Land Rover’s all-new Defender has been named 2021 World Car Design of the Year at the annual World Car Awards.

It’s the third time Land Rover has claimed the coveted prize following previous wins for Range Rover Velar (2018) and Range Rover Evoque (2012).

New Defender is available in a choice of body designs and can be personalised with a choice of four different Accessory Packs.

The World Car Design of the Year prize recognises the most outstanding new car of the last 12 months and rewards vehicles demonstrating the highest standards of technical innovation and design and that push established boundaries.

Prof. Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “New Defender is influenced by its past but is not constrained by it and we are delighted it has been honoured with this award.

“Our vision was to create a 21st century Defender by pushing the boundaries of engineering, technology and design while retaining its renowned DNA and off-road capability. The result is a compelling 4x4 that resonates with customers on an emotional level.”

This year, a panel of seven automotive design experts reviewed the contenders to establish a shortlist of recommendations for the jurors’ final vote, made by the 93 international journalists that comprise the jury panel.

A distinctive silhouette makes the New Defender instantly recognisable, with minimal front and rear overhangs providing excellent approach and departure angles.

Land Rover’s designers also re-envisioned familiar Defender trademarks, giving the 4x4 a purposeful upright stance and Alpinelight windows in the roof, while retaining the side-hinged rear tailgate and externally-mounted spare wheel that make the original so identifiable.

Defender 110 offers five, six or 5+2 seating configurations, while the 90 can accommodate six occupants in a vehicle the length of a compact family hatchback.

Underpinned by Land Rover’s strong D7x aluminium platform – the brand’s stiffest ever body structure – advanced all-terrain technologies and state-of-the-art powertrains deliver a rewarding drive and first-class comfort across all terrain while buyers now have a choice of Ingenium petrol and diesel engines or a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain.

The Defender family now encompasses the Defender 90 and Defender 110, as well as the 90 and 110 Hard Top commercial variants.