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Can't imagine where they got the coffee stencil idea from

AndrewS wrote:

nidge n wrote:

For those guys that have viewed the Defender in the flesh, is there as much plastic on the car as the photographs suggest?

Its got more plastic than the Lego model has.

Only to save weight though, nothing to do with costs surely. The new Defender looks like a design exercise set for students. "lets try and get some old school design into the new model and cash in on all that nostalgia. But if the plastic is more in real form that photographs, that's a bit cheap and nasty don't you think?

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Alice Holt today.

Had a good look around. The vehicle being shown is a hand built pre production version and shows in the quality of some materials. I would have to wait and see it again in real life to see its progression. Some things you have to take with a pinch of salt, winch (how to get to it) and steering wheel (plasticy) and the beige interior is minging (why don't show it off in a classy black)

Seeing it the flesh does give a better idea of size, seating positions and rear space with both the seats up and down. To me it did not look as big as some of the pictures made it out to be but then it was on its own so I would prefer to get to drive it in town and car parks.

Interestingly the LR guy said that the 90 would be on the configurator in 6 weeks time and that the 90 only had two rear seats in the non commercial version. Have to wait an see.

I have added the pictures I took today.



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I can not believe that they are launching the vehicle when its clearly not ready to be launched, it's a ing joke to be honest. 130's have feeling's as well you know

Nice pics. Good weather helps !

The 6 weeks for the 90 being on the configurator sounds about right. Jan 2020 by the time as 6 weeks rolls round.

I'd really like to drive one however I am sure everyone feels that way. Even the journo's havn't yet apparently.

I am supprised how little interest there is on the 'enthusiast' sites like this. I wonder if JLR are worried ?

AndrewS wrote:

I can not believe that they are launching the vehicle when its clearly not ready to be launched, it's a ing joke to be honest.

IDS

I think that you are correct, I was negative and first but then decided to have an open mind. Others that have seen it have knocked certain parts of the vehicle when displayed.

The LR guy I was speaking to was very honest to questions and my observations. If you have seen any of the pre production vehicles at Dunsfold you can see the things 'done' to get a new car on the road.

For the committed loose trim, dodgy steering wheel and beige interiors don't help to give a good first impression (especially regarding the cost) but if you look at the vehicle with a view to gain knowledge of dimensions, interior space and seating position then in that respect it is doing its job.

If I had the money and was willing to sell my 90 TD5 Hardtop I would rather see and drive the end product before committing at this time.

Last edited by markb110 on 23rd Oct 2019 1:09pm. Edited 1 time in total

ids wrote:

AndrewS wrote:

I can not believe that they are launching the vehicle when its clearly not ready to be launched, it's a ing joke to be honest.

Agreed.

I recon they had to rush the launch as it was inevitable it was going to be leaked. I think we are seeing the last months of development in public and they are trying to keep the interest up until a proper launch. ie Veh at dealers etc.

They did this with the D5 the car at my dealers vip night was pre production model and shambolic - rough/thin plastic, dash glitchy, door alignment issues, rear seat fold had failed. Was a really poor show, they were all crushed soon after. D3 MY06 S - Gone but not forgotten
D4 MY12 HSE - Gone
D4 MY16 HSE Luxury - Now Sold
D5 MY19 HSE to be replaced by New Defender

Having to have a fire extinguisher on hand for a parked car is a worry!! Instagram @richmond_custom

I’m very interested in the new defender in a couple years. I’m surprised how hard some people are on the new defender. Seeing other pre-production cars, you cannot expect things to perfect on them. IE: some materials and panels lining up, etc.
What I’m wondering is what the blind spot is like with that c pillar? What the North American spec will look like with the ugly reflectors we have to have on our cars?

Co1 wrote:

Having to have a fire extinguisher on hand for a parked car is a worry!!

Hi.

The vehicle was connected to a battery charger that in turn was run off of a generator.

Elf and safety n all that

King Luis wrote:

I’m very interested in the new defender in a couple years. I’m surprised how hard some people are on the new defender. Seeing other pre-production cars, you cannot expect things to perfect on them. IE: some materials and panels lining up, etc.
What I’m wondering is what the blind spot is like with that c pillar? What the North American spec will look like with the ugly reflectors we have to have on our cars?

well thats a shame. i really don't think LR would have many cheap plastics on a $60k+ (CDN) vehicle. it'd be really dumb of them. especially the wheel. i'm staying hopeful and still interested in getting one in a year or two.

I think that the plastic is here to stay, look at the other LR products. I viewed a D5 recently which wasn't for me. I had high hopes on the new Defender but the plastic checker plate was a bridge too far If it wasn't called Defender then i don't think i would give this car a second glance. It just doesn't look a 60-70K car. And at the price point, a second hand Vogue offers better value.

Ultimately for me, when i put new and old together, there is only one choice. I am still a LR supporter, however they have moved too far away from their DNA. I understand that they needed to develop and adapt other models to appeal to new markets. I Just thought that the new Defender would be a more honest, practical offering. Like the Wrangler is for Jeep. I will happily stick with my 110 and my Heritage but wanted to add the new Defender. For me at least, that will sadly not be happening.



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I quite agree about the fake checker plate, especially black stuff. I’m not a fan of the real stuff on bonnets and wing tops although I do have some on the rear quarter panels of my 90 to protect them

Click image to enlarge Epsom Green Tdi300 County Hard Top converted into a Station Wagon
Departing soon - Mini Countryman PHEV To be replaced by Defender D240 1st Edition in Pangea Green in mid June 2020