EXTREME OFF ROAD & PERFORMANCE

Austin O’Krinsky has always been a builder. From a young age, he was obsessed with trucks and off-road racing, which evolved to working on trucks by the time he was a teen. 'The bigger, the better' was his motto.

As a fan of lifted trucks, he knew he wanted to go beyond being an enthusiast and found his calling while in college when he realized that the custom trucks he worked on were better than most shops. With the help from his father and brother, he founded Extreme Offroad & Performance, Inc. in Katy, TX six years ago.

“At first things were slow and difficult, but once we started getting in work and building an awesome product, word got out about our work and things just skyrocketed from there,” Austin explains. “We named it Extreme because we thought it was a catchy name and it fit the product that we were creating.”

From enormous wheels and tires to sky-high lifts, show-worthy custom lifted trucks that impress at car shows and excel on dirt are the shop’s specialty. “I have a certain eye and talent to make them into what they are,” he says. “I can take something bone stock and with a few basic tweeks, transform them into head-turning vehicles. There has been a big off-road boom, starting with the introduction of the Hummer H2 and Jeeps, with the hottest off-road vehicle on the market the Ford Raptor, in my opinion. These vehicles have brought back the true off-roading enthusiast.”

With a strong attention to detail, no corner of a truck/off-road vehicle that rolls through his shop’s doors gets overlooked. For Austin, everything has to be perfect or it’s not a finished build. While wheel and tire packages are the most requested customization, the shop can do it all and sees anywhere from 15-25 cars a day and a couple of long-term, more in-depth projects at all times– a testament to how successful Extreme Offroad & Performance has become since its inception. 

“We’re lucky to have such a huge customer following,” Austin says. “The majority of our customers are referrals and repeat. Word of mouth is still the best advertisement. That’s why you have to make sure your customers are satisfied with the final product and ours always are.” 

Extreme Offroad & Performance’s detailed skills are especially seen on Austin’s own “Clownin’” Dodge truck, which he built for last year’s SEMA Show. “I thought the clown theme would be something different that no one has done before,” he says. As his most costly and detailed build to date, as well as one of the largest Dodges they’ve done, the clown-themed truck sports an insane black and orange exterior paint job that features intricate air brushed artwork from Coachwerks by Kinsey and personal details like necklaces with Austin’s wife’s initials and a portrait of his dog. “The guys at the shop like to joke around and name the crazy clowns after one another according to their personalities,” he laughs. “It’s a true crowd pleaser that we take to local car shows, tailgating at the Texans football games and more. It never disappoints.”

The paint job alone on the Dodge took three months. With suspension, accessories, wheels and tires, the sound system and interior another five weeks, making the build long and extensive, but it was all worth it in the end. “I’ve met my expectations with this truck,” he says. “It exemplifies what our shop can do. We strive to be innovative in our industry. We recently started doing in-house hydro dipping, which is a water ink transfer process with more than 500-plus patterns that we can put on lift kits, dash pieces, etc. We aim to stay ahead of the curve with the latest technologies and engineering that keep developing in the customization industry.” Now, Austin’s biggest problem is trying to figure out how to make something bigger and better than his Clownin’ Dodge for this year’s SEMA vehicle.

And from all his experience in the custom truck scene, Austin has a few words of advice for those looking to build their ultimate vehicle. “Don’t be part of the norm,” he mentions. “Do something extreme that makes your build stand out in a crowd. The aftermarket accessory business is always growing and there are thousands of ways to make your vehicle your own. Just think outside the box.”

