DEFENDER OCTA: BLACK, BOLD & BOOSTED

Powered by a 626-horsepower, twin-turbo 4.4‑litre mild-hybrid V8, the new DEFENDER OCTA: BLACK, BOLD & BOOSTED is truly a rock star!

DEFENDER OCTA: BLACK, BOLD & BOOSTED

Defender OCTA Black, the master of on & off-road performance, has a new, even bolder attitude. Extensive black detailing for the high-performance 4×4 hero gives the toughest, most capable, and most luxurious model in the Defender family an even more purposeful presence and greater luxury.

As many as 30 exterior elements have received black finishes as part of the transformation. Defender OCTA Black is finished in Narvik Black: the truest black in the Defender paint palette. Narvik Black is deep and dark with a gloss finish as standard, but purchasers can personalize the exterior of their OCTA Black by choosing an optional Matte protective film.

The front under-shield and rear scuff plates are finished in Satin Black Powder Coat with exposed recovery eyes in Satin Black, while a Gloss Black tow eye cover at the front and Gloss Black quad exhaust tips at the rear provide a contrasting finish. The Land Rover oval on the grille is black with darkened silver script. Underbody elements feature a Gloss or Satin Black finish, including the cover for the exhaust silencer and center box. A choice of 20-inch forged wheels or 22-inch Gloss Black wheels is available, with black center caps and Shadow Atlas Defender script, while Gloss Black brake calipers feature contrasting Sentient Silver script.

DEFENDER OCTA: BLACK, BOLD & BOOSTEDTo complement its dramatically dark exterior, the DEFENDER OCTA: BLACK, BOLD & BOOSTED interior takes tough luxury to a new level. Ebony Semi-Aniline Leather with KvadratTM is introduced to Defender for the first time, bringing a soft and tactile finish to the performance seats. They feature unique perforation patterns on the seats, with new stitching detail on the backrests, while the seat backs and armrest hinges are finished in Carpathian Grey. Across the dashboard, the cross-car beam is finished in Satin Black Powder Coat; an available optional Chopped Carbon Fiber finish for interior details delivers the epitome of tough luxury.

 Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, said: “There’s no denying the presence and purpose of Defender OCTA: it’s the tallest and widest Defender, enabling it to tackle even more extreme terrain. The introduction of Defender OCTA Black takes things up a notch. We know our clients love giving their Defenders all-black finishes, so our designers have applied this principle to every possible surface – inside and out – to create the ultimate tough luxury Defender OCTA.”

DEFENDER OCTA: BLACK, BOLD & BOOSTEDDEFENDER OCTA: BLACK, BOLD & BOOSTED, is the performance hero of the Defender family, with 626 horsepower 4.4‑litre twin turbo mild-hybrid V8 power, innovative 6D Dynamics suspension, and a dedicated OCTA Mode for performance off‑road use. Defender is the official automotive partner of Oasis Live ’25, transporting the British band on their long-awaited 41-date global tour, which starts today.

For more information and configuration details on the DEFENDER OCTA: BLACK, BOLD & BOOSTED and the entire Defender range, please visit https://www.landroverusa.com/defender/index.html

Subaru Forester review

Subaru Forester review

We get to grips with the very capable Subaru Forester, now in its sixth generation…

Subaru is still something of a hidden gem in the UK. Elsewhere, in countries such as the US and Australia, the Japanese company’s cars are more appreciated and sell in much bigger numbers.

The brand’s capable 4x4s are renowned for their durability and owners are intensely loyal, holding onto their cars for longer than any rivals.

Subaru Forester review

Nevertheless, here in Britain, buying a Subaru is still seen as a left-field choice – and the range-topping Forester is a prime example.

Since it was first launched in 1997, more than five million Foresters have been sold globally and it’s the third biggest-selling Subaru model in Europe.

Now in its sixth generation, the family-sized SUV has been treated to a makeover inside and out, and a technology upgrade.

Subaru Forester review

Only available as a mild-hybrid and permanent all-wheel drive, it’s powered by the same 2.0-litre ‘e-boxer’ petrol engine as before (power reduced from 148bhp to 134bhp), and again is paired with a tiny battery and electric motor.

Subaru claims the engine features “24 technical improvements”. Unfortunately, this hasn’t translated into a much-needed economy boost.

The Mk5 managed just 34.7mpg with CO2 emissions are 185g/km – the 2025 model has an official fuel consumption of 34.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 183g/km.

Subaru Forester review

In other words, it struggles up against its rivals, which include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Nissan X-Trail or Hyundai Tucson.

