I don't have any aesthetic issues with it. The rear lights are a little strong, but I can get over that. The only concern I have about the permanent window stickers is whether or not it's a dramatic decrease in visibility. Then again, I LOVE those fucking saddle bags. Damn that's a nice feature right out of the factory. So, I'd end up covering the windows on that vehicle, anyway, because there's no way I'd buy it without that option package.
I find the options a bit baffling at the moment, but that's just a matter of the site being reorganized. I think it makes sense on paper; it's just not on paper...
One thing I find interesting is the ability to get "satin paint" without the drawbacks. They're just wrapping the normal paint in satin film. Job done. Your paint is protected, it may look cooler to you, and it can be replaced or removed at any time. Why the fuck don't the rest of them do it that way? No need for a fifteen thousand dollar paint option that's fucked the second a drop of sap hits it on a hot day when wraps are so common now.
The interior looks convenient and full of storage, and they're including a lot of the stuff you'd normally have to go upmarket for in the base models. Then again, that's increased the price of the base models.
From the perspective of inflation, the price is pretty close to what it was here before. I think it should have been cost cut a bit, but then again I haven't fully explored the options. I'm going to need a brochure for this thing, but it looks like a lot of choices are available.
Remember as well that the original Defender didn't come with front and rear lockers, any manner of traction aids, and no wizardry. This is objectively a vehicle with better traction characteristics out of the box. They can keep the old angles. If this stuff holds up, it doesn't need them to do what a Defender is actually meant to do; and that's function efficiently in the middle of nowhere doing work.
The Defender was never intended to be a toy. I don't care about rock-hopping angles or 40" tires so long as it does it's actual job properly.
The one decision that strikes me as very, very odd is keeping that tiny rear door. I'd have kitted it out like an LR3 and ensured plywood would actually lay flat in there. I honestly don't get the tiny door thing on a vehicle that's obviously one of the most rigid they've ever developed.
Cheers,
Kennith