But it wasn’t always this way.Īlthough the diesel engine was invented in the 1890s, development of this super-efficient source of power was slow.
Most Land Rovers in Britain, and most of the rest of the world, are powered by oil-burners. Today we take our diesel engines for granted.
But before you make your choice, you need to know a little bit about their history. We’ll make that easier by comparing them and awarding points for Performance, Reliability, Availability, Value and Iconic Status. This special feature is all about helping you choose the right diesel for your needs. And with Defenders in production for so long – from 1983 to 2016 – that means there is a bewildering number of diesel options to choose from. Here in the UK, the vast majority of Defenders have a diesel engine under the bonnet. 1983 Ninety/One Ten 10J 2.25 Naturally Aspirated, 62 bhp/103 lb-ft.