Priced from £39,995, Subaru has kept things simple with three trim levels, all featuring the same powertrain.

Entry-level Limited includes 18-inch alloy wheels, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, 360-degree parking cameras, and a wireless phone charger, alongside Subaru’s comprehensive Eyesight safety suite.

Subaru Forester review

Stepping up to Field trim brings extra goodies including a heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, and an integrated sat-nav with What3Words functionality.

The range-topping Touring model I tested (priced at £44,100) adds larger 19-inch wheels, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

First impressions are mixed. It’s sharper looking than its predecessor, but it’s more of an evolution of a distinctive, yet conservative design.

Subaru Forester review

Inside it’s much improved and modern with an 11.6-inch central touchscreen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a refreshing mix of physical controls. While the infotainment system isn’t cutting edge, the whole set-up is much better than before.

There’s a marvellously spacious feel, with loads of leg and headroom front and back, plus a 508-litre boot capacity (expanding to 1,720 litres when the rear seats are folded).

Maybe finished more for durability than luxury, the Forester’s cabin boasts solid build quality, comfortable seats and superb visibility.

Subaru Forester review

There’s a commanding view of the road from the driver’s seat, and all in all, it’s a refined driving experience as long as you keep things smooth and leisurely.

Put your foot down and the CVT automatic gearbox does its worst. Despite the artificial, or stepped, gear changes that Subaru has programmed in, the engine revs uncomfortably high making for noisy progress. It soon settles down, but getting anywhere near the claimed 0-62mph acceleration time of around 12 seconds requires serious determination.

That said, the ride is comfortable and the Forester’s suspension soaks up the worst of the bumps – it’s just not the kind of car that will put a smile on your face.

While there’s plenty of traction and it holds on pretty well in corners, the steering is numb and, ultimately, the Forester is at its best cruising along – or off-road.

Subaru Forester review

Select X-Mode, with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud options, to optimise the permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive for all conditions.

To say that it’s effortless on the rough stuff would be an understatement – its agility and the degree of traction available is nothing short of remarkable.

So, if you live out in the sticks like me, the Forester really is a go-anywhere vehicle, and it’s also capable of dealing with extreme weather.

Subaru Forester review

For the record, the Forester has a generous 220mm of ground clearance and a confidence-inspiring 500mm wading depth. It also has an impressive towing capacity of 1,870kg.

Ultimately, the sixth-generation Subaru Forester is an improvement, but real-world MPG in the late 20s/early 30s is disappointing given the hybrid technology on tap.

Verdict: The latest Subaru Forester is a solid SUV choice. Safe, spacious, well equipped and hugely impressive off-road, it’s just a shame that it’s uninspiring to drive as an everyday car and not as efficient as some rivals.

Subaru UK

‘25 DEFENDER OCTA: HIGH-PERFORMANCE HERO

The toughest, most durable, and most powerful – ‘25 DEFENDER OCTA: HIGH-PERFORMANCE HERO – is also the most dynamically accomplished Defender ever created!

‘25 DEFENDER OCTA: HIGH-PERFORMANCE HERO

Powered by a 4.4-liter Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with high and low-range gears, the OCTA is the most powerful Defender ever – with 626 horsepower and up to 553 pound-feet of torque. The OCTA’s new powertrain enables 0-60 mph sprints in just 3.8 seconds. Its heavily revised chassis components with innovative technologies, including 6D Dynamics suspension, help ensure its dynamic capabilities. When fitted with 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels and all-season tires, it has a top speed of 155 mph!

The exterior of the ‘25 DEFENDER OCTA: HIGH-PERFORMANCE HERO is bolder and tougher than ever, with a distinct character. Ride height is raised, its stance widened, and wheel arches extended for incredible presence. Redesigned bumpers improve approach and departure angles, while tough underbody protection gives drivers the confidence to explore further over rough terrain. And, it will wade deeper than any production Defender vehicle before it – up to 3.3 feet of water.

The new Defender OCTA name is derived from one of the toughest and most desirable minerals on earth – a diamond – and the octahedral shape that gives their distinctive appearance and durability. This shape also inspired the new signature graphic, which denotes it as the flagship Defender vehicle – strong and resilient, yet striking, rare, and desirable. Every Defender OCTA wears a new encircled diamond graphic, including a gloss black diamond within a machined and sandblasted titanium disc on each Signature Graphic panel.

