90 XS Station Wagon 2dr 4 X 4

Much improved with the TDCI engine

Recently swapped a TD5 Defender 90 SW for a 2008 "TDCI" (aka "Puma") which uses the modified Ford Transit 2.4 Diesel. There is a significant improvement from the TD5 to the TDCI - much quieter (you can now have a conversation at 70mph), lighter clutch and generally easier to drive. The ride seems slightly softer as well (not sure if they changed the spring rates). The biggest noticeable difference externally is the old ventilation flaps have gone, was concerned about this but they are not needed as the new ventilation and heating system actually does what it says on the tin (i.e. provides ventilation, demists the windows and heats up the cabin without having to be on full-hot all the time).

Still a bit crude compared to a Shogun, but now in the same ballpark and ( imho ) much more capable and definitely more compact. The XS is loaded with gizmos including a Ford derived heated front screen which should be nice in winter, but I'm not sure about the change from rubber mats to carpets (it's bound to leak water in heavy rain - pretty much all Defenders do so)

If you want a compact vehicle that can tow 3500 Kg and get you in/out of muddy fields the this is it. Expensive on fuel (like most 4x4) but cheaper to insure than some.

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