Tag Archives: land rover

NEWS

Land Rover Defender V8 now in Malaysia – prices starting from RM998,000

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has announced the arrival of the new Defender V8 variant for the Malaysian market.

The Land Rover Defender V8 is available in two body styles: the Defender 110 and the Defender 130.

Both Defender V8 variants are powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine with a supercharger, but each comes with its own unique power tuning.

The Defender 110 V8 produces 525 PS and 625 Nm of torque, with the capability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Defender 130 V8 generates 500 PS and 610 Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

Both Defender V8 models are equipped with a quad-exhaust system to ensure a more powerful V8 soundtrack compared to other Defender variants.

The Defender 110 V8 for the Malaysian market features a five-seat configuration, with the second-row seats offering heating functions and a 40:20:40 split-folding feature.

In contrast, the Defender 130 V8 boasts a three-row seating arrangement that can accommodate up to eight passengers at once.

Additionally, the rear seats can slide and fold in a 60:40 split to maximize cargo space.

The Land Rover Defender V8 is now available in the Malaysian market, with a starting price of RM998,000 for the Defender 110 V8, and RM1.198 million for the Defender 130 V8.

NEWS

Land Rover Defender Octa to compete in Dakar Rally, W2RC next year

The Land Rover Defender Octa is undeniably powerful, boasting 635 PS and 750 Nm on tap. But that’s on paper – does it have what it takes to perform in the real world?

To test the true capabilities of the Defender Octa, Land Rover has announced that it will participate in the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) starting next year.

The automaker said it will run a two‑vehicle entry of competition‑spec Defenders in W2RC under the ‘Stock’ category for production‑based vehicles, and a three‑vehicle entry in the Dakar Rally.

Competing in the Stock category means the Defender Octa will retain its engine, transmission, drivetrain, and body design as per the production model.

Racing with a standard powertrain may sound dull, but new regulations set to be implemented by 2026 will make said category significantly more competitive.

Launched in July 2024, the Defender Octa is the fastest Defender ever produced by Land Rover. It is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally, the SUV features a D7x architecture based on a monocoque aluminium construction, which is said to be three times stronger than traditional body-on-frame designs.

The suspension system comprises semi-active dampers designed to reduce pitch and body roll while maximising suspension articulation, allowing it to tackle more extreme terrains.

NEWS

Land Rover Defender set to conquer the Dakar Rally in 2026

Land Rover has announced its participation in the 2026 Dakar Rally in a recent statement.

Not stopping there, Land Rover will also serve as the official vehicle partner of the Dakar Rally for three years starting next year.

This means that Land Rover will provide a fleet of Defender models for transportation and support vehicles for the Dakar Rally until 2028.

In addition, six modified Defenders will be supplied for route testing for the upcoming race.

While the Defender is renowned for its off-road driving capabilities, this marks the first time a formal Defender team has participated in the Dakar Rally.

According to JLR Motorsport Managing Director James Barclay, “Our first time ever with a factory entry into the Dakar means we are right at the beginning of our journey.

“We are conscious of how much we have to learn and achieve before taking the start in 2026, but we are already well under way and looking forward to the adventure.”

More details about the program will be revealed prior to the 2025 Dakar Rally.

The 47th edition of the Dakar Rally, located in Saudi Arabia, will take place from January 3 to January 17 next year, covering a route from Bisha to Shubaytah across the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert.

TEST DRIVE

4 areas the Range Rover Evoque facelift could improve on

Since entering the market for the first time in 2011, the Range Rover Evoque has been elevated to an icon of luxury SUVs, especially among female drivers.

If you think about it, the Evoque can be likened to a designer handbag. It is beautiful and attention-grabbing but there’s more than meets the eyes – it is also practical and versatile.

The Evoque is now in its second generation with better chassis, design, and technology. The facelift version launched in Malaysia earlier this year brings forth sharper looks and a minimalist cabin space.

In other words, Land Rover has made the Evoque a more tempting proposition than before but the compact SUV does have some drawbacks, somewhat spoiling its reputation:

Tight cabin space

The Evoque is a compact-sized SUV, evident in its relatively small interior space, particularly in the back. There’s enough room for two adult passengers in the rear, but it will start to feel a little cramped should another passenger decide to hop in.

As for the boot space, 591 litres may sound ample but for some reason, it doesn’t feel as spacious. Clearly, this is not meant for those with large families.

Inferior infotainment system

Apart from the more minimalist interior design, the most recent revision gave the Evoque a new 11.4-inch curved touchscreen.

It provides users access to the Pivi Pro infotainment system, which looks quite aesthetically pleasing, but fails to impress when it comes to speed and smoothness. Fair to say it’s not as remarkable as what the Germans offer.

Additionally, users control the temperature and fan speed of the air conditioning system through the touchscreen and only the touchscreen. This is how you cause driver distraction.

Somewhat lethargic engine

The beating heart of the Evoque is the Ingenium 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

The engine generates 249 PS at 5,500 rpm and 365 Nm of torque from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm – neither impressive nor disappointing but the powertrain could use a lot more vigour especially when accelerating. Its reluctance to show urgency often leads to aggressive inputs on the accelerator pedal.

Fuel efficiency

With a rather aggressive driving style, the Ingenium mill unsurprisingly shows a relatively high fuel consumption rate for both city and highway use.

Throughout several days of driving, this writer could only achieve readings around 10.3 to 10.5 litres per 100 km. That’s quite high but it should be kept in mind that the Evoque weighs around 1.8 tons and has an AWD system.

NEWS

Land Rover Defender Octa is the toughest, most powerful Defender yet

The Land Rover Defender 110 lineup has now been expanded with the introduction of a new variant called the Defender Octa.

