Pros: Off-road ability to go with the image, good all-rounder
Cons: Most people won’t dare go for the yellow paint
Defender Trophy Design
It’s impossible to discuss the design of the Trophy edition of the Defender without addressing the colour scheme. Shown here is the “Sandglow Yellow” option, harking back to the hue of the Land Rovers used in the arduous Camel Trophy. It’s contrasted with lots of gloss-black detailing giving the car serious presence. Though it’s quite a daring look that won’t have universal appeal. Thankfully, the Trophy can be had in a classy dark green colour instead. Either way, there are bespoke black alloy wheels fitted, and plenty of Trophy badging to ensure it stands out no matter what colour you opt for.
Defender Trophy Interior
You can’t escape from the exterior colour inside this Defender, either, as it’s repeated in the dashboard and door cards. We love this effect, giving the interior a utilitarian appearance that belies its high-quality finish. Indeed, this is no stripped-out workhorse, as there’s tactile leather upholstery and all the infotainment technology expected of any modern luxury car. We’re pleased to report that Land Rover retains physical switchgear for the heating and cooling, so you don’t have to rely on the touchscreen for everything.
The Trophy specification is sold only in the “110” body style of Defender, which is the conventional five-door, five-seat model. There’s loads of space in the rear seat and while the boot isn’t huge with those in use, they can fold down completely flat to turn the vehicle into a (stylish) van.
Defender Trophy Performance & Drive
While there are diesel and high-performance petrol engines available elsewhere in the Defender lineup, the Trophy variant is solely offered with plug-in-hybrid power. No surprise there given the popularity of this powertrain across the Land Rover range.
At its heart is a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is assisted by an electric motor and a big enough battery to allow all-electric driving for nearly 50km (according to the official figures). Unusually for a PHEV, the Defender can make use of public DC chargers at up to 50kW.
Peak power is 300hp, but more telling is the maximum torque produced – as high as 625Nm. This Defender is no sports car, but it always has sufficient performance. And while it’s wonderfully quiet in electric mode, neither is it particularly loud when the engine is needed.
The active four-wheel drive, air suspension and sophisticated Terrain Response system work together to make serious off-roading a cinch, and this car can tow up to three tonnes of braked trailer as well.
Defender Trophy Pricing
The entry-point to Defender PHEV ownership is €99,070 for the “S” model. Against that, the Trophy’s price of €130,200 might seem steep, but it comes with a lot of extra equipment, aside from the unique appearance. Anyway, it’s not even the most expensive variant you could order, not by a long shot.
Carzone Verdict
While we acknowledge that the yellow livery won’t be to all tastes, we dig it, mostly because of its nod to the brand’s history. There’s more to the Trophy than an eye-catching colour scheme of course, as it’s a superb all-round vehicle, as comfortable on the motorway as it is capable off the beaten track. If nothing else, its introduction serves to remind us how good the core Defender is, no matter what colour it’s painted in.