2012 Land Rover Defender Gets New 2.2-liter EU5 Diesel

We know that Land Rover is likely bringing a whole bunch of new products to market in the coming two years, and that a prototype is currently being developed to replace the aging Defender. But until it’s ready, there is only one solution if they want to keep selling the iconic off-roader.

Thus, a new 2.2-liter diesel engine has been fitted under the bonnet of the 2012 model, and its diesel particular filter helps it meet Euro 5 emissions standards. The smaller capacity engine delivers the same power, torque and economy as the 2.5-liter Euro 4 outgoing unit but makes this the cleanest Land Rover Defender yet produced. In EU5 markets, the new engine comes with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to ensure the lowest possible levels of regulated emissions.

The unit produces 122 horsepower from 3,500 rpm and 360 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm. Performance remains similar too, though the top speed has been raised to 90mph compared to 82mph for the previous version. Furthermore, CO2 emissions now stand at 266g/km for the 90 and 295g/km for the 110 and 130 bodies.

Prices now start from £20,995 on the road, and Land Rover has made two new options packs available:

• Comfort Pack - Air conditioning, CD Player with auxiliary input, electric windows and remote central locking. The Comfort Pack costs £1650.
• Off-Road Pack - ABS, heavy duty rim and MTR tyre, tow ball and under-ride protection bar. The Off-Road Pack costs £1500.

“The Defender can trace its roots back to 1948 and during that period Land Rovers have earned a reputation as the most rugged and versatile off-road vehicles in the world. Since the current model's introduction in 2007, the Defender has consistently sold an average of 25,000 units a year worldwide,” Land Rover says.