Rumour has it that JLR is planning a 'Baby' Defender
Move aside, Jimny. There's a new cute off-roader in town
The new Defender has caused a stir in Land Rover's arsenal. Purists dislike the new styling, while the majority of those who've driven it absolutely adore it.
There's now talks of the British luxury motor company, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) expanding the Defender line-up with a new 'baby' model, and it's expected to be much more affordable.
The current 'full-size' Defender seen at Beadles Land Rover Southend
While the latest model retails at around the £45k mark, the new Baby Defender will cost around £25K - opening up the Defender up to a whole new market and target audience.
The styling promises to stick heavily to the full-fat Defender, but will almost certainly have a less-plush cabin, and possibly less technology in an attempt to keep the price tag down.
JLR's current baby SUV, the Jaguar E-Pace
Aimed at rivalling the likes of the Mini Countryman, VW Tiguan, Volvo XC40, BMW X1 and even the Suzuki Jimny, the Baby Defender will fall straight into already competitive section of the automotive market.
It's also rumoured to be powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that will initially be front-wheel drive only, with all-wheel drive and hybrid versions coming shortly after. This, however, isn't set in stone as models could also use JLR's tried and proven 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines.
A render from Dejan Hristov - https://www.behance.net/gallery/91492155/Baby-Defender
The Baby Defender is expected to arrive in 2020, so expect Spy shots of prototype models next year.
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Comments (18)
How much more “baby” does it need to get? The Defender 90 is as petite as it needs to be. 🤦🏻♂️¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Yep, that's quite small as it is!
Erm... small isn’t how I would describe something that well... enormous feeling. They’re definitely smaller than the 110 (that’s obvious but whatever) but they aren’t exactly petite.
If it’s a cynical spin off like the Bronco Sport, then they can shove it.
Good point, hopefully we'll have some proper confirmed information soon.
Think premium Suzuki Jimny. Perfect as long as it’s not £30k+
Tricky one. Even if it’s a baby one it still needs to remain true to the brand or it will dilute it. So I reckon if necessary sacrifice on road manners for off road capability. Sacrifice posh interiors but keep terrain response. Stick to independent coil springs and keep the toughness. And ABSOLUTELY don’t make it FWD. Keep it as a 4x4; then we could end up with something closer in size and feel to the old Defender, but still better. It could be awesome and a Jimny beater. But if it’s going to be another CSUV crossover city car type thingy, then please please don’t call it a Defender. Call it like the Land Rover Townie or something.
However, if they do make a proper baby Defender, and at that price point, it would be very cool and very popular.
If it's a Jimny fighter then it'd probably be worth the while. Realistically, it may be taking on the Jeep Renegade.
I guess we'll have to wait to see its actual size. It could be Compass sized for all we know. Thanks for reading bud!