World launch: Can-Am Defender side-by-side

Can-Am, which has always been known for its performance-orientated off-road tackle — on both two- and four wheels — has introduced an all-new utility-recreation side-by-side vehicle called the Defender.

The Defender, available in 800cc and 976cc configurations, sits alongside the existing Maverick and Commander side-by-side line-ups from Can-Am.

There will be lots more to come over the next four years from the Canadian powerhouse, with plans to release a new model every six months — and we've already seen the first one in the form of the six-seater Defender MAX.

That means there's seven models to go, with some offshoots of current models (like the MAX) and others brand new as Can-Am pushes hard to increase market share in the cut-throat side-by-side market, particularly in North America where about 145,000 units are sold each year in the utility sector.

The Global Marketing Director for Can-Am Off-Road Vehicles, Philippe Normand, announced the new model splurge as a 'sidebar' at the Defender introduction in Illinois, but his main focus was obviously on spruiking the benefits of the new side-by-side range, which will pitch itself squarely against Polaris and its Ranger models.

Feature packed

The Defender line-up isn't entirely new, which just wouldn't make sense — economically or rationally — for BRP Recreational Products (the parent company of Can-Am) with such 'talent' already on its books with the Commanders and Mavericks (review here).

Hence, the Defender uses engines from the Commander (but with new mounts and the engine moved to the back of the vehicle) and rear suspension components from the Maverick, but other features are all-new like the high-strength steel frame and transmission with larger CVT ratios.

There are two Rotax V-twin engines to choose from: the 50hp 800cc HD8 and the 72hp 976cc HD10 (HD standing for 'Heavy Duty'), and both are now on sale in Australia across the following configurations:

The Defenders can be driven in two- or four-wheel drive, with the option of engaging diff lock in either mode. The CVT transmission also has high and low modes.

The XT adds a number of features over the standard Defenders, such as a 4500-pound electric winch, three drive modes (Work, Normal and Eco) instead of just one, enclosed underseat storage, a larger multifunction digital dash with built-in storage, 14-inch cast-aluminium wheels, 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn tyres, full hard roof, full skid plate and an adjustable driver's seat.

Further to the instrumentation, the HD8 comes with a simple digital speedo, while at the other end of the spectrum the HD10 XT has an analogue speedo and rev counter to complement the central digital display.

All Defenders sold in Australia and New Zealand come fitted with a digitally encoded security system that allows the top speed to be limited without affecting torque output.

There are three different keys: 'work', which limits top speed to 40km/h; 'Eco', which limits the torque output by 10 percent and the top speed to 70km/h; and 'Performance', which places no limitation on torque or top speed.

Customer focussed

BRP met over 100 farmers/owners/focus groups during the R&D phase of the Defender's conception, including an Aussie farmer called 'Mr Hogson' (all the other interviewees also had first names…).

And it shows: just about every possible scenario or work situation has been factored into the design, whether in standard form or through the wide array of accessories such as steel bumpers with anti-corrosive coating, skid plates, winches and hitches, power tilt bed, cabin protection, sport roof, windshields, rear wind protection, bed wall extenders, soft cabin enclosure, lights and the aforementioned digitally encoded security system.

In all, there are about 50 Defender-specific accessories, and 25 that can be fitted from the other Can-Am side-by-side families.

Even if farmers stick with a base package, the Defenders are still smart and intuitive cookies: BRP has certainly done its homework.

The machines have long-range 40-litre fuel tanks, 140