Land Rover may bring the pickup version of the new Defender

KUALA LUMPUR: The Land Rover Defender is a legendary SUV that is known to the world for its off-roading prowess and boxy SUV proportions. In the global market, it is currently offered in two body styles - 3-door (90) and 5-door (110), but now it seems that the automaker is planning to add one more form to the options list. 

According to a recent report of Autocar UK, Jaguar Land Rover’s Executive Director of Vehicle Programmes, Nick Collins dropped a strong hint at the possibility of a Defender pickup. He stated that, “there were no structural limitations” to a Defender pickup and that “you can make a pickup from a monocoque.”

He further added that "It's structurally possible," because of the new Defender's unibody platform, "and there is demand," Collins said."We won't comment on future plans," he added, "but watch this space."

However, the pickup variant of the Land Rover Defender would not be new for the world as the company earlier used to offer the original icon in the pickup form. It was available with a removable hard-top, canvas tilt, or completely open. So, we can say that if Land Rover introduces the pickup now then it would be a sort of comeback.

As for what to expect about the Land Rover Defender pickup variant, it is likely to be available only with the 5-door (110) body style with a choice of gasoline and diesel engine options. The automaker may also add a plug-in-hybrid version to the list.

If the Defender pickup does come into fruition, it would rival against the likes of the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok.

Talking about the local market, the new Land Rover Defender is a long-awaited model in Malaysia; it is speculated to hit the Malay roads this year.

Also read: Meet the adventure-ready Land Rover Defender Works V8 Trophy