Land Rover Defender 90 County Station Wagon 2dr Car Review - March 2012

The 2.2-litre diesel engine produces 122 bhp at 3500 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque right at the bottom end of the rev band. This makes the car capable of travelling from 0-62 mph in 15.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 90mph. It also has a six speed gearbox and the engine is 30% quieter than the outgoing model. On top of that, the Defender has a wading depth of 500 mm, with 314 mm of ground clearance and can tackle a maximum gradient of 45 degrees.

The car, although 30% quieter than is predecessor is still very noisy, especially when pushed hard at higher speeds. On top of that, vague steering means that care is needed at motorway speeds.

Even someone who knows little about cars should be able to recognise a Land Rover Defender. This car looks brilliant, classic and yet still modern.

This 4x4 is most at home off-road, so everything in the cabin is functional and angular. Land Rover have used materials that are more resistant to scuffing and there are two handed passenger grab handles to provide extra support on particularly lively terrain. The dials and information displays are basic, easy to read and simple. Everything inside the cabin feels just as chunky and rugged as the exterior.

County models come with a stereo radio and a CD player. This is a no-frills car so gadgets are not plentiful.

This is Land Rover at its most practical. Four wheel drive is a permanent feature, delivering power when it's needed. This is combined with electronic traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), an extremely tough aluminium exterior, strong chassis, and as if that wasn't enough, you also get great towing ability.

All this adds up to deliver one of the world's strongest and most capable vehicles. There are few rivals for the Defender when it comes to practicality.

Unfortunately, Land Rover has found itself on the wrong side of the track when it comes to reliability. What must be remembered, however, is that Land Rover is predominantly used for off-roading and so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the car will see some damage. The Defender will have a harder life than most conventional cars and that means problems are likely to occur.

Great 4x4 capability and, on some models, traction control and anti-lock brakes are the main ways of keeping you safe and sound whatever the terrain.

Carbon emissions of 269g/km mean that the Land Rover Defender falls within the highest tax band (M), resulting in big bills. On top of that, you'll only get 27.7 mpg on the combined cycle so running costs will be very high.

A purchase price of £25,995 is to be expected for a model of this kind but for its off-roading quality, there really is no competition and that makes it a worthwhile investment for those after these qualities.