The all-new Land Rover Defender 90 is here, priced from £40,290

Land Rover has officially launched the 2020 Defender 90. The short-wheelbase, three-door 4x4 will arrive in the summer, with prices starting at £40,290 for the entry-level D200 diesel. 

The first Defender 110 models are set to be delivered to customers in a few weeks, but this is the first time Land Rover has provided details about the compact and cheaper short-wheelbase Defender 90. 

Prices for the 200PS four-cylinder diesel - badged D200 - start at £40,290, while the powerful 240PS D240 diesel is priced from £43,345. Both versions of the 2.0-litre diesel produce 430Nm of torque and are linked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol - badged P300 - is available from £43,345 and develops 400Nm of torque. 

Land Rover also offers a high performance 3.0-litre petrol, for £75,475, the P400 develops 400PS and could rival the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon in spec and performance. An efficiency-focused plug-in hybrid powertrain is due to be added to the Defender range by the end of 2020.

Land Rover hasn't released any CO2 or fuel economy ratings for the Defender 90, but the WLTP fuel economy figures for the diesels are expected to range from 31 - 35mpg, while the standard petrols will return roughly 25mpg. 

Long-wheelbase 110 models will provide up to seven seats, while the 90 has space for six adults thanks to its innovative front central 'jump seat'. When not in use, the seatback folds down to provide a front armrest and stowage, including a pair of additional cupholders.

Land Rover says the 90’s short-wheelbase and minimal overhangs result in excellent off-road geometry, making New Defender 90 "the most capable Land Rover ever made", according to the manufacturer's marketing team. All versions get 291mm of ground clearance and a Wade programme in the configurable Terrain Response system which allows it to tackle up to 900mm of water. 

Other technological highlights include a 3D surround camera, capable of providing an augmented visualisation when wading deep water or reversing a trailer. A Driver Assist Pack includes adaptive cruise control, while a rear pre-collision monitor will flash the hazard lights when it detects following drivers who are failing to slow down sufficiently.