The DC100 is a prototype from Land Rover, designed with a view to replacing the current Defender model. But the new-look potential Defender appears to be a significant departure from its predecessor, both in terms of styling and what’s under the bonnet. Not everyone is convinced by the new approach to this famous off-road vehicle, but from what we gather, it’s certainly looking to make a big leap ahead of its rivals.

Once you get past the super-cool, almost ganster-style design, there appears to be real substance to the new technologies found onboard the DC100. Imagine a vehicle that can actually optimise its suspension, transmission and engine in order to ride across tricky ground (sand, muddy land), by seeing the terrain ahead. More impressively, perhaps, one of the model’s new technologies can actually see under water, thereby gauging if a flooded area can be crossed.

But perhaps the most impressive feature on the DC100 is a set of wheels that can deploy spikes in order to get across wet grass. Given that the Defender is used in harsh terrain, often when lives are at stake, such new technologies will be welcomed by many of its current users.

While traditionally you could take the Defender anywhere, from the wilds of Scotland to the coastal roads of Italy, it’s still worth remembering that good annual breakdown cover – or short term European cover – offers a final level of protection, no matter how good your 4x4 is.