Most of us have grown up with a very fixed image of what a Land Rover should look like. From the very first model, this all-terrains vehicle has set a striking figure – what at first appeared to be an extremely military car has now gained a place in the heart of the nation as a vehicle for leisure and adventure. Little wonder, then, that a number of ‘die-hard’ Land Rover fans momentarily baulked in astonishment when they saw plans for a sixtieth birthday celebration… the SVX Defender.
In appearance, it’s certainly a far cry from the ancestry it’s celebrating – the SVX looks positively swanky! From the metallically glimmering grille surround to the sharp tailoring of the wheels and headlamps, it’s certainly an impressively shiny sight to behold. Don’t go thinking the glamorous look extends only to the exterior, either; the owner of an SVX will be able to enjoy such luxuries as an i-Pod holder, Recaro spot seats and satellite navigation. It isn’t hard to imagine such a vehicle taking pride of place next to a millionaire’s Mercedes.
Yet once they’ve drawn themselves out of their dazzled trances at this plush development in Land Rover history, many petrol-heads have begun to roll their eyes in distain. Surely such a beautifully put together car cannot compare with the rough-and-ready style of vehicle we’ve all come to know and love? Indubitably, the older and less swish of the Land Rovers will eventually win on simple off-road ability. Right?
Apparently not, actually. According to Phil Popham, "The Defender SVX looks very different to a spartan 1948 Land Rover, but it's still an essentially practical vehicle that will enable you to go almost anywhere," Obviously, with this limited edition model yet to be distributed, it’s impossible to find an un-biased opinion on the SVX’s performance on and off-road; but the representatives of Land Rover seem sure it will win over the dubious nation.
