Twisted 110 Utility 3.2 Ultimate prototype first drive

The next step in Twisted’s slow-burning plan to transform the once humble Defender into a do-it-all upmarket offering.

Previously - leaving its brilliant V8-engined offering aside - the Yorkshire-based tuner had contented itself with modifying Land Rover’s established lineup; now it intends to offer the bigger 3.2-litre TDCi from the Ford Ranger (and Ford Transit) as a swap-out option. 

As standard, the new-to-Defender five-cylinder unit develops around 197bhp and 347lb ft of torque; once Twisted has finished bolting on a new exhaust, intercooler and remapping the ECU, the power peaks at beyond 230bhp and, more importantly, provides the 110 prototype driven here with 528lb ft of low-down pluck.

Not only does this cleave the standard Defender's 0-62mph time roughly in two, it also makes the car a supremely capable tow bar mount. No surprises there perhaps, considering Land Rover’s own sterling reputation, but the 3.2-litre engine’s extra heave is said to make considerably lighter work of the 3500kg towing limit - a serious attraction to anyone who’s ever spent time hauling something down a motorway behind a Defender. 

Although an evolution of the car’s current 2.2-litre, four-cylinder TDCi, Twisted has had to find room for the larger engine, and its six-speed manual gearbox. Its taller dimensions mean it’s a much tighter fit between bonnet and axle, and the greater weight rules out the use of the brand’s preferred progressive springs (although they'll be available eventually).

Instead the Twisted prototype gets a more conventional heavy-duty set-up at the front, albeit one complemented by Bilstein dampers and six-pot brakes.

A hoot. Flawed, certainly - as you might expect at this stage - but easily likeable enough to confirm that Twisted is probably onto something. The key feature here is burliness; the bigger engine, tightly squeezed under the Defender's bonnet, is heavier, noisier, keener and manifestly tougher than even the Twisted-fettled version of the 2.2-litre motor. 

With the firm’s attentions it idles with a roaring, impatient five-cylinder thrum. Predictably, given its provenance, first and second gear feel short enough to get a concrete horse-box underway, and can almost be bypassed completely should you wish.

Third and fourth are hardly what you’d consider long either, although both are rambunctiously propulsive. Really, as it’ll pull cleanly from 30-70mph in the next ratio, it’s fifth and sixth where you spend most of your time though - and where the car announces itself as something different. 

Instead of easing into 60mph like it’s been winded at the effort, the 3.2-engined Defender uses its almighty, largely unhindered twist to surge well beyond the familiar chug.

Outright quick, by modern standards, it probably isn’t, but for Land Rover’s pop-riveted lackey it feels incredibly enthusiastic beyond 70mph. Overtaking, instead of being limited to rounding cyclists, is now credible even on a fast A-road. 

Exploring its potential however is not a quiet or relaxing business. Twisted’s impeccable soundproofing can only do so much; this is an unapologetic workhorse of an engine, and from the weight of the gear change to the low geared, Transit-like power band, it shows everywhere.