‘25 DEFENDER OCTA: HIGH-PERFORMANCE HEROThe tough luxury of the ‘25 DEFENDER OCTA: HIGH-PERFORMANCE HERO is epitomized by Defender OCTA Edition One, available in the first year of production. It features a curated specification, finished in an exclusive new Faroe Green paint color with a Khaki and Ebony UltrafabricsTM and seamless 3D Knit interior, new Chopped Carbon Fiber detailing, and 20-inch forged alloy wheels with a choice of all-terrain or optional specially developed Advanced All-Terrain Tires.

New Defender OCTA’s dynamic capabilities go beyond what any Defender vehicle has achieved before, with the introduction of hydraulically-interlinked 6D Dynamics suspension technology for the first time on a Defender vehicle, alongside extensive hardware and geometry changes. It debuted on the ‘24 Range Rover Sport SV. Uniquely, it’s designed to be as fun to drive on-road as off-road, with no compromises.

New ‘25 DEFENDER OCTA: HIGH-PERFORMANCE HERO sits 1.1 inches higher and has a stance widened by 2.7 inches for superior ground clearance and stability. To help ensure confidence and control on various terrain, with both maximum wheel articulation off-road and reduced roll on-road, revised suspension components include longer and tougher wishbones and unique active dampers with separate accumulators. It also features uprated 15.7-inch front brake discs with 6 Opposed Piston Brembo calipers, and the fastest steering ratio of any Defender vehicle to date.

The ‘25 Defender OCTA has a starting MSRP of $152,000. The Defender OCTA Edition One, available through the first year of production, has a starting MSRP of $167,800. For ordering details, contact a local Land Rover dealership. The new high-performance hero will debut publicly and dynamically at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed from 11–14 July.

For more information about interior and exterior options and specifications, please visit https://www.landroverusa.com/defender/defender-octa/index.html

LAND ROVER @ PEBBLE BEACH: QUEEN FOR A DAY!

LAND ROVER @ PEBBLE BEACH: QUEEN FOR A DAY! uniquely celebrates the vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

LAND ROVER @ PEBBLE BEACH: QUEEN FOR A DAY!

10 historic models will attend LAND ROVER @ PEBBLE BEACH: QUEEN FOR A DAY!, including two of the earliest Royal vehicles: the first Land Rover Series I State Review vehicle and a Land Rover Series I owned by the Royal family. A modern twist on the traditional British garden party will take place at an exclusive hospitality area adjacent to the vehicle display.

Vehicles on display include 1954 Land Rover Series I State Review vehicle, 1954 Land Rover Series I (NXN1), 1958 Land Rover Series II State Review vehicle, 1966 Land Rover Series IIa Station Wagon (JYV1D), 1974 Range Rover State Review vehicle, 1990 Range Rover State Review vehicle, 1983 Defender 110 V8 (A444RYV) and 2009 Range Rover (CK58 NPJ). 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her life to service and was the first female member of the Royal family to volunteer for military duty when she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service in February 1945. Her specialty was driving and servicing military and rescue vehicles. It is said that this time sparked her love of driving and the mechanical aspects of vehicles, which lasted a lifetime.

For more information about Land Rover Classic, please visit https://www.landrover.com/explore-land-rover/land-rover-classic/index.html

Check out details about the Pebble Beach Concours @ https://pebblebeachconcours.net/

Olly Murs collects his modified Land Rover Defender 110

Gareth Herincx

23 hours ago
Auto News

Olly Murs collecting his revamped Land Rover Defender 110 from Urban Automotive

Singer-songwriter and TV personality Olly Murs has been handed the keys to his specially-commissioned Land Rover Defender 110.

He visited Urban Automotive’s Milton Keynes HQ to collect his reimagined Land Rover from company founder Simon Dearn.

Urban Automotive was entrusted with the transformation of Olly’s beloved Defender 110, managing a comprehensive refresh just in time for the birth of his first child with wife Amelia.

He plans to use the car for his new life as a parent with family-focused activities such “staycations, camping holidays and tents”.

Olly’s choice of modifications included a full ‘Best of British’ exterior design pack, 18-inch Urban Cruiser alloys, LED lighting and upgraded suspension, giving the iconic 4×4 an aggressive new look.

Urban Automotive’s team also carried out a light restoration and paintwork refresh, leaving the Defender 110 looking even better than when it originally left the factory.

The project presented an opportunity for the company to go back to its roots, because Urban Automotive was originally founded as a specialist for the original Land Rover Defender 90 and 110 models, building high-end vehicle conversions under the Urban Truck brand.

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