a good cross -country cross -country version in the NAS version. At the wheel of this car, you can forget almost all the juper receptions - the car easily overcomes obstacles. And you can get out of a difficult position due to power and with the help of active taxiing. If Defender gets stuck, it means that you need to cause powerful help.
Although the NAS version has slightly improved the consumer qualities of Defender, it is clear how Americans react to this car. The maximum asceticism and manual box will scare away many lovers of all -wheel drive. They have their own native Wrangler, more comfortable and with a machine gun. And the style and cross -country ability of Defender can only be evaluated by a few fans. However, Defender NAS is small. In Russia, he would have many fans, but, unfortunately, the car that was with us is the only representative of this modification in the country that will not be delivered to Russia.

Text: Dmitry Noskov

Source: Motor magazine [No. 2/1996]