2020 Land Rover Defender comes to Sri Lanka via Access Motors

Access Motors MD Theo Fernando and Access Motors Director Fernando launch the New Land Rover Defender

By Darshana Abayasingha

Despite 2020 being a slower year for the automotive industry, Jaguar Land Rover stole a march with the early launch of its reimagined icon the 2020 Land Rover Defender. 

This legendary king of every terrain is now here in Sri Lanka, with Access Motors unveiling the new Land Rover Defender in Colombo on Friday. The first vehicle was handed over to its owner at the launch ceremony at Flower Road Colombo. Invitees to the launch event were treated to an up-close and personal look at the new 2020 Defender, with a complete walk around and demonstration of its capability and comforts. 

Access Motors is a member of the Access Group and is the sole agent for Jaguar Land Rover in Sri Lanka. Its Managing Director Theo Fernando described the launch as an extraordinary occasion for his company and the brand. 

“The new Defender is indeed an icon that has been built upon the tough foundations of the original Defender and reimagined to suit the needs of today’s Land Rover enthusiast. With its customary toughness, personalised looks, advanced technologies and unmatched off-road capabilities, the new Defender is sure to fuel the pioneering spirit of thousands of Sri Lankans,” he said. 

Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific Managing Director Robin Colgan said: “There is a strong emotional attachment to Defender. It was the only vehicle that could cope with this region’s difficult conditions, which made it a unique proposition. We think of the Defender as part of our legacy, but it is also one owned by communities around the world. People in this region consider this vehicle very much part of their own history. They are custodians of the brand – and it will be the same for the New Defender too.”

The new Defender is available in 90 and 110 body designs, with up to six seats in the 90 and the option of five, six or 5+2 seating in the 110. The model range comprises Defender, First Edition and top of the range Defender X models, as well as standard, S, SE, HSE specification packs. 

Customers will be able to personalise their vehicle in more ways than any previous Land Rover with four Accessory Packs – Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban. A choice of advanced petrol and cleaner diesel engines ensure New Defender has the power, control and efficiency for any environment, while a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain will join the range next year. 

The new Land Rover Defender has kept true to its promise for serious off-road capabilities, with 11.5 inches of ground clearance and ability to wade through 35.4 inches of water. With great finishing coupled with durable materials, just like the old ones, this new 2020 version is here to stay forever. The cabin is spacious and offers great levels of functionality.