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October 2007
We are currently taking delivery of the refined new 2007 Ford powered 6 speed
Land Rover Defender TDci in Namibia. We have driven the new vehicle at the factory
and were very impressed with it. According to Land Rover :- "The new 2.4
litre common-rail diesel engine gives New 2007 Defender greater drivability and
refinement. Engine peak power output is 122PS with more than 90% of the power
available over 60% of the rev range making the power more accessible and giving
the engine a more responsive feel." In fact, not only is this new engine
designed to be fully compliant with EU4 emissions legislation, a unique engine
tune has been developed to allow it to tolerate the variable quality,
high-sulphur fuels to be found in Africa. It´s also up to 30 percent
quieter than the outgoing diesel engine.
The driving experience is enhanced by Defender´s all-new six-speed
transmission. Specially developed for heavy-duty applications,
it is lighter, stronger and also provides smoother on-road performance,
slicker gear changes and improved fuel consumption. Improved
gearshift positioning offers greater comfort and ease-of-use.
A lower first gear reduces crawl speed and combines with the
increased engine Torque.
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Externally there is little change to the iconic
body shape apart from the new bonnet bullge.
We liked the improved performance especially with low range at
tick over, where the vehicle was unstoppable.
We will be trailling the vehicle over the next few months
to see the feedback that it gets from you all driving it
in the bush.
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The
heart of the new Land Rover Defender TDci is the Ford power plant
and 6 speed gearbox.
Importantly this has improved performance where it was needed. The
gearbox seems a very robust and well tested unit.
The interior has had a much needed facelift with seats that
are now well contoured. Importantly we found the second row seats
much improved.
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The only negative
we could find was the loss of the bulkhead air vents but
this a small price to pay for a new dash design.
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June 2007
Safari Drive buys new Land Rovers from the Land Rover dealerships
and equips them to the highest of standards. This process can take
several months to source the vehicles and equipment and arrange
for the fittment. Engineering of extra fuel and water tanks as
well as the many other jobs ensures that we have the best possible
expedition vehicle enabling you to explore and discover the bush
and wildlife of Africa in safety and comfort.
We have found that for most of Africa the well tried and tested
Land Rover 110 tdi is still the best vehicle for the job in remoter
Africa whilst the Td5 is used in Southern Africa. These vehicles
are still available new and we will continue to use them untill
there is a replacement expected later in 2007.
Over the years we have thoroughly researched the equipment that
we supply and although we are always updating and re-evaluating
our equipment. We now have the definitive level of equipment
for a self drive safari.
The equipment is not absolutely identical in every vehicle but
we always ensure you have the essentials for each country and its
respective driving conditions.
- Long range fuel tanks
- Wheel brace & Hi Lift
- Vehicle documents
- Two spare tyres
- Vehicle handbook
- Modified rear seats
- Two batteries
- Split charge system
- Fire extinguisher
- Spade and axe
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Tow rope or strap
- Tyre pump
- Pair of sand ladders
- Fridge
- Exterior Lighting
- Land Rover jack
- Vehicle awning
- Roof Tent
- Cooking equipmet
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LOADING NEW LAND ROVERS FOR SHIPPING
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After the sourcing
and equipping new vehicles are put in a container and then
shipped to Africa.
Insurance and other documentation as well as
customs clearance all have to be arranged.
Finally the new vehicles are ready for you
to drive in the deserts, deltas and game parks of Africa
enabling you to be an explorer rather than a tourist !
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