2013 Dodge Ram Mega Cab - “Clownin”

• Full Throttle suspension 
• 16” lift kit 
• Resi rear shocks and coilovers
• Custom powder coated orange suspension and axles
• Fab Fours front and rear bumpers
• Rigid Industries LED lighting in front and rear bumpers
• AMP Research PowerSteps 
• Bully Dog performance tuner
• aFe power cold air intake
• Custom RBP grille, 
• Custom headlights and taillights by Plain an Simple by design 
• Custom hydro-dipped Hades skull patterns by 

Extreme Hydrographics (Katy, TX)

• Toyo Open Country M/T 40x15.50x22 tires 
• Custom Fuel Driller 22x14 2-pc color-matched wheels
• Custom black and orange clown paint scheme 
• Rockford Fosgate sound system

2013 Toyota Tundra

• BDS Suspension 6” lift w/ FOX Shocks powder coated teal green
• 3” Performance Accessories body lift
• 22x12 KMC Wheels ROCKSTAR II XD series
• Nitto Trail Grapplers 37x13.50R22 tires
• Boondock front and rear bumpers
• Rigid Industries LED Lighting in front and rear bumpers
• Custom 1-pc XD Series grille
• Custom painted rear drive train in teal green
• All interior pieces hydro dipped by Extreme Hydrographics (Katy, TX)
• Monster Hooks Inc powder coated teal green

2014 Chevy Silverado

• Full Throttle suspension 
• 7” lift w/ Front Resi coilovers and rear FTS Resi shocks powder coated blue
• N-FAB front and rear bumpers and light bar brackets
• 50” Rigid Industries LED Lighting E-Series light bar
• 20x12 TIS Wheels TIS535B
• Nitto Trail Grapplers 35x12.50R20 tires
• Custom T-Rex Billet mesh grille
• Custom headlights and taillights by Plain an Simple by Design
• All interior and engine panels dipped in “Defective” by 

Extreme Hydrographics (Katy, TX) 

• UnderCover Tonneau Covers 
• Lux Series bedcover and swing cases
• AMP Research PowerSteps 
• Bully Dog performance tuner
• aFe Power cold air intake 

2013 Ford Super Duty F-450

• Kelderman Air Suspension 4-6” lift
• Road Armor Stealth front and rear bumpers equipped w/ Rigid Industries LED lighting
• Rigid Industries LED light front grille holding w/ E-Series 30” LED light
• Custom headlights by Plain an Simple by design
• American Force Liberty 22” wheels
• Toyo Tires Open Country AT II 35x12.50R22
• Retrax Pro Bed Cover
• Undercover swing cases for storage
• Bully Dog GT Diesel Tuner
• AFE Stage 2 cold air intake
• Custom Alea Leather and suede seats 
• Custom painted dash pieces by Extreme Hydrographics
• Custom wrapped suede headliner
• Recon LED taillights, cab lights and mirror lights
• Monster Hook forged titanium hook, powder coated to match
• Horn Blasters Katrina Horn

2012 Dodge RAM

• 6” BDS lift kit with Fox shocks and coilovers
• 3” body for a total lift of 9”
• Custom lightning-themed paint 
• 22x12 TIS Wheels TIS534B
• Toyo Open Country M/T 37x13.50R22 tires
• Custom interior
• RBP custom grille 
• Lift and all suspension custom painted blue
• Bushwacker fender flares

2013 Ford Raptor

Performance

• Roush SuperCharger
• American Racing headers
• Corsa exhaust system 
• Custom Dyno tune
• 600 HP package

Exterior

• Addictive Desert Designs front and rear Stealth bumper
• 30” Rigid Industries light bar mounted in front bumper
• 50” Rigid light bar mounted on roof w/ custom ADD brackets
• Recon headlight projectors 
• Rear Recon LED taillights
• Rear LED brake light and mirrors
• Painted fender flares to match 
• Custom hydro-dipped grille in Hades skulls and all badging
• Amp Research PowerSteps
• 20” Fuel Maverick wheels
• 35x12.50R20” General Grabbers

Interior

• Custom hydro-dipped interior panels in Hades skulls pattern
• Full sound system integrated w/ factory navigation

