Vehicle Tests > 2007 4WD of the Year

Touring
The noise and poor NVH refinement evident on the trails is also a key part of life on the road with the 110. On gravel roads the sound of stones hitting the underside of the guards is particularly disconcerting. The driving position is also an acquired taste, or an ergonomic nightmare depending on your outlook. Typical of all Defenders, and their forebears, you sit too close to the driver's door, there's no steering wheel adjustment, and you feel like you are driving a truck. The seats themselves are comfortable enough but the driving position is too cramped and not at all flexible.

At least the new engine and gearbox work a treat onroad. The specs might say 90kW, but don't be fooled. These 90kW are some of the best in the business and the fact that the 110 is the most frugal vehicle on test (despite having the aerodynamics of a pre-fabricated shed) is testament to its soundness. And despite the fact that the Defender is tall and relatively skinny, the onroad dynamics are surprisingly reassuring, perhaps fun even when you get the hang of it.

Sand
The 110 impresses on the beach in as much as it isn't particularly fussed and doesn't have to work too hard. Still, you wouldn't take up sand driving in the Defender for the fun of it - it's not that good - but if there's sand to cover, the Landie will make a fair fist of it.

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Inside
The good news here is that the 110 has a cavernous interior and the rear seat has the full quota of lap/sash belts, three headrests and plenty of legroom. The new HVAC system is also a vast improvement on the old. The downside is the previously mentioned driving position, the often-odd ergonomics and the non-availability of airbags. We also couldn't find any child-seat restraints although these can be retro fitted at relatively low cost.

Incidentals
If payload is important to you then the 110 is a winner. With a 1000kg+ carrying capacity it's the Hercules amongst this lot. Funny though, for a vehicle like this, there's no proper recovery points fitted, only tie-down hoops. Mind you, it's an easy enough job to fit them aftermarket. Three more things: in deep(ish) river crossings the 110 leaks; the windscreen wash/wipe system wouldn't even do justice to a kids' pedal car; and the transfer level requires the effort of a champion arm wrestler.

Summary
Driven in isolation, the 110 feels okay. Drive it more and it feels better. Drive it back to back with any of the other vehicles here however, even the rudimentary Toyota 76, and it feels somewhat crude and unrefined.

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