Navigating the long-distance journey with a clear patchwork of grassy plains and thick bushland, mirages and liquid illusions dance across the horizon has never been so easy – thanks to the Land Rover Defender 110. This car was designed with a purpose and integrity. 

Recently, we had an opportunity to travel to Tau Game Lodge – situated on the far northern borderline of South Africa and Botswana – as well as Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa in Welgevonden Game Reserve, a malaria-free and Big 5 game reserve in Limpopo where we had the finest wildlife experiences. The Defender 110 delivered to our expectations.

Our journey began from Johannesburg. We drove all the way through the dusty industrial side of Rustenburg, to the agricultural holdings of Swartruggens, and the cinematic landscapes as well as dry bushvelds of Groot Marico. We continued through a commercial town situated in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district of North West Province named Zeerust, then the enigmatic game farms of Nietverdiend. We continued towards the border line of South Africa and Botswana where we made our first stop at Tau Game Lodge after a four-hour (318 km) drive.

A few days later, we headed to Mhondoro – similar distance – for our last stop before driving back home. During our journey, we experienced the splendour of Limpopo Province, its majestic wildlife, surreal landscapes, and iconic waterfalls as we travelled through private game reserves and agricultural lands in Rhenosterkraal, Honingvley, Groenvlei, and Bulge River.

Our journey was effortless, delightful, and safe. We stayed connected throughout with the Pivi Pro3 infotainment system, featuring an 11.4-inch central touchscreen that kept intuitive control at our fingertips. Our rear view was unobstructed with the ClearSight rear view mirror video live feed. The 3D surround camera with ClearSight Ground View provided us with a 360° view of our surroundings, helping us manoeuvre on any terrain.

The supercharged V8 engine of the Defender took us from 0-100km/h in as little as 8.3 seconds with a top speed of 188km/h.

The design of the Defender 110 is characterful. It comes with a raised bonnet, sculpted grille, and precise detailing. Its reductive surfaces add to the modern and compelling proportions. The wheels ranging from 18 up to 22-inch mean that the vehicle combines presence with off-road prowess. The Alpine lights pay homage to the original Defender, keeping you immersed in your surroundings, with a floating pillar adding to its personality. The solid shoulders, rear mounted spare wheel and side opening tailgate reinforce the Defender’s distinctive shape.

The Defender responds to the toughness of demands with a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg. It’s advanced tow assist allows you to reverse a trailer while the vehicle takes care of the counter steering. Users can also and confidently cross waters with the Defender’s 900mm wading depth, while its 3D surround camera with wade sensing tells you how deep the water is.

Specs:

• Pricing: From R1,546,700
• Maximum speed (km/h): 118
• Acceleration (secs) 0 -100 km/h: 8.3
• Capacity (cc): 2,997
• Maximum power (kW/rpm): 249 / 183 / 4,000
• Maximum torque (Nm/rpm): 570 / 1,250 – 2,500
• Transmission: Automatic

Out-of-five Rating

• 5/5