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Land Rover's iconic Defender is now a bit more modern, but only a bit.
The latest rendition of the go-anywhere off-roader comes with a new turbo diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox.
That's high-tech stuff for a vehicle that can trace its roots directly back to the original Land Rover of 1948.
The short-wheelbase 90 SE is priced from $61,990, while the larger 110 SE starts at $64,990.
The new gearbox aims to offer better on-road cruising ability and fuel economy, while a lower first gear helps in the gnarly territory.
The 2.4-litre diesel engine has 20 per cent more torque - 360Nm at 2000 rpm - and is 30 per cent quieter than the outgoing motor. A new anti-stall system anticipates the driver's likely reactions by intelligently adjusting the engine systems.
A new, fully integrated interior facia has been added. There is more comfortable seating with a full-size forward-facing third-row seat option on the long-wheelbase 110 S, and high-output heating, ventilation and air-con systems have also been introduced.
Since its introduction in 2002, the Defender has sold an average of 25,000 units a year worldwide.
