Land Rover Defender 90 can now do without the spare wheel

The Land Rover Defender 90 has just received a new option that may surprise fans of the iconic British off-roader. For the first time, European customers can choose to remove the spare wheel mounted on the rear door, one of the most recognisable elements of the model’s visual identity.

The new option comes in the form of an optional spare wheel removal kit, developed to improve rear visibility and make manoeuvring in tight spaces easier.

But this is not the only change. The brand has also introduced the new Alasia Pack, a set of customisation elements that adds copper details to the Defender’s bodywork, giving it a more sophisticated appearance.

Defender 90 without a spare wheel: more practical for everyday use

The spare wheel mounted on the rear door has always been one of the most distinctive features of the Land Rover Defender. However, while it contributes to its rugged and adventurous image, it can also present some limitations in everyday use.

With drivers who prioritise practicality in mind, the brand has begun offering the Spare Wheel Removal Kit, an optional feature that allows the spare wheel to be removed from the rear of the Defender 90.

Without this element, the driver benefits from improved rear visibility, especially during parking manoeuvres or in places where space is limited.

The rear door also becomes lighter and requires less space to open, an advantage in small garages and tight car parks.

However, the change does not completely transform the appearance of the rear. The wheel mounting points remain visible on the door, meaning the surface is not completely smooth.

The reduction in weight is also expected to be minimal, with no significant improvements in fuel consumption or performance anticipated.

And for those who like to carry bicycles, there is good news: removing the spare wheel does not prevent the use of compatible conventional bike racks.

For now, this option is available exclusively on the Land Rover Defender 90, with no plans announced to introduce it on the Defender 110 and Defender 130 versions.

New Alasia Pack adds copper details to the Defender

In addition to the option of removing the spare wheel, the Defender range receives the new Alasia Pack, a set of exterior customisation elements developed for the European market.

The highlight is the Cyprus Copper finish, inspired by the history of Cyprus and the importance copper had for ancient Mediterranean civilisations.

The name Alasia refers precisely to an ancient designation associated with the island, historically known for the extraction and trade of this metal.

On the Defender, the copper finish appears on several bodywork elements, including the front and rear badges, the front grille bar, the side air vents and the rear towing points.

The result is a combination of the rugged image of the British off-roader with details intended to convey greater sophistication.

Unlike the spare wheel removal kit, the Alasia Pack is available across the entire Defender range, including the 90, 110 and 130 versions.

Orders are already open in Europe, although the brand has not yet announced prices for the new optional equipment.

Defender 90 continues to focus on versatility

Despite being the most compact model in the range, the Land Rover Defender 90 retains several solutions that make it particularly versatile.

With a three-door body, the model can carry up to six occupants when equipped with the optional front centre seat.

The rear seats feature a 40:20:40 split-folding configuration, allowing the interior to be adapted to different passenger and luggage requirements.

With the seats folded down, load capacity can reach approximately 1,500 litres, offering space to carry equipment, luggage or other bulky objects.

These characteristics help explain how the Defender 90 seeks to combine the traditional capabilities of an off-roader with the demands of everyday use.

Land Rover Defender prepares for new developments

The new features arrive at a time when Land Rover continues to explore new possibilities for expanding the Defender family.

Among the projects mentioned for the future is a more compact Defender Sport, which could offer hybrid and fully electric powertrains.

There have also been references to the possibility of developing a commercial or pick-up version, although there is still no official confirmation that such a model will reach production.

For now, the most concrete changes are the introduction of the spare wheel removal kit and the Alasia Pack.

With these options, the brand aims to offer customers new customisation possibilities without fundamentally changing the character of the Defender.

After all, not every driver is looking for exactly the same experience. While some continue to value the traditional image of the off-roader, others prefer solutions that make it easier to use in the city.

And it is precisely this freedom of choice that Land Rover aims to reinforce with the new Defender 90 options.

Sources: Turbo, SAPO, Revista Carros