CarDekho reported that Jaguar Land Rover has transitioned the Defender from a fully built import originating in Slovakia under the CBU method to completely knocked down kits assembled at the company’s manufacturing facility in Pune, Maharashtra. The facility also handles assembly for the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, marking the first time the Defender is being assembled domestically for Indian customers.
Price Cuts and Standard Features Across Variants
Importing components rather than completed vehicles reduces tax burdens, bringing significant price drops across specific trims according to CarDekho’s revised price list. All prices cited are ex-showroom.
Assembly Scope and Import Status for Other Variants
While domestic assembly streamlines production and aims to reduce waiting periods, local manufacturing is currently restricted to the Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE variant. CarDekho noted that lower sales volumes mean the Defender 130, Defender 90, and Defender Octa will continue to arrive as CBU imports. Mechanically, the Defender lineup spans five engine options ranging from a 2-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid producing 300 PS and 400 Nm to a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol putting out 635 PS and 750 Nm, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Interior Amenities and Safety Equipment
Inside the cabin, the locally assembled luxury SUV features a 13.1-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a 700W 15-speaker Meridian surround sound system, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. Comfort provisions include 14-way power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats with memory functions, a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, and a power-adjustable steering column. Occupant protection is underscored by a 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, accompanied by level-2 ADAS, multiple airbags, electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and hill descent control.
JSW Combat SUV Market Entry
In broader automotive developments cited by Autocarindia, the JSW Group is preparing to launch a new SUV under its own brand named the JSW Combat, scheduled for release on December 4. The conglomerate is entering the automotive sector with vehicles based on models from China’s Chery lineup, specifically adapting the Jetour T2 for the Indian market with customized styling and brand badges. Production will take place at a new manufacturing facility established by JSW in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. The Combat is slated to feature a hybrid powertrain pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors, generating a combined output of 355 horsepower and 610 Nm of torque routed through a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. An 18.4 kWh battery pack supports a pure electric driving range of up to 90 kilometers under NEDC test cycles, while a full fuel tank enables an aggregate travel capacity of approximately 1,100 kilometers. The cabin is equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated front seats, a 540-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and level-2 ADAS capabilities.
