LAND ROVER OF
THE RISING SUN
Copyright 2001 www.variety.com
[ December 7th 2001 ]
Land
Rover is hoping to cash in on Japan's love of
British motoring icons - by exporting its workhorse
Defender there for the first time in its 53-year
history. Japan became the biggest export market
for the Mini, even when sales were falling in
the UK and the new MINI is also expected to become
a big seller there. Land Rover intends to sell
just 400 Defenders a year in Japan and demand
is likely to be high because of its rarity value.
The
Solihull-based company decided the time was right
to launch the Defender in the Land of the Rising
Sun because of the success it has had with its
Freelander V6 model, which went on sale there
in February. The publicity surrounding the special
Lara Croft limited edition version of the Defender,
which featured in the film Tomb Raider, has also
helped create demand for the vehicle.
Defenders,
although famous for their off-roading abilities,
are now being seen in the streets of London as
style statements. I spent a week with the Tomb
Raider 90 and although it is basically the same
as the normal Defender it drew some admiring looks
with its exceptionally macho features. It was
designed for all-terrain types wanting to echo
the fearless exploits of Tomb Raider hero Lara
Croft.
Just
250 of the Defender Tomb Raider LE have been built.
The model, with a Tomb Raider plaque, is available
as a Defender 90 Station Wagon or 110 Double Cab,
with one-off grey paintwork and chequer-plate
body cladding. But hurry if you want one, there's
just a few left.
Extra
external fittings include a roof rack topped with
four spotlights and a support bar, grey alloy
wheels, spotlights, rear step and side-protection
rails. Newly-commissioned seat covers are on show
inside, alongside an aluminium steering guard
and polished aluminium gear stick. Under the bonnet
is a gutsy Td5 turbo diesel engine, featuring
a high- pressure electronic unit injector, which
helps the Defender pile on the power.
Priced
at pounds 22,995 and pounds 23,995 respectively,
the 90 Station Wagon and 110 Double Cab pick-up
versions of the Defender Tomb Raider LE could
go on to be collectors' items. I didn't take it
off-road, because I already know how capable the
Defender is after spending two days on some of
the roughest, toughest terrain in Spain earlier
this year.
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