Indeed, it’s better than the Range Rover EvoqueP300e in that regard. The switch between power sources is smooth, if sometimes a little slow. It’s certainly much better than the clunky plug-in hybrid Volvo XC40but the Honda CR-V PHEV is better still. Those sitting in the second row of seats in the long-wheelbase 110 model will find masses of head room, and the sheer width of theDefender makes sitting three abreast pretty comfortabletoo. There’s plenty of safety technologyto prevent a collision in the first place, including automatic emergency braking ( AEB), lane-keeping assistance and a system that alerts the driver if they show signs of tiredness.Blind-spot monitoring is optional on most trims and standard onR-Dynamic SE trim, as is a clear exit monitor and a rear traffic monitor (to stop you reversinginto the path of another car).

Land Rover Discovery Sport Review 2023 | What Car? Land Rover Discovery Sport Review 2023 | What Car?

The Defender itself wasn’t included in the survey, but fingers crossed it’s breaking the mould and proving considerably more dependable than its stablemates. Realistically, though, be prepared for some form of reliability issue and the need to call on its three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. It also doesn’t feel quite as solidly built or well finished inside as some of its German rivals, in particular the Audi Q5 and theBMW X3, but it's a lot better screwed together than the flimsier-feeling Mercedes GLC.

Crucially, everything seems solidly made and bolted together tightly, yet, while many of its more road-focused rivals have plusher interior finishes, theDefender still manages to feel reassuringly expensive. You also get a full roster of off-road systems, including Terrain Response to maximise traction, hill descent control to get you down slopes safely and low traction launch. That's on top of the infotainment, visibility and safety aids. The rear seats don’t do anything clever, such as slide or recline (handy features that are available onthe Audi Q3 and the X1).

Land Rover Defender 110 Luggage Test | Boxy is better - Autoblog Land Rover Defender 110 Luggage Test | Boxy is better - Autoblog

The Discovery Sport is plusher inside than many of the mainstream family SUV competition, including the Honda CR-V and the Seat Tarraco. In short, it lives up to its premium billing. Interior overview What about its prowess on the rough stuff? Well, the Defender’s ability to carry on when the going gets tough is impressive and easy to make the most of. The Terrain Response system makes it simple to set up the car for different conditions and, in its highest off-road suspension setting (ifair suspension is fitted), it powers over deep ruts and climbs up muddy hills with relative ease. It’s easy to set everything up so it's comfy, with even entry-level models getting 12-way electrically adjustable seats with memory settings, heating and cooling. All other versions except XS Edition get 14-way adjustment. Reliability really isn’t a Land Rover strength. The Discovery Sport finished one spot from the bottom in its class in the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey whereas the Lexus NX –a superb alternative –was the most dependable family SUV on sale. The same problem afflicts the Mercedes G-Class,and the Defender’s door-mounted spare wheel doesn’t help, either. Practicality overview

The cushioned lid of the raised centre cubby doubles as a well-placed armrest and the dashboard is easy to figure out. One of the most convincingreasons to buy a Range Rover Evoque is how well it’s likely to hold on to its value. Our depreciation experts expect it to be worth more than any of its rivals – including the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Audi Q3 and the Volvo XC40 – at three years old.

Rover Sport review - Practicality, comfort and boot space Range Rover Sport review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

If you need to carry more than six people, you can either specify the ‘five plus two’ seven-seater variant of the 110 (with two extra seats that can be pulled up from the boot floor) or opt for the long-wheelbase 130. The third engine option is the plug-in hybrid P300e. Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre petrol engine that drives the front wheels while an electric motor drives the rears. The Defender 90 has regular suspension as standard (air suspension is optional) and is still comfortable. Serious wrinkles in the road are dealt with well but it jiggles around more than the 110 over surface imperfections. Adding the optional air suspension helps to smooth out the ride. You get plenty of gadgets as standard, including DAB radio, Bluetooth, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring that uses the entire screen to show a trimmed-down version of your phone's display. Models above the entry-level Evoque or R-Dynamic trims have built-in sat-nav as standard. If you need to carry longer, bulkier objects, you can fold down all the rear seats and turn these larger versions into something closely resembling a small van. The resulting extended load area isn’t completely flat, but it’s flatter than the 90's, which has a big step when the rear seats are folded down.If you pay a bit extra, you can specify the ClearSight rear-view mirror. At the touch of a buttonit becomes a digital screen that shows a live camera feed from behind the car, so you can see what's there even when the boot is loaded to the roof. We think it's anessential option on the 130.

Range Rover Evoque Review 2023 | What Car? Range Rover Evoque Review 2023 | What Car?

The Range Rover Evoque's rivals include the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Audi Q3, the BMW X1 and a former What Car? Car of the Year, the Volvo XC40. The Land Rover Defender’s starting price is higher than pretty much all its rivals, including the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Jeep Wrangler. It does get lots of standard equipmentthough, and by the time you’ve upgraded rivals to the same level, it all evens out.

Land Rover is one of the best in the business when it comes to driving positions, and the Range Rover Evoqueis yet another example of it getting things right. The 110 has a more impressive boot, although we still managed to fit only seven carry-on suitcases below its load cover. Many rivals, including the Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90, can swallow quite a few more. Mind you, the Defender does show up the Jeep Wrangler for luggage capacity. Two sets of Isofix child seat mounts, one on each outer rear seat, are included as standard on all versions, but there's no option to add a third set on the front passenger seat. The Discovery Sport was recently updated with visual tweaks to the exterior, a much plusher interior and a more sophisticated infotainment system. The refresh also introduced mild-hybrid technology to the non-PHEV engines, which should reduce fuel consumption and emissions.