I’m a big fan of the Land Rover Defender and have been lucky enough to drive it in all body styles and with most of the different engines too. I was therefore intrigued when Land Rover launched the OCTA edition, clearly something special, but with distinctly premium pricing.

The car was in huge demand for testing, so after what seemed an eternity, a prime example in Narvik Black burbled up my driveway. It’s a familiar silhouette, but its purposeful looks signal intent. Wider arches, a more assertive stance, and subtle detailing hint that this is no ordinary Defender.

Under the bonnet lies the beating heart of the OCTA – a 4.4-litre V8 that endows the 4x4 with simply phenomenal performance. From rest, if you are brutal enough with the accelerator, the OCTA will surge to 60mph in under four seconds. Not so many years ago, this was supercar territory. Top speed is also a heady 130mph if you can find a disused runway or an empty autobahn. The power delivery is super smooth too, the relentless surge being quite addictive.

I had expected the OCTA to feel a tad intimidating on the narrow Dales’ roads, but nothing could be further from the truth. The excellent driving position and precise steering meant it was easy to place with pinpoint accuracy. The air suspension, whilst on the firm side, kept the Land Rover on an even keel, smothering bumps in the road with aplomb.

The real test would be taking the Defender OCTA offroad and a full day was planned, using many of the Green Lanes which crisscross the Yorkshire countryside. The technology available is impressive, but so capable is the OCTA that left to its own devices in drive, it conquered some of the harshest conditions I could find. Raising the air suspension was usually enough, though occasionally it was put into its bespoke mud setting. In truth, I had expected nothing less.

A couple of narrow gateways caused a few breathe-in moments, but as I had company, I was duly spotted to avoid any damage. We climbed every mountain, forged every stream and nothing phased the vehicle.

It should be said that any of the Defenders in the current range would have done us just as well, but the OCTA made things just that bit easier.

There are a few compromises. The sheer size of the OCTA, whilst giving it a commanding presence, can make driving in tighter town environments a bit of a challenge. A large parking space will be required. And then I must return to the fact that this is not a modestly priced vehicle. Not far short of £160,000 will be required to spec one like my test car! And if you must ask about the fuel economy…. Oh, you did! Well, if you get over 20mpg you will have done well.

The Defender OCTA is not designed to be all things to all people. It is a vehicle for those who value capability, character and a certain understated sense of occasion. Knowing you can conquer almost any terrain, even if you rarely stray off the tarmac is often enough. I would have one in an instant.

Fast Facts

Land Rover Defender OCTA
Price £158,415 as tested
4.4-litre V8 engine
635HP & 750Nm
0-60mph in 3.8 seconds
Top speed 130mph
Emissions – 302g/km CO2
Combined economy 21.1mpg
Towing capacity 3,500kg
Wading depth 1,000mm