Smaller Land Rover Defender Model Under Consideration

Land Rover understood the risk it was taking when it launched the New Defender in 2020. The old model was a beloved and rugged SUV that didn’t pretend to be anything other than a workhorse. However, the risk has paid off as the New Defender has been even more successful than what the brand had expected. The automaker is currently making 50 percent more Defender than it had originally planned just to keep up with the demand.

The New Land Rover Defender has proven to be so popular because it retains the rugged and boxy shape of the original model while bringing the design to the modern age. With the SUV’s three variants, the 90,110, and 130 doing well in terms of sales, the automaker is now planning to add another smaller trim to its lineup. We take a closer look.

New Smaller Defender 70 Being Planned

Defender

The current Defender is available with its 90, 110, and 130 body styles. Now, a latest media report suggests that Land Rover is considering a new smaller 70 variant. The Defender is its own sub brand in the automaker’s lineup, focusing on utility while the Discovery range is meant for recreation and the Range Rover line is for luxury.

Land Rover has had past success of offering a smaller version of its flagship SUVs, just look at the Range Rover Evoque and the Discovery Sport. The brand will have to make sure the new smaller Defender retains the SUV’s trademark boxy design and ruggedness. Also, the new model will have to be just as practical as its older siblings, which can be a challenge due to the smaller size.

Land Rover Defender 70: Platform and Powertrain Details

Land Rover

The upcoming SUV is likely to be underpinned by the Premium Transverse Architecture (PTA) platform introduced in the new Range Rover Evoque. It can accommodate both ICE and PHEV powertrains with its large underfloor battery storage space and transverse engine layout. The smaller Defender will also get a fully electric variant but will be underpinned by a different platform. It will probably use the new Electrified Modular Architecture platform that will also be used by the Next-Gen Evoque and Velar.