Likes and Dislikes

A week of reflection after our first real shakedown I thought I’d summarise what I am liking and disliking about the D90 HT and what is rising to the top of the next project list.

LIKES

1) The engine and drivetrain. Top class. So smooth. Plenty of power and torque. Proper 21st century technology. 2) The driving position and cab arrangements generally. Commanding seating, lots of storage and places for everything. The bulkhead especially useful and riggable for storage.

3) The off-road capability and drive ability. Rocks, mud, soft anything, descent control, surround cameras, through the bonnet view etc. Superb and a huge advance on my old Patrols and L200.

4) The clear view camera - at last a complete rear view. Never possible before as you’re always packed to the ceiling.

5) The rear configurability. The HT both above and below the floor must be the most flexible load space for overlanding set up I’ve ever had.

6) My custom lunch box shelf. That makes the lunch box a really useful unit.

DISLIKES

1) The little rounded lower corners of the rear door opening. These really constrained the drawer set up and options.

2) The lack of simple forward folding in the front seats. I want to shout every time I want to get something from behind or on my bulkhead storage. Everything else is manual except the seat back forward adjust. This has the slowest electric control ever. Just give me a lever!!! Have to slide the seat forward etc etc.

3) No keyless entry. I bought already specced from the showroom floor but oh how I wish I had keyless entry. It’s a basic standard now isn’t it? You’re hands are full the key is deep down in your pocket and now you’ve got to go find the button. 4) An available overlanding coil spring lift and uprate. Fully loaded the spring ratings need to be stiffer and an extra inch or two of clearance would be a distinct advantage on the U.K.’s “old defender” deep ruts. 5) Better underbody protection. The wiring ahead of the rear suspension and diff is exposed and insufficiently protected. An extra plate is needed here. Also the plastic lower front valance covering the tow hook is pathetic.

NEXT PROJECTS

1) Lower front protection plate - @powerfuluk here I come

2) Uprated springs - have found a collaborator in the US already working on an uprated coil lift spring.

3) Proper UHF radio install solution in the cab (under the middle seat plinth?)

4) Bespoke rear awning - the X-Cover and awning is great for the drivers side but you still get wet when working at the back when it’s raining. Design drawn up and in dialogue with my local boat cover shop.