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acuss01

Member Since: 27 Jun 2014
Location: London
Posts: 225

2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red

New Owner Observations

Collected our new Defender complete with after-market mods from CSK on Friday. As an newcomer to the marque I thought I’d share my initial impressions and experience (ignoring pre-purchase test drives). I live in Central London and bought vehicle as our sole ‘family car’ with some business use, so my experience is relevant to my situation!

X Factor – Love it, absolutely stands out from the mass of Mercs, Beamers, Audis and other cars that just all look alike. Is a treasure to own and really highlights one’s sense of individuality. Felt proud pulling up alongside various luxury SUV’s and even on first day had a taxi driver enthusiastically chatting to me at the lights.

Defender Wave - well chuffed to receive a wave from the very first Landy I saw (a Corris Silver 90 HT in NW8). However response about 50/50 on others passed in London & Essex (I waved every time). Maybe some townie owners bit snooty?

Driveability – compared to my previous car (1998 Astra) it feels huge and akin to taxiing in a small plane. But the actual dimensions are surprising reasonable compared to many large family saloons & SUVs. Eg a small Fiat pulled out of a pub parking spot earlier and I got in it fine.

Security - couldn't sleep at night if I didn't have multiple layers of security from day one. However would like a generic warning sticker or badge such as 'Advanced Security by CSK' as most mods are not 'branded' and are secret. Hopefully this would put off thieves messing with truck before finding out…

Manoeuvrability – had the steering stops adjusted but still hard to turn tight corners. Am trying to overcome my intuition and turn much earlier which definitely helps. But the sort of last minute turns or quick u-turns I am accustomed to doing in London are definitely not happening any more! (Also can't find reverse fast enough!)

Visibility – l find it hard to see traffic lights close by as I am tall (6'3) and had riser fitted to seat. Also general visibility out of back window and side mirrors isn't great. Definitely thinking of a reversing camera and maybe one of those stick-on magnifying discs on the mirrors.

Sound Proofing - very glad we had this done by CSK from the get-go. I think it normalises the vehicle for the kind of everyday experience we wanted. Well recommended.

Keys – small thing perhaps, but am surprised key doesn’t have remote built-in. C’mon, even my 1998 Astra wasn’t this faffy. Doesn’t appear to be an after-market solution for this MY?

Driver Position – after 2 days I'm getting used to having my knee jammed against door handle and nowhere to put my arm, nevertheless not sure I’d change the steering wheel yet as larger one surely helps turning. However might consider cruise control as right leg dead after first day!

Performance – pleased to say I find the standard power performance is OK. Still manage to nip about and overtake. However close gear ratios take a bit more getting used to! Will wait until warranty expires for a remap, but may consider Alive intercooler in the mean time.

Anti-Diesel – having read a lot of anti-diesel press and been charged extra by local council for my resident’s parking permit just because it’s a diesel, feel a bit unfairly persecuted. I mainly cycle in London so I am as green as anyone, but would hate to be increasingly punished for my choice in future.

Overall – love it and feel proud. Could look at it all day and love going out in it. Kids & missus love it too. Main worries are can’t manoeuvre v quickly and fear finding somewhere easy to park… That said main purpose was to get out of London, not stay in it. Public transport is better for that…

Be interesting to see how my perception changes, but after 48 hours and with 150 miles on the clock, these are my main observations. Looking forward to the unfolding road ahead!

Click image to enlarge 2015 110 XS CSW Montalcino Red with Black Pack

Last edited by acuss01 on 4th May 2015 9:32am. Edited 3 times in total

3rd May 2015 8:45pm

shaggydog

Member Since: 12 Aug 2012
Location: Kent
Posts: 3347

1991 Defender 110 200 Tdi USW Arles Blue

All fair comments

Sounds like you have many happy miles ahead of you! Running Restoration Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/post323197.html#323197

Self confessed mileage hunter

3rd May 2015 8:59pm

captain slow

Member Since: 22 Jun 2011
Location: Herts
Posts: 357

2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 CSW Corris Grey

Hi
Looks great, glad you like it! Enjoy

2.2 Tdci 110 XS CSW Corris Grey
Prince Harry's D3 (gone but not forgotten)
300 Tdi 110 CSW (gone but not forgotten)

4th May 2015 7:09am

Kitoper

Member Since: 07 Dec 2012
Location: Geneva
Posts: 204

She looks fantastic - that black and red contribute to the X-Factor. I share your visibility issues and am looking to resolve this with the SVX Recaro's (they are difficult to source at the right price). Happy Defendering

4th May 2015 7:48am

LR90XS2011

Member Since: 05 Apr 2011
Location: bickenhill
Posts: 3657

2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Galway Green

Acuss01 your defender looks ace, you are right so much better than the run of the mill luxury! cars you can buy, and just think of their depreciation. My Mrs insists we use our Def whenever we go out.

