New Defender goes to work with commercial line

Land Rover will launch commercial vehicle variants of the new Defender later this year.

The so-called Hard Top versions of the Defender 90 and 110 will come standard with an independent coil-sprung suspension, while the 110 will also offer an optional advanced electronic air suspension.

The Hard Top name dates to 1950, when the introduction of removable hardtops gave early Defenders added security as well as protection from bad weather.

The Defender's aluminum-heavy D7x body architecture is three times stiffer than the best body-on-frame designs, Land Rover said in a statement. The Hard Top was developed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations to deliver durability, practicality and toughness.

The Hard Top variants have no second- or third-row seats, although there is the option of adding a folding seat in the front row between the driver and passenger so that the SUV still accommodates up to three people.

Land Rover's ClearSight rear-view mirror system -- launched with the second-generation Evoque in 2018 -- provides rearward visibility when the folding seat is occupied, or when the cargo space is full. The rear-view mirror uses a live video feed from a rear-facing camera to give drivers an unobstructed view at all times.

The company will reveal full details on the Hard Top line when orders start later this year. The expected UK starting price is 35,500 pounds (39,200 euros).