(August 19,2011) GAYDON, Warwickshire — The rugged, spartan Land Rover Defender, which was sold in the U.S. for only three years from 1994-1997, lives on in Europe as a rugged go-anywhere vehicle.

It stills looks much like it did during its brief stint in U.S. showrooms, but continual improvements have been made to the vehicle.

For instance, the 2012 edition will get a new 2.2-liter diesel engine replacing a 2.4-liter diesel, which, according to Land Rover will bring greater levels of performance and refinement. The smaller capacity engine delivers the same power, torque and economy as its outgoing unit but makes this the cleanest Land Rover Defender yet produced. The new engine comes with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to ensure the lowest possible levels of regulated emissions.

The Defender can trace its roots back to 1948 and during that period Land Rovers earned a reputation as the most rugged and versatile off-road vehicles in the world. Since the current model's introduction in 2007, the Defender has consistently sold an average of 25,000 units a year worldwide.

Retail and utility customers, armed forces and NGOs in over 100 countries believe that the Defender's off-road ability, durability and towing capability are still head and shoulders above the competition. Such a unique combination of attributes explains why this legendary vehicle commands such exceptionally high standards of customer loyalty.

"The substantial improvements to the Defender in 2007 transformed its on-road refinement and comfort whilst extending its legendary capability off-road for which Defender is synonymous. With the introduction of the new 2.2-liter diesel engine and two option packs, the Defender for 2012 now offers greater customer choice than ever before," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

Despite the smaller capacity and reduced emissions, the new engine produces the same power,  120 horsepower at 3,500 rpm and 265 pound-feet of torque at 2,000rpm, as the outgoing 2.4-liter engine. Performance remains similar too, though the top speed has been raised to 90 mph compared to 82 mph for the previous version.

The 2012 Defender starts at £20,995 ($33,600) and will be on-sale in the UK in November.