Suspension

• ICON Vehicle Dynamics suspension

2013 Ford Super Duty F-250 Platinum

• Kelderman Air Suspension 8-10” lift
• American Force Bravo 24” wheels
• Toyo Open Country M/T 40x15.50R24
• FabFours front and rear bumpers 
• Rigid Industries LED light bar grille
• Rigid Industries 50” E-Series roof mounted LED light bar
• Custom headlights and taillights by Plain an Simple by Design
• Recon F-250 illuminated badges 
• Warn 10K winch
• Bully Dog GT Diesel Tuner
• aFe Stage 2 cold air intake
• Custom Alea Leather and suede seats 
• Custom painted dash pieces by Extreme Hydrographics (Katy, Texas)
• Custom wrapped suede headliner
• Monster Hook forged titanium hook, powder coated to match
• Horn Blasters Katrina Horn
• Custom Kicker Audio sound system
• Badges and tailgate painted flat black

Source: http://www.dubmagazine.com/home/cars/229-custom-rides/8802-extreme-off-road-performance

Patriot campers LC79 supertourer off road utility vehicle

Patriot campers LC79 supertourer off road utility vehicle: based upon a brand new toyota land cruiser ‘LC79 double cab’ with V8 turbo diesel power, patriot campers takes the off road vehicle to a whole new level in style, capability and comfort. according to the australian-manufacturer this utility vehicle ‘is anything but standard’, and even the ‘standard’ model lives up to this billing, packing more handy survival features than a swiss-army knife.

 before: toyota land cruiser 79 double cab pick-up

with a definitive look following the toyota ‘LC79s’ contours, the patriot campers uniquely styled and functional body has a rugged appearance with color matched toolboxes and headboard infill on black highlights. the panels are made completely from aluminum, ensuring a long lifespan the off road vehicle. light weight and rigid construction methods ensure that the payload and towing capacity is maximized for all situations.

after: patriot campers LC79 supertourer off road utility vehicle

the entry-level ‘LC79′ from patriot campers  is outfitted like a luxury survival vehicle featuring: a more robust supertourer body; 300 mm chassis extension; bespoke EFS suspension; ROH wheels with mickey thompson tires; TJM barwork; double winches; plus a hema ‘HN7‘ navigation, australia’s most powerful touring machine.

customizable for any application

oversized toolboxes house a kitchenette on the passenger side and an impressive storage compartment on the driver’s side. at the rear there is a massive lockable slide out drawer, boosting the total storage capacity to 138 liters. like a true custom it can even be outfitted with a variety of creature comforts including a james baroud ‘evo’ roof top tent, recaro seats, mini canopy and ultimately, keep all family the members happy.

I really like the upper rear storage compartment with the grills on either side. Is this what is meant by ‘keeping all the family members happy’ as it looks like a dog kennel?
Also that thin section directly behind the cab and above the wheel chock openings looks like an extended gas tank.
Any word on price?
Also, those lower storage compartments are nifty…

Source: http://www.designboom.com/technology/patriot-campers-lc79-supertourer-off-road-utility-vehicle-01-12-2017/

End of the road for the Land Rover Defender

Iconic is a wildly overused term, but if there's one car that's worthy of it, it's the Land Rover Defender, which goes out of production after almost 68 years on sale and with more than two million examples built.

Driven by everyone from farmers to the Queen, the Defender is not just a signifier of go-anywhere style in the way that most modern 4x4s are, but also of daring engineering and derring do. It started out as a sketch in the sands of Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey, drawn by Rover engineer Maurice Wilks, and was unveiled at the Amsterdam motor show in 1948, before making its UK debut at the Bath and West agricultural show (which for some reason was held in Cardiff that year).

Wilks originally wanted something to replace the old Jeep he used on his farm. And Rover's engineers learned quickly, swapping the Jeep's flexible top-hat frame for a tough box-section chassis.

In addition, permanent four-wheel drive and a set of crawler gears so low you could climb out and have a smoke on the bonnet while the Land Rover wound itself across a muddy field, made it the perfect farm vehicle for the age.

Legend has it that the car was aimed as a stop-gap while the Rover Car Company got back on its feet after the war. But Michael Bishop, a senior instructor at Land Rover's Experience Centre, reckons that's not entirely true given the original Land Rover's advanced engineering for the time, and the fact that other derivatives were already being developed at launch.

