Off-roader unstoppable to title

The Land Rover Defender has been named car of the year by TopGear.com as well as securing its “unstoppable force” award.

Judges praised the new Defender for being one of the toughest vehicles on the road today.

Jack Rix, editor of Top Gear Magazine says: “Our car of the year is an accolade won by only the very best of the best. 

“We’ve driven one across the Namibian desert and in properly harsh environments, like the M25 around London in 110 and 90 forms with every engine under the bonnet. It performs brilliantly everywhere. 

“It’s the toughest, most capable off-roader we’ve ever tested, but one that’s a refined, well-equipped family car.”

To celebrate the achievement, Land Rover teamed up with Top Gear to prove the new Defender worthy of the “unstoppable force” title. 

The ultimate strength test, pictured below, was designed to prove out the structural toughness of its D7x aluminium platform by suspending three unmodified 110s from a crane solely through their towing eyes. 

The test subjected the first Defender 110 to more than eight tonnes through the structure with each Defender featuring the optional adventure pack and other options.