LAND Rover is preparing to launch a smaller and more affordable version of its hugely popular Defender model.
This new entry-level iteration, designed to appeal to a wider audience while maintaining the familiar link to the original, will be less expensive, compact and geared towards modern buyers.
According to Autocar, the new ‘baby’ Defender, which will possibly be named the ‘Defender Sport,’ has been in development for years and is now in its testing phase – judging by recent spy photos.
To that end, it could reach dealerships by 2027.
The compact Defender, which will have a close visual resemblance to the full-sized version, will be smaller, with a lower ride-height and less focus on its off-road capabilities.
Indeed, it is expected to measure around 4.6 metres in length, 2.0m in width and under 1.8m in height – making it similar in size to the Dacia Bigster and Skoda Kodiaq.
The name “Defender Sport” briefly appeared on the Land Rover website – although only viewable from a search engine – suggesting a more road-oriented version, as seen in other JLR models like the Discovery Sport.
However, it could be named using numerical designations – such as “Defender 80,” to position it below the full-sized versions.
Autocar has also suggested the smaller Defender might replace the ageing Discovery Sport – which is currently sold only as a plug-in hybrid and has been experiencing a decline in sales in recent times, suggesting it may not get a second-gen model.
In terms of production, the new model will share the new EMA platform with the Range Rover Evoque and Velar – all of which will be produced at the Halewood plant in Merseyside after a £500 million upgrade.
This platform focuses on electric power, although plug-in hybrid variants may also be offered.
By offering a more affordable and compact version of the Defender, Jaguar Land Rover aims to attract a broader audience and increase global sales, essentially picking up where the Freelander – which was discontinued in 2015 – left off.
While JLR’s main focus for the future is on EVs, the brand has somewhat scaled back its electric plans in recent times in favour of plug-in hybrids.
The Defender, which has been on sale in the UK for roughly five years, is easily JLR’s best-selling product of all – with 115,400 Defenders delivered globally, outpacing sales of the Range Rover (77,000) and Range Rover Sport (79,800).
This comes as an emergency government package to prevent a jobs bloodbath is imminent, following the recent cyber attack on JLR.
A recent Sun exclusive revealed Business Secretary Peter Kyle is looking at “partnering” with the embattled car firm to stop its suppliers going bust.
He told The Sun: “JLR and its supply chain can be sure that Government will help in a way that backs industry and supports jobs.”
An announcement on the precise government intervention is still being finalised and is expected this weekend.
Mr Kyle has been locked in “intense conversations” with JLR and its parent company Tata after the hack forced production at its UK plants to shut down.
While they are “highly profitable”, smaller companies whose entire business relies on selling parts to JLR have warned they face collapse.
Mr Kyle said he has been “energetic and creative in thinking of ways” to stop these suppliers going over a cliff.
He did not rule out reports that the Government could buy the parts from the suppliers while JLR’s systems were down.
Yet he said: “But I also have high expectations of them as companies [JLR and Tata] to do what’s right for the interest of workers in the supply chain.”
He said that JLR must “remain in the lead” and that “my job as Secretary of State is not to step in and run JLR.”
