Soft Top

Even a cursory stroll around the Defender Soft-Top reveals volumes about its purpose in life. From its external safari cage to its all-terrain tires, there is nothing frivolous about the Defender 90. Its muscular presence is evocative of the adventurous lifestyles it serves.

Perhaps the most visible evidence of Defender's authenticity is the network of steel tubing, or "safari cage," that surrounds the passenger area. What at first glance might appear to offer protection against an encounter with an angry rhino is actually there to reinforce the already-strong chassis. And it makes the prospect of open-air motoring all the more inviting.

Defender

Nestled behind Defender's thick-rimmed steering wheel, one is again reminded of the vehicle's purposefulness. Here is a cockpit formed by function yet built for pleasure. Complete instrumentation, rugged gear-levers and controls, reclining bucket seats beside a redesigned center console, wear- and soil-resistant twill-effect upholstery and knobby rubber flooring -- together, they create a package that unequivocally invites outdoor adventure.

 
And if a bit of the outdoors happens to find its way inside, that's just fine. Defender 90 is not the kind of vehicle that shies from a little dirt or a friendly challenge. It is, in fact, nearly as tough inside as it is outside, built to contain everything from muddy clothes and dirty boots to the well-used mountain bike, kayak or other outdoor equipment that invariably accompanies active people. When the adventure is over, a good vacuum or, for that matter, some soap and water are all that's needed to get the Defender 90 looking nice again.