Either way, the Land Rover was an instant hit, with the first year's production of 8,000 quickly selling out. Rover quickly ramped up production to cope with the demand, and 24,000 Landies rolled off the production line in the next year.

Soon enough, Land Rovers were being produced at the heady rate of 1,000 a week, eclipsing sales of the saloon cars Rover had become known for. 

But to maintain this success, the Land Rover had to continually improve. In 1954, the wheelbase expanded to 86in, with a new 107in-wheelbase option also made available. By 1958, the Series II had been introduced, bringing with it longer wheelbases again, and both petrol and diesel versions were available.

But it was in the Sixties that the Land Rover really hit its stride. More and more body styles became available, including a 12-seat station wagon version and the first heavy-duty “forward-control” variants, so-named because their cockpits sat above the engine bay to increase their carrying capacity.

The Land Rover had also gained one very special repeat customer; the Queen was often spotted behind the wheel of one, a trend which has continued to this day.

By 1976, one million Land Rovers had been produced, and the first Land Rover spin-off had emerged: a luxurious version that promised all of the Land Rover’s off-road ability, but with enough comfort and style for frequent on-road use too. It was called the Range Rover.

Fitted with the 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine, the Range Rover offered plenty of grunt, and soon customers were asking for similar pulling power in their Land Rover. So in 1979, the first V8-powered example was introduced, featuring the same engine, but with a longer bonnet in order to make it fit.

This body style was adopted for all Land Rovers in the mid Eighties, when the Land Rover entered its fourth incarnation: the 90in and 110in models. These defined the styling that the Land Rover would retain until the end of its production, with a broad, one-piece nose and a black plastic grille.

But while the car was to last for many years to come, the name wasn’t; in 1990, Land Rover launched the Discovery, and a new name was needed to bring the 90in and 110in into line with the rest of the range. “Defender” was chosen, a name which has stuck with the model ever since, and is today often used to refer to early Land Rovers retrospectively.

By now, the Defender was already venerated as one of the most enduring pieces of British design and engineering and a formula that worked as-was, so Rover stopped fiddling with its classic and allowed it to chunter on into a retirement as a fashionista, with spangly new paint finishes and a host of glossy special editions that traded on its rugged image.

It continued to make up a fair chunk of Land Rover sales as a result, and even when the smaller Freelander was introduced in 1997, the Defender still had its place. 

Last year, the two millionth example was built, making it one of Britain’s most popular cars, and when the last example rolls off the production line tomorrow, it will truly be the end of an era – not before time, some would say, though others will mourn its passing.

Land Rover will replace the Defender with an all-new version. Its styling and specification are closely-guarded secrets, though it’s thought it’ll break cover for the first time next year.

Until then, farmers – and Her Majesty– will have to look elsewhere for their ultimate go-anywhere vehicle.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/news/end-of-the-road-for-the-land-rover-defender/

Top 10 Off-Road Vehicles

 10. Mercedes-Benz G500

 Mercedes-Benz is widely known for their luxury cars but Mercedes can also put out great off-road vehicles. The G500 is a great representation of that, originally crafted as an armed forces vehicle in the 1970’s and it hasn’t changed too much from its roots this vehicle is a beast when it comes to the off-roads while still keeping a luxurious feel. At its core the G500 still has that original body-on-frame build along with solid axles at each end of the chassis. What really makes the G500 stand out as a off-road vehicle is the fact that it has 3 electronically activated locking differentials which is extremely rare for a luxury vehicle.

9. Chevy Colorado Z/71

 Most notably known as the little brother to the Chevy Silverado, the Colorado is beginning to step up to the Silverado’s level. The Colorado is not yet on the same when it comes to towing but on a tight trail the Chevy Colorado comes out on top. The road package for the Colorado includes a hill descent control system, an automatic locking rear differential, and an upgraded suspension. The Chevy Colorado is a great off-road vehicle and quickly garnering more and more respect.