Re the steering wheel do it, it makes the steering quicker and gives you more elbow room, being tall you will need a low profile adaptor to keep it as far away as possible. If you are happy with Chris I'm sure he will sort you out but there are loads available. DEFENDER 90 TDCI XS,

I hope everyone is well and your land rovers make you happy

4th May 2015 7:50am

K9F

Member Since: 12 Nov 2009
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 9610

2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey

Re: New Owner Observations

acuss01 wrote:
Keys – small thing perhaps, but am surprised key doesn’t have remote built-in. C’mon, even my 1998 Astra wasn’t this faffy. Doesn’t appear to be an after-market solution for this MY?

Think about this objectively and what the relationship the fob has and it's functionality is with the alarm system coil. Being seperate from your key it is an extra security layer. Anyone stealing your keys would need both the key and the fob to show a clean pair of heels. That is why the fob and key as inconvenient as it may seem really shouldn't be on the same keyring. If yours are and you wish to lose this extra layer to make it more akin to your faffy 1988 Astra crack on.

It's a lovely truck and being 6'1" I sympathise with your points.

If you go through life with your head in the sand....all people will see is an ar5e!!

Treat every day as if it is your last....one day you will be right!!

Last edited by K9F on 4th May 2015 8:39am. Edited 1 time in total

4th May 2015 8:24am

pob1968

Member Since: 20 Apr 2014
Location: uk
Posts: 239

Looks superb, congratulations. You will get used to the oddities but I would have a smaller steering wheel, makes it a lot better. Also you could have a BAS remap on a second ecu, works very well and easy to swap the ecu over if you need to. 110 Hardtop

4th May 2015 8:32am

willy eckerslike

Member Since: 15 Jun 2009
Location: North yorks
Posts: 1789

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 HCPU Keswick Green

Very soon you will have;

A permanent dent in your right knee.

Broken belt loops on all your jeans.

A sunburned right arm.

A scuffed toe on your right boot. Original Member Pie n Pea Club.
110 HCPU Tipper

4th May 2015 8:35am

K9F

Member Since: 12 Nov 2009
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 9610

^^^^

But still a grin from ear to ear.

If you go through life with your head in the sand....all people will see is an ar5e!!

Treat every day as if it is your last....one day you will be right!!

4th May 2015 8:37am

Supacat

Member Since: 16 Oct 2012
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 11018

2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS DCPU Keswick Green

Curious to know about your parking permit costs. Do you have a 2.2, and if so do you get any discount for the dpf?

4th May 2015 8:52am

acuss01

Member Since: 27 Jun 2014
Location: London
Posts: 225

Quote:
Supacat

Curious to know about your parking permit costs. Do you have a 2.2, and if so do you get any discount for the dpf?

Astra parking permit was £110/yr, Defender is £268/yr including diesel surcharge. Rates based on CO2 emissions. No allowance for in DPF or engine size (which is 2.2). 2015 110 XS CSW Montalcino Red with Black Pack

4th May 2015 9:20am

GypsySamuraiAnt

Member Since: 31 Mar 2015
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 131

2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 SW Indus Silver

A truly amazing looking truck. Love the red and black contrast

4th May 2015 9:25am

acuss01

Member Since: 27 Jun 2014
Location: London
Posts: 225

Re: New Owner Observations

K9F wrote:
Think about this objectively and what the relationship the fob has and it's functionality is with the alarm system coil. Being seperate from your key it is an extra security layer. Anyone stealing your keys would need both the key and the fob to show a clean pair of heels

Good idea, was slowly coming to the conclusion I might need two key rings as I've gone from having one key for the Astra to 5 keys for the Defender (ignition, remote, petrol cap, 'Ardcase and secondary immobiliser). I feel like a jailer LOL. 2015 110 XS CSW Montalcino Red with Black Pack

4th May 2015 9:25am

acuss01

Member Since: 27 Jun 2014
Location: London
Posts: 225

LR90XS2011 wrote:
Re the steering wheel do it, it makes the steering quicker and gives you more elbow room, being tall you will need a low profile adaptor to keep it as far away as possible

Quote:
pob1968

I would have a smaller steering wheel, makes it a lot better. Also you could have a BAS remap on a second ecu, works very well and easy to swap the ecu over if you need to.

Thanks for the input. I expect I will want a steering wheel that I can still spin with the palm of my hand and isn't too small that it obstructs the instrument panel. Not sure if Momo Nero and the like would do that? 2015 110 XS CSW Montalcino Red with Black Pack

4th May 2015 9:31am

pob1968

Member Since: 20 Apr 2014
Location: uk
Posts: 239

I have a momo quark, I would think the Nero is a similar size. 110 Hardtop

4th May 2015 10:50am

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