Electric vehicles outperform hybrids on efficiency and cost
As South Africa forges ahead in the automotive landscape, a notable divide has emerged in the growing realm of new-energy vehicles.
- New Energy Vehicles
- 8 December 2025
JLR announced a suite of enhancements across the Defender brand line-up, while the introduction of a new 110 Sedona Edition and simplified specification levels make it easier than ever to pick the perfect Defender.
What’s new?
New equipment packs that bring different new levels of comfort for specific needs have been introduced.
Captain Chairs Pack:
New individual Captain Chairs provide ultimate comfort and luxury for the second row, plus gracious aisle access to the spacious third row of Defender 130. The new seating option for the second row elevates the passenger experience with two individual luxury seats, featuring arm rests on either side and comfortable winged headrests, separated by an aisle that gives gracious walk-through access to the third row.
Signature Interior Pack:
The new Signature Interior Pack combines a comprehensive suite of upgrades to the Defender’s interior across seating and trim finishes. The Signature Interior Pack is standard on Defender X and V8 specifications, and optional for Defender Dynamic HSE.
In the front row, it provides 14-way electrically controlled seats with heating, cooling and memory functions, with supportive new winged headrests. In the second row, climate seats are fitted – with winged headrests on Defender 110 and 130 models. The third row of the 110 and 130 are heated seats.
Defender’s distinctive exposed cross car beam is metallic grey with a powder coat finish, while moulded trim accents are finished in Satin Black with subtle chrome interior accents.
Defender 110 Sedona Edition:
Sedona, Arizona, provides the inspiration for the colour of the new 110 Sedona Edition. The natural deep red hue of its iron-rich sandstone landforms has been applied to an exclusive, new model.
The Defender 110 Sedona Red body is complemented by an Extended Black Pack, with Narvik Black Defender script, front grille and skid plates plus 22-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels and a body-coloured spare wheel cover. The Defender 110 Sedona Edition will be offered for one year only.
Unique to the Sedona Edition, a new optional bonnet decal depicts the topography of Sedona.
Based on the high specification of Defender X-Dynamic HSE, the Sedona Edition’s interior is available with Ebony Windsor Leather and KvadratTM seats for the first time, providing a tough and highly tactile environment.
The seats are part of the newly introduced Signature Interior Pack, which brings a suite of enhancements for greater luxury and attention to detail, tactile new material additions and convenient storage pockets for front row passengers.
Simplified choices:
Defender clients now have a choice of S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, X and V8 specifications across 90, 110 and 130 body styles. A simplified range of carefully curated optional packs are also available.
Engine:
Defender has now introduced a powerful upgrade to the diesel line-up with the introduction of a new D350 engine globally, replacing the former D300 engine.
With 257 kW – an increase of 36 kW – and more torque 700 Nm (+50 Nm), the Defender is more engaging with greater flexibility and faster responses, says the manufacturer.
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