Special OCTA Black and Trophy Edition models keep the Defender fresh

Sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover Defender

Since introducing the Defender in 2020, Jaguar Land Rover has kept its British adventure brand fresh by introducing desirable model editions throughout the past five years. The latest two come in the form of the OCTA Black and Trophy Edition, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.

Special OCTA Black and  Trophy Edition models  keep the Defender fresh
With an engine output of 467kW, the OCTA is the most powerful Defender yet.
Photo: Supplied
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The OCTA was last year rolled out as the most powerful Defender.
It’s 4,4ℓ twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 petrol engine which produces a whopping 467kW of power and tree stump-displacing 750Nm of torque speaks for itself. Not to mention its 6D Dynamics suspension, and dedicated OCTA Mode for performance off‑road driving.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has recently introduced the OCTA Black, which features extensive black detailing to give the most capable and most luxurious model in the Defender family a more purposeful presence and greater luxury.

This exclusive 110 is only offered in Narvik black paintwork, said to be the truest black on the Defender colour palette. Narvik black comes with a gloss finish as standard, but clients will also have the option of fitting the matte protective film.

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Proper black attire

The transformation sees black finishing applied to 30 exterior elements compared to the standard OCTA.

The front bash plate and rear scuff plates are finished in satin black powder coat. The exposed recovery eyes are satin black and a gloss black tow eye cover at the front and quad exhaust tips provide a contrasting finish.

The Land Rover oval on the front grille is black with darkened silver script. Underneath, the cover for the exhaust silencer and centre box as well as the optional electrically deployable towbar, gets black treatment.

Buyers have the choice of 20” forged wheels or 22” gloss black wheels. These feature black centre caps and Shadow Atlas Defender script, while gloss black brake callipers feature contrasting Sentient Silver script.

Luxury lounge

Inside, the Black model takes the OCTA’s already-plush finishing to a whole new level. Ebony Semi-Aniline Leather with Kvadrat upholstery makes its debut in the Defender, bringing a soft and tactile finish to the performance seats.

The seats feature unique perforation patterns on the seats and the backrests’ new stitching detail.

The seat backs and armrest hinges are finished in Carpathian Grey and the cross-car beam on the dashboard in satin black powder coat.

The OCTA Black comes standard with 700-watt, 15-speaker Meridian surround sound system. JLR says this vibroacoustic technology incorporates the same AI optimising software used by the world’s top recording artists and composers.

Good vibes

Front occupants can enjoy what is called Body and Soul seats, which means they can not only hear the music, but also feel the vibration.

Recent enhancements across the Defender lineup are also included on the OCTA Black spec sheet. These include a new headlight design with revised signature graphic and flush rear lights with smoked lenses on the outside.

Inside, a new 13,1” touchscreen provides the driver with more intuitive infotainment control.

The Defender OCTA Black is available in limited numbers locally, with exclusive pre-configured curations.

Defender OCTA Black

Price: R3 979 500
Engine: 4,4ℓ V8 twin-turbo petrol
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 467kW @ 5 900rpm
Torque: 750Nm @ 1 800 to 5 900rpm
Fuel consumption (claimed): 13,5ℓ/100km
Fuel tank size: 90ℓ
Fuel range (claimed): 667km
Licensing mass: 2 585kg
Towing capacity: 3 500kg

Honouring the past

The Camel Trophy adventure that ran from 1980 to 2000 was synonymous with previous generations of the Defender. The Defender 110 Trophy Edition does not feature any cigarette branding like before, but it is offered in two heritage-inspired colours.

Deep Sandglow Yellow is a modern interpretation of the famous Trophy-style livery and Keswick Green celebrates rural exploration in Defender’s UK homeland. Both hues can be finished with an optional matte protective film for an added layer of protection to the bodywork.

The Trophy Edition celebrates the brand’s return to international adventure challenge events. It offers a curated range of expedition accessories to transform the Defender into the perfect companion for every challenging journey.

The all-new OCTA Mode is the first performance-focused off-road mode on a Defender.

Striking contrast

A striking, contrasting gloss black finish on the bonnet, lower bodyside, brake callipers and rear recovery eyes add to the Trophy Edition’s visual appeal, along with gloss black 20” alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres.

To further set this special model apart from its siblings, there are Trophy decals on the bonnet and C-pillar graphic and Trophy rear badging.

The Trophy Edition also comes standard with a dark rear scuff plate, gloss black wheel arch protection, black front bash plate, front and rear classic mud flaps and raised air intake.

The expedition roof rack can be reached by a black deployable roof ladder, while a gloss black side-mounted gear carrier provides space for dirty items.

Tough yet plush

Trophy illuminated tread plates and Ebony Windsor leather seats provide a blend of toughness and luxury in the An exposed cross-car beam is finished in the same distinctive colour as the exterior and features unique laser-etched endcaps with Trophy branding.

The Trophy Edition 110 is powered by a straight-six 3,0ℓ turbodiesel engine that sends 257kW of power and 700Nm of torque to all four wheels via eight-speed automatic transmission.

A production run of 60 Trophy models has been confirmed for South Africa.

Defender Trophy Edition 110

Price: R2 227 800
Engine: 3,0ℓ turbo-diesel
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 257kW @ 4 000rpm
Torque: 700Nm @ 1 500 to 3 000rpm
Fuel consumption (claimed): 8,5ℓ/100km
Fuel tank size: 89ℓ
Fuel range (claimed): 1 047km
Licensing mass: 2 436kg
Towing capacity: 3 500kg