According to Land Rover, the Octa is the most powerful Defender ever produced. It is powered by a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 mild-hybrid engine, producing a healthy output of 635 PS and 750 Nm of torque.

With Dynamic Launch Mode selected, the torque figure is bumped to 800 Nm to allow the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds with the assistance of an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The strengths of the Defender Octa are not limited to sheer power alone, as the chassis is also comprehensively enhanced through what Land Rover calls a 6D Dynamics system.

Utilising hydraulically-interlinked continuously variable semi-active dampers, the system reduces pitch and body roll, and maximizes suspension articulation to enable it to tackle more extreme terrains.

Compared to other Defender variants, the Octa sits 28mm higher and has a stance widened by 68mm, for superior ground clearance and stability.

Combined with 33-inch diameter tyres, this improves approach and departure angles, and allows the Octa to wade through water up to a meter deep.

Furthermore, the new model also gets longer and stronger wishbones, 400 mm front brake discs with Brembo calipers, and the fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date, for immediate, precise, responses.

In addition to the Comfort and Dynamic modes, the Defender Octa comes with an Octa driving mode specifically tuned for high-speed off-road driving.

Of course, the Terrain Response system with Sand, Mud and Ruts, Grass, Gravel, Snow, and Rock Crawl modes is included, along with ClearSight Ground View.

The exterior appearance of the Defender Octa can be distinguished through off-road-optimised bumpers, a unique grille for increased under-bonnet airflow, extended wheel arches, and a four-exit active exhaust system.

It also comes with underbody protection including an aluminium alloy front under shield with graphite finish and exposed Phosphor Bronze-finished front and rear recovery points.

The interior features Performance seats with integrated Body and Soul audio technology that enables the driver and front passenger to feel, as well as hear, the music.

Order books for the Defender Octa will open soon, with prices starting from £145,300 (RM869k) in the United Kingdom.

As for Malaysia, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia says registration of interest for the Defender Octa is now open at
https://www.landrover.com.my/defender/defender-octa/overview. Customers can also reach out to Jaguar Land Rover sales advisors at Land Rover Malaysia, Ara Damansara at 03-76512000.

NEWS

2024 Range Rover Evoque in Malaysia – three trims, from RM499k

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THE 2024 Range Rover Evoque facelift has finally arrived in Malaysia, following its global debut in the middle of last year.

For the Malaysian market, there are three variant options with the following prices:

Evoque P200 Dynamic SE (M spec): RM498,800
Evoque P250 (H spec): RM529,800
Evoque P250 Dynamic HSE (L spec): RM565,800

All three variants are powered by a 2.0-liter Ingenium 4-cylinder petrol engine, but with different output levels. The P200 generates 200PS and 320Nm of torque, delivering a 0-100 acceleration performance in 8.6 seconds.

Next, the Evoque P250 offers 249PS and 365Nm of torque, capable of reaching 100km/h in 7.6 seconds.

However, all models come with a 9-speed ZF automatic gearbox and the Efficient Driveline all-wheel-drive system with Driveline Disconnect function.

Now, let’s look at the updates in this facelift model. On the exterior, it adopts a design language similar to its siblings, the Velar and L460 Range Rover. The LED headlights with DRL are slimmer, and a square pattern has been added to the front grille.

The “double U-shaped” rear lights have now been replaced by a wider single U-shape. The Range Rover Evoque is available in Corinthian Bronze, Tribeca Blue, and Arroios Grey colors.

Updates in the cabin include a new 11.4-inch “floating” infotainment display. Physical buttons have been reduced, providing a minimalist feel, while also creating more storage space.

Other features include wireless Qi charging, a new steering wheel with Moonlight Chrome accents, and a new gear selector.

The standard package on the P200 Dynamic SE includes 20-inch alloy wheels, Ebony leather upholstery, 12-way adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone air conditioning, a 12.3-inch instrument display, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, a 400-watt Meridian audio system, reverse camera, and power tailgate.

The P250 variant additionally features automatic high beam headlights, fog lights, 3D 360-degree camera, and ClearSight rear-view mirror.

The top-tier Dynamic HSE version is equipped with Pixel LED matrix headlights, 21-inch wheels, Windsor leather upholstery, panoramic roof, 14-way seat adjustment, adaptive suspension, and head-up display.

All variants are offered with ADAS safety systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.

NEWS

Range Rover Evoque facelift to launch in Malaysia in January 2024

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JAGUAR Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has announced that the facelifted Range Rover Evoque will be launched in January 2024.

The premium compact SUV made its global debut in June this year with fresher design cues and a host of latest features.

Exterior-wise, the basic shape of the Evoque remains but the SUV now gets a redesigned grille, new Pixel LED headlights with jewel-like daytime running lights, as well as new rear lights with super-red rear illuminationthat enhances visibility and diminishes glare.

In addition, the charateristic ‘floating’ roof effect and flush deployable door handles are further complemented with new accent and colour options.

Inside, the Evoque features the latest-generation Pivi Pro infotainment system with a new 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen, that provides access to all vehicle functions.

Controls for the climate and audio volume are consistently within view via new sidebars, featuring multi-functional sliding controls on either side.

There’s also a new centre console design which provides ample internal storage space and Wireless Device Charging below the touchscreen.

According to JLRM, the Evoque facelift will be offered with the Ingenium petrol engine that offers enhanced
fuel efficiency, smoothness and responsiveness. That being said, the actual variant that will be offered is not specified.

Those interested in taking a closer look at the new Range Rover Evoque facelift are welcome to visit JLRM’s roadshow happening at Bangsar Shopping Centre from January 3rd to 7th, 2024.