And Auto Express can...
And Auto Express can exclusively reveal there may be up to three further variations on this small people-mover theme! The concept"s aircraft cockpit-style front side windows remain, as do the light, airy interior and feline headlights. Gone, though, are the wildly flared wheelarches, all-glass boot hatch and sliding rear doors.
Tight Euro IV emissions...
Tight Euro IV emissions laws are behind the move, and it looks as though the curtains will finally be closed on the old 122bhp 2.5-litre Td5 powerplant. Instead, the Solihull-based manufacturer is almost certainly planning to adopt a fresh diesel unit, possibly from parent company Ford"s commercial vehicle line-up.
Visual changes include new bumpers and improved specification. This will preserve the Defender"s boxy profile, which can be traced back to the 1948 Series I Land Rover.
According to a spokesman, the move will safeguard the classic model"s future for at least another four years, and possibly even longer, as demand remains high. The modifications will debut later this year, possibly at the Paris Motor Show in September.
However, UK off-road fans will have to wait, as
the new car won"t arrive in showrooms until early 2007.