‘Guilty pleasure’ is probably the best way to describe this Landy. It’s not efficient, it’s not particularly comfortable, it’s loud, bulky and requires a fair bit of effort to drive. But there is still something euphoric and empowering about sitting behind the wheel.
Part of its ‘Defender Celebration Series’ – which pays homage to the 4x4’s long heritage – this Adventure Limited Edition is one of three, sitting alongside the Heritage Limited Edition and Autobiography Limited Edition. Specifically designed to tackle arduous terrain, with the likes of underbody protection to help its cause, the Adventure model is for those that want the classic Land Rover feel with some modern touches thrown in for good measure.
From the outside, the Adventure model looks like a rogue, go anywhere Batmobile, thanks to all of its cool gloss black highlights. These include forged diamond turned alloys and Santorini black grille, headlamp and wheel surrounds. On top of that are its Heritage logo mudflaps, an expedition roof rack, a rear access ladder, a huge spare wheel mounted on the rear and even a snorkel for when water wading gets extreme.
Step inside – or climb inside to be precise – and the interior feels like a mix between an old smoking room and a helicopter cockpit, with a heady does of leather trimmings and old-school electronics. Although the likes of sat-nav are predictably nowhere to be seen, you still get some creature comforts like a CD player, radio, MP3 player, Bluetooth and air-con.
Look over your shoulder and you can either have the availability of five passenger seats or a vast floor space for storage, ideal for camping gear (or hunting gear if we are being candid). The rear seats fold up cinema-style, meaning masses of practicality can be yours in seconds.
Everything in the Adventure model either feels clunky or has an easy to manipulate, vintage-style to it. For example, close the doors, change gear or rev the engine and you almost feel like you have to fight with the car – but in an engaging way. But adjust something like the rear view mirror and it has a free-moving feel, giving the impression that it should emit an antique squeak when moved.
Turn the key in the ignition and the 148bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel jolts to life. With its short gearing and ‘big car feel’, the Adventure model does take some getting used to – that is if you are not used to driving Defenders. As I mentioned earlier, you do have to fight with the Defender a bit and making your way through the six-speed manual gearbox, especially at low speeds, does require work. Its big turning circle, which is around a metre bigger than other Land Rovers at 12.3 metres, does limit its manoeuvrability on tight roads as well.
Venture off-road in the four-wheel drive Adventure model and it will wade in water up to 500mm deep. With a ground and obstacle clearance that ranges between 250mm and 323mm, rocky terrain won’t be a problem, but just in case it gets a little too close, the underbody sump and sill protection will give you added reassurance. Ultimately, with its enormous wheels, tough four-wheel drive system and underbody reinforcement, this is a vehicle that can go pretty much anywhere.
Due to its large stature, you may expect the steering to be overly heavy – but it isn’t. As it features a worm and roller power assisted steering set-up that essentially pushes rods to move the wheels, the steering is actually quite light. It can get a little unnerving at speed on straights though as the steering wheel can feel as if it is swaying out of your hands at times. Motorway drivers- you have been warned.
But it’s hard to dwell on things like that. Driving a Defender is one of the most visceral driving experience you can have – and those who are going to be interested in it are going to embrace its qualms as opposed to condemn them.
Sitting at the wheel of the Land Rover Defender Adventure Limited Edition makes you feel like a child wearing wellies. If you see a puddle, you just have to splash through.
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