8. Nissan Xterra Pro-4X

  

The Nissan Xterra has always been notorious for its superb off-road abilities, this vehicle can really handle whatever you throw at it and it’s only improving. The most recent additions onto the Pro-4X are a hill descent control and hill start assist which makes sure the Xterra won’t roll backwards on a steep incline. The Pro-4X is also decked out with some large all-terrain tires along with some Bilstein shocks. The Nissan Xterra is designed perfectly for tight trails without the possibility of facing any body damage.

7. Toyota Land Cruiser

 The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most well known off-road vehicles, when it comes to powering through terrain few vehicles can match the power of the Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser can handle any type of trail you throw at it with its smooth riding independent front and coil-long solid axle rear suspension. Another unique addition onto the Land Cruiser is Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension, this allows for more suspension movement in off-road situations and then tightens up once you hit the high speed roads. It’s a one of a kind system that you’ll be hard pressed to find anything similar in another off-road vehicle.

6. Land Rover Range Rover

  

The Range Rover is one of the most well known off-road vehicles and for good reason, not only is it a sleek luxurious vehicle but it also packs a lot of punch. The Range Rover features an adjustable and long travel air suspension as well as a computer controlled Terrain Response four-wheel drive system. One of the most unique features the Range Rover offers is the fact it can cross water up to three feet deep. The optional locking rear differential also allows the Range Rover to clear obstacles that would trump most off-road vehicles.

5. Ford Super Duty

  

When it comes to heavy towing there are few pickup trucks better than the Ford Super Duty. While most pickups use an independent front suspension the Super Duty uses a solid beam axle which allows for increased durability and the ability to handle larger than stock tires. There’s also an option for an electronically locking rear differential allowing the Super Duty to handle even the roughest terrains.

 4. Ford Raptor

  

To put it simply the Ford Raptor is an absolute monster when it comes to high speed off-road vehicles. The Ford Raptor has an independent front and solid-axle rear suspension system which provides roughly a foot of wheel travel at each corner, which is double the size of a usual pickup truck. The ginormous 35 inch tires also allow it to roar through most off-road terrains. The Raptor is also almost as capable in slow, rough terrains as some of the much larger off-road pickup trucks.

3. Ram Power Wagon

  

When it comes to the best off-road pick up truck the Ram Power Wagon takes the cake. The Power Wagon takes all of the Ford Super Duty’s strengths and builds off of them with its solid axles front and rear and coil-link suspension. To increase articulation in the three-link front suspension the Articulink was created to allow for more flex in the suspension when facing rough terrain. If you feel you need more flex in the suspension you can press a button to disconnect the swaybar to allow for more suspension. The Power Wagon also features a suped up locking front and rear differential allowing the truck to power through muddy situations.

2. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock Edition

 The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is built for off road havoc, and the 2015 Hard Rock Edition just makes this vehicle even more of a beast. The Hard Rock Edition includes blacked out trim, tough bumpers with removable end caps, red tow hooks, and rock rails. There is no terrain too tough for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to conquer. When it comes to the off roads there are few better than the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

1. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

 The Toyota 4Runner has long been one of the best vehicles for off-road purposes, and the 2015 TRD Pro edition is no different. Specifically designed to be able to handle the off-roads as well as it handles the streets. The TRD Pro edition includes a locking rear differential as well as Crawl Control which is Toyota’s version of cruise control for off-road. There is also a new suspension system which allows for an extra inch of wheel travel. The vehicle is also decked out with taller Goodrich All-Terrain tires that wrap around faux beadlock wheels. The 2015 4Runner TRD Pro once again has once again proven why the 4Runner is thought of as one of the top off-road vehicles.

Source: http://providenceautogroup.com/top-10-off-road-vehicles/

The new Mercedes G-Class: a living legend

The new G-Class range include the G 500 with a new 4.0 liter V8 biturbo engine, the exclusive AMG Edition 463 and the G 500 4×42.

The G-Class icon is beginning a new chapter in a success story that spans more than 35 years. Launched in 1979, this classic off-roader continuosly improved technology level and high-class equipments.

