Rumors of a smaller Land Rover that would fit below the Defender and serve as the brand’s entry-level vehicle have been swirling around for a while, with no confirmation yet from the company. It is understood that there is certainly an opportunity in Land Rover’s current lineup and the executives at Jaguar Land Rover have surely noticed this and will react. With that in mind, let’s explore what a potential mini-Defender would entail and look like.
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Pedigree Power
With the SUV craze getting more viral by the year, automakers are scrambling to cash in on the epidemic by filling their lineup with all manner of SUV’s and crossovers. Land Rover is no exception, and have parlayed their remarkable off-road credentials and rough and tumble reputation into impressive sales figures, with their US sales volume increasing by a whopping 215% since 2012. The Land Rover name carries a certain cachet, and they are intent on fully taking advantage of it by offering a full range of SUV’s to fit most budgets and needs.
Boxy and Bossy
The so-called "Baby Defender" will not drastically differ from its big brother in mission or style, as Land Rover does not want to tinker with a winning formula. The chunky and boxy shape will likely continue, with a limited number of styling enhancements to distinguish the new model from other models in Land Rover’s line up. The projected engines will likely include a 4-cylinder with diesel and possibly hybrid models also envisioned. According to Motor1, indications are that there will only be a 4-door variant, and should be priced around $33,000 when (and if) it debuts in 2021.
Hot on the Trail
We are eagerly looking forward to further information and first photographs of the Baby Defender to see how we (and the rest of the industry) have fared in our speculative efforts. Until then, we can view these renderings with a mixture of anticipation and excitement, and hope for an enthralling new car when it arrives on our shores sometime in the next 2 years.
Source: Motor1