This is news this morning coming straight from Autocar magazine in the UK. Looks like they caught the new Defender Sport or whatever it'll be called being tested. I was under the impression that this project was canned, but turns out I was wrong. Looks very much like a Defender, but the rear end isn't as flat - you can see that the roofline tapers a bit and the camouflage makes it like more upright. Also the weird boxes on the doors and tailgate are also just part of the camouflage.

This will be a direct competitor to the new Mercedes g-Class (yes, g-Class as in lowercase "g." It is a thing that Mercedes has already announced. Will be G-Class inspired unibody crossover with more off-road capability than your typical crossover).

Will almost certainly be EV-only as it will be based on the EMA platform, which is EV-only. Also will most likely be built in the Halewood facility that currently produces the Evoque and Disco Sport. It is giving me LR2/Freelander 2 vibes, which is very much a good thing! Expect a full debut for next year. All image credit goes to Autocar. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...ted-first-time

 

Obviously need to reserve judgement till its finally out and I can see one in the flesh. But so far I'm not loving what I'm seeing. It reminds me more of a Kia Soul, rather than a Suzuki Jimney (which is what I'd like a 'baby defender' to look like).

 

Are we sure that this isn't some kind Evoque refresh rather than a baby Defender?

Its giving me Bronco Sport type vibes and while that car is definitely better than the crossover it replaced (I can't even remember its name, not the Edge...something that undoubtedly starts with E) its already getting long in the tooth seeing it everywhere.

 

It's funny you mention the Bronco Sport, as I can't look at them and not think of it as scaling down of the Discovery 3/4 design. You see it most with the roofline. If its a Defender Sport and not an Evoque or Discovery Sport I would at least hope it's a plug in hybrid rather than full EV.

Wilybyrd
'24 D130
'10 LR4

 

Interesting. I am curious to see it without the camouflage.

 

My first reaction was Discovery/Discovery Sport redesign which should be due soon.

 

Based on the styling I'd say with almost 100% certainty that this is a Defender Sport, especially because look how the rear haunches are nearly identical to the Defender, as well as rear bumper is very similar to the Defender, as are the flared fenders.

 

Keen eye there Cincy.

I agree - this looks like a Defendah that's been left in the dryer for too long.

 

We dont have to like it and I do not like the look but I like the idea of making inexpensive/smaller version of defender.
Good for entry level fun. College kids and high school kids can have one.
I like LR trying to get more younger crowd. Good for the brand. LR needs to make some more money to invest back on flagships cars and their QC level.

 

I agree it certainly looks Defender-ish.

Considering the Defender brand carries a lot more equity than Discovery, it would make perfect sense they Defender-ize a new product.