The iconic Defender model that has served Irish farmers very well is on the way out. The replacement Defender C100 is on the way.

Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that the Defender will cease production in December 2015, after a continuous run of 67 years.

With the C100, the aim is to produce a more fuel-efficient off-road vehicle that’s possibly lighter as a result, but needs to be as robust as the one that it replaces. It may well incorporate some of the electric drive features that have been tested on the Electric Defender.

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Sustainability has been a Land Rover hallmark – more than three-quarters of the almost two million Defenders made are still doing regular duty.

The Defender Concept will use new technologies that will reduce their environmental impact. The first is an intelligent twin-solenoid stop/start system mated to the latest eight-speed automatic gearbox, which have been designed with future hybridisation in mind.

Second is the unique Driveline Disconnect system, which sends power to the front axle only unless conditions demand all-wheel drive. Unlike conventional systems, this physically, rather than electronically, decouples the rear-axle to reduce friction losses but can re-engage drive almost instantaneously.

NEW LEANER TECHNOLOGY FOR EVOQUE

For 2014, the Range Rover Evoque gets some new technologies to make it more efficient and economical. These enhancements claim to lower fuel consumption by up to 11.4% and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 9.5%, depending on model and bring a range of new comfort, convenience and connectivity features.

The combined fuel consumption for the 2014 range is up to 20.4km/litre (57.6 mpg), with CO2 emissions starting from as low as 129 g/km. Prices start from €41,935 before delivery charges.

Customers ordering vehicles from the 2014 range will benefit from new features, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission, seven new driver assistance features and detail design enhancements inside and out.

This new ZF-9HP automatic transmission claims an ultra-fast response time, and an adaptive shift programme that quickly matches the driving style. The new transmission claims to deliver improved economy, reduced emissions, enhanced performance and greater comfort.

For the 2014 model, the driver assistance capabilities of Evoque are enhanced by the introduction of features including, Park Exit (to automatically exit parallel parking bays), Perpendicular Park (to position the car centrally in parking bays), Closing Vehicle Sensing and Reverse Traffic Detection (to warn drivers of oncoming traffic), Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Wade Sensing.

AMAROK GETS CANYON STYLING AND FEATURES

Volkswagen’s Amarok was crowned pick-up of the year for 2014 and is now available in a special Canyon edition.

From its specially developed high-shine styling bar to the robust, colour-keyed under-ride guard, the limited edition Canyon brings a new level of pick-up styling.

It is based on the Trendline trim and boasts high-tech features as well as rugged styling. The extra equipment includes satellite navigation with a six-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth, unique styling bars, 19in Cantera alloy wheels and heated leather seats.

Drivers also get front and rear parking sensors, privacy glass, a protective coating for the load area, a matt black roll cover, interior floor mats as well as high-gloss black side styling bars and rear bumper.

The interior features a combination of Nappa and Vienna leather upholstery in two-tone Moonrock (light grey) and Anthracite (dark grey). The leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob have sporty orange stitching.

The Canyon’s appearance is matched by the power that drives it. It comes with Volkswagen’s top of the range 2.0-litre BiTDI 180bhp engine, offering up to 420Nm of torque. It has a towing capacity of up to 3,200 kg.

20 years of Toyota RAV4

This year celebrates 20 years since the first Toyota RAV4 was launched at the 1994 Geneva Motor Show. It was originally called a Recreational Activity Vehicle, a name that has now merged into the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

With the 4-wheel drive RAV4 Toyota pioneered a new segment for compact, highly manoeuvrable SUVs. It has become a fundamental feature of the mainstream motoring.

Toyota had modest ambitions for its new model, expecting initial worldwide demand of only around 4,500 units. When 8,000 orders arrived in the first month alone, production volumes had to be doubled.

Outlander gets commercial deal

Mitsubishi has a new commercial version of the Outlander SUV for 2014. It comes with a €200 VRT rate, with 5% benefit-in-kind applicable and a sub €30,000 price tag to make it especially attractive for businesses.

Based on the same body type as that of the new version only launched in 2013, the Outlander Business claims to offer 5.3 litres/100km (53.3 mpg) combined with 4x4 functionality. The passenger version received a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2013.

The standard equipment includes cruise control, Bluetooth hands free system with voice control, multi-function leather steering wheel and air conditioning. The exterior styling is complimented by 16in alloy wheels, roof rails, front fog lights and body-coloured mouldings.