It would be a huge seller.
How would Land Rover introduce a new entry-level model, which would be below the Defender? Rumours about such a model surfaced late last year. It is expected to debut next year at a starting price of PS25,000 or around $33,000. This would make it one the most affordable automaker models. Dejan Hristov sent us new renderings to show how the model might look when it arrives.
A report indicating the possibility of a smaller subDefender model was influenced heavily by the new Defender’s interior and exterior design. The renderings follow that lead and take the idea further. Although the Defender’s appearance is boxy, the renderings show a handsome off-roader with a two- or four-door. The four-door model is not expected. Although the wild headlights seem unlikely, the grille on the Defender is not too different. Although they look nice, the rear taillights are equally conceptual.
The new model will be called Defender by Land Rover, but it is not known if Land Rover will. It could be called Land Rover 80, which would make it fit perfectly under the Defender 90. It is expected to be available in 2021 with four-cylinder engines or a three-cylinder hybrid powertrain. An option for all-wheel drive is possible.
Land Rover’s U.S. sales have more than doubled since 2012, from 43,664 down to 94,736. Land Rover has enjoyed success in a market that loves SUVs and crossovers. A more affordable model could help the company increase sales. It would be competing with a lot of great alternatives. However, the Land Rover brand and its history as an off-road vehicle manufacturer could make it stand out from others. We won’t have to wait too long to see a Baby Defender if Land Rover is working on it.