A new 4.0 liter direct injection V8 bi-turbo engine is now celebrating its world premiere in the G-Class. Based on the new V8 generation developed by Mercedes-AMG, the new engine delivers 422 HP and 610 Nm in G 500. With two turbos and Nanoslide technology for the cylinder bore surfaces, the new V8 delivers 35 HP and 80 Nm more than the previous 5.5 liter naturally aspirated V8. The new G 500 accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds (6.1 seconds for the old V8) and needs 12.3 l/100 km compared with 14.9 l/100 km for the previous model.

Here is the complete G-Class range:

• G 350 d with 245 HP and 600 Nm (211 HP and 540 Nm for the old model) is more efficient now with a fuel consumption of 9.9 l/100 km (11.2 l/100 km previous model)
• AMG G 63 delivers now 571 HP instead of 544 HP.
• G 65 AMG has now a maximum output of 630 HP compared with 612 HP in the past.
• G 500 4×42 with the same 4.0 liter V8 biturbo with 422 HP.

All G-Class versions offers unrivalled off-road performance with permanent all-wheel drive, low-range gearbox and three differential locks that can be engaged while on move.

The G 350 d, G 500 and AMG G 63 are equipped as standard with start&stop function, has optimised ESP system and G 500 features optionally the adaptive damping system with Sport and Comfort modes.

The Sport Mode will provide more agile on-road behavior and a smaller roll in corners.

In G 350 d and G 500, the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission now also features a manual transmission mode, which can be activated by presing the M button.

Mercedes offers a special edition for the AMG versions named AMG Edition 463 available for the G 63 and G 65. The interior specification includes a two tone instrument panel, two tone seats in high quality designo leather with side bolsters in carbon look leather and constrating topstiching, seat and door centre panels in a diamond look, carbon fibre trim and door pulls in nappa leather.

The G 63 benefits of the exclusive 21 inch 5-twin spoke light alloy wheels in matt black and 295/40 R 21 tyres. G 350 d and G 500 can be recognized by their restyled bumpers and flared wheel arches in the vehicle colour. The G 350 d comes as standard with 18 inch 5-spoke light alloy wheels. Both G 350 d and G 500 feature a new instrument cluster in two tube look with 11.4 cm multifunction display.

G 500 4×42 features considerably wider track due to the portal axles (plus 264 mm), the large 22 inch wheels and adaptive drive train with Sport Mode.

The G 500 4×42 will be available from December 2015 while the rest of the range is already available from September 2015.

Here is the price list for Germany with VAT included:

• G 350 d                   ==> 89,822.35 euros
• G 500                      ==> 105,035.35 euros
• G 500 4×42             ==> 226,100 euros
• AMG G 63               ==> 143,216.50 euros
• AMG G 65               ==> 271,915 euros
• AMG G 63 Edition   ==> 463 159,341 euros
• AMG G 65 Edition   ==> 463 282,208.50 euros

Source: http://mercedesblog.com/the-new-mercedes-g-class-a-living-legend/

2016 Land Rover Defender 90 Review

This is it. The end of an era. The Land Rover Defender is on its way out the door, and it won’t be replaced until about 2018.  

This hardcore off-road machine has carved itself a niche as something of an ultra-cool urban cruiser, despite the fact its roots are far from that.

 The original Land Rover from 1948 was designed with agriculture in mind, and farmers bought them in droves over the years, with utility the main selling point and comfort low on the list. Over the years the original Land Rover has morphed and changed plenty, but this body style has been around since 1983.

Back then it was just called the 90, representing the length of the car’s wheelbase in inches (though in actual fact it measures 93 inches, or 2360 millimetres). Land Rover slapped a new badge on the car in 1990, and from that day on people have referred to this car and all of its predecessors as the Defender. Just make sure you never say that to a Landy enthusiast…

And this car, then, is the final iteration of the Land Rover Defender 90, the Heritage Edition.  

This rare model – limited to just 2564 examples worldwide – is already well and truly sold out, with its $54,900 (plus on-road costs) price tag clearly not deterring those with more dollars than sense. In fact, there have been instances of buyers pulling out, with envious punters apparently forking out nearly $100,000 for the privilege of owning one of these final Defenders. The British brand could probably have built 10-times that number of Heritage Edition models, and still had demand for more.  

