SlashGear

I have to confess, I’m not the biggest fan of SUVs.  Not for any tree-tonguing environmental reasons, just because they seem a bit “try too hard” unless they’re actually owned by people who really do need 4×4 capabilities.  I’m talking farmers, people trying to cross deserts and NASA moon rovers, not soccar moms scaling the kerb at the local Walmart.

However, there’s something about the idea of a Land Rover Defender, a 3-door in black, that tickles my car-geek tastebuds.  And now I have a 2007 model to secretly covet, with a new 2.4 litre diesel engine and the bulging bonnet to accomodate it.  My shameful on-road journeys would be made in as close to luxury as the Defender has ever managed, with a redesigned dash featuring heaters that might even work and a radio that picks up more than the shipping forecast.  Meanwhile, my off-road journeys would be aided by a new, lower first gear that promises improved responsiveness.

Sadly I won’t be able to afford both the Land Rover and the several acres of land to play in that my easily-shamed ego would demand. 

Photos of the 5-door and the interior after the jump.

2007 Land Rover Defender unveiled [Autoblog]