One of the most iconic and desired Land Rover models the Defender 90, has returned to Australia. Since its last appearance in the Australian market the Defender 90 has received a host of major upgrades which have resulted in greater on-road and off-road ability, plus increased comfort, performance and refinement.

The 2.4-litre common rail diesel engine offers increased torque and improved drivability, over the previous Defender 90 engine, while the manual six-speed gearbox provides a lower first gear ratio, for better off-road control, and a high sixth gear for improved cruising refinement. The inside of the vehicle features a new fascia and a high-output heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. New seating also improves comfort for all occupants, and for the first time in the Defender 90 includes full size forward facing second row seats.

The latest in a long line of evolutionary updates to a vehicle whose roots date back to 1948 (since when nearly 1.9 million units have been sold), the changes maintain Defender 90’s relevance while enhancing its functionality, versatility and durability.

“Land Rover is immensely proud of Defender's reputation for off-road supremacy and dependability, it will get you there and back, regardless of climate or terrain.Land,” said Rover Australia's Marketing and Public Affairs Manager Kevin Goult. “With the reintroduction of the 90 in Australia, Land Rover now offers nine different Defender derivatives, across three wheel bases. Whatever requirements, be they lifestyle or commercial, Defender has the specialised variant to better suit the off road and load carrying requirements of our customers.We believe the enhancements to the iconic Defender 90 will win the hearts and minds of new and existing customers alike."

In order to take advantage of the Australian Government's Small Business 50% Tax Break, which ends the 31 December 2009, the Defender 90 is on sale now at Land Rover dealerships, with vehicle delivery in 2010. The Defender 90 has as recommended price before statutory and delivery charges of $44,990, and will arrive in Australia in the 1st quarter 2010.Defender 90's 2.4 litre, four-cylinder engine, common with the 110, represents a major step forward in terms of refinement and driveability. Torque output is higher than the outgoing engine right across the usable rev range, and the 360 Nm peak is delivered at only 2000 rpm; over 315 Nm of torque is available from 1500 rpm to 2700 rpm.

Engine peak power output is 90 kW, with more than 90 per cent of peak power available from less than 2200 rpm to over 4350 rpm – over 60 per cent of the usable rev range. Naturally the engine is designed to be fully compliant with EU4 emissions legislation, but with Defender’s status as a truly global product, a unique engine tune has also been developed to tolerate variable quality, high-sulphur fuels.

Based on a cast-iron block, the engine features an alloy, 16-valve cylinder head with Denso common rail fuel injection. Not only is combustion noise dramatically reduced, thanks to the excellent control provided by the engine’s solenoid-driven fuel injectors, but a new Garrett variable geometry turbocharger also helps ensure throttle response is improved over the outgoing engine. The engine’s lubrication and sealing systems have been specially developed to cope with Defender 90’s onerous range of operating angles.

Individual pedal maps specifically matched to the demands of each gear are designed to ensure throttle progression and control is better than ever before; in addition, improved anti-stall characteristics further extend the vehicle’s renowned ability to tackle the toughest terrain.