The Heritage Edition catches plenty of glances in traffic thanks to its brilliant Grasmere green paint finish (it looks flat, but it’s actually a three-layer pearl), and pays homage to the first ever registered Land Rover, which had the numberplate HUE 166 and was affectionately referred to as Huey. You can see there are plenty of HUE 166 highlights on this vehicle, including on the flanks and in the cabin.  

There are also heritage hallmarks like the original Land Rover badges front and rear, and these models were built on the same production line that the first ever versions of the Land Rover rolled down, in Solihull, England.  

Inside, that retro Land Rover logo is emblazoned on the Almond cloth trimmed seats, and there are also red and yellow trims around the gearshifters and a metallic four-wheel drive plaque to help you on your way.  

It looks great – for a Defender – but this is a cabin with some serious issues that haven’t been resolved over the years.  

The seating position is horrendous.  

There are no airbags – yes, you read that correctly, zero airbags.  

Climbing in and out is painful, verging on ridiculous for those in the back seats.  

And Australian models are fitted with a Supercheap Auto special Alpine CD player which couldn’t look more out of place if it tried.  

Those things will either float your boat (if you’re a Land Rover sympathiser) or float it like a set of concrete-filled tyres (if you’re a normal buyer).  

It is pretty hard work. The rear two flip-down seats are best considered “for occasional use only”, as climbing in through the boot is hardly glamorous (the front seats don’t fold down to allow access), and anyone above about 165cm will feel cramped – knees up, head down.  

The front seats are positioned very close to the doors, making for cramped occupancy for larger occupants, and – as colleague Trent always says – you may need to have the windows down to allow for enough space for arm movement, as the Land Rover Defender requires quite of a lot of steering effort.  

The Defender’s steering is slow, meaning lots of arm-twirling and because the rack itself is slow U-turns soon become three-, five- or even seven-point turns.  

The vehicle rides on coil springs front and rear, but still bounces over bumps – big and small – and leans a lot through corners. On-road prowess isn’t this thing’s forte, though: it’s designed to be super capable off-road, and having driven Defenders over treacherous terrain in the past, we can assert that they are menaces in the mud. We didn’t take this one off-road, though: with just a few dozen in Australia, it wasn’t worth the risk.  

As painful as it is to drive around town, it is, perversely, a lot of fun to drive, mainly because you feel like you’re driving a piece of automotive history. Almost every other vehicle on the market right now is more advanced than the Defender, but at the very least you feel like you’re involved in the drive experience.  

Under the bonnet is a 2.2-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine with 90kW of power and 360Nm of torque, which is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. There is no auto. Never has been, either.  

The engine isn’t as refined as many other diesels on the market – it isn’t as linear in its power delivery as some, with some low-rev turbo lag from a standstill, and a relatively narrow torque band.  

The gearshift isn’t great, either, with a number of testers claiming they had trouble when attempting to rush the shifts. Slow and steady, then…  

The Defender, as with all Land Rover models, is covered by a three-year/100,000km warranty, but there’s no capped-price service program.  

Look, it would be hard to live with a Land Rover Defender 90. It isn’t city-friendly by any means, despite the fact you’ll often see them scattered in those cramped backstreets where hipsters sit on milk crates and discuss beard care.  

If you set aside the legacy value, and if you have no plan to actually go off road, the Defender 90 is a pretty hard vehicle to score highly. It’s just so damn flawed, yet still manages to be one of the most characterful and likeable vehicles you can buy.  

If, however, you’re going to use it for its intended purpose, you’d be totally justified in choosing it … or any number of competitor vehicles with similar levels of capability and better levels of safety, like the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler or even the Suzuki Jimny.  

As such, the Land Rover Defender 90 Heritage Edition is a great way to farewell an icon, albeit a flawed one. 

Source: http://www.caradvice.com.au/407276/2016-land-rover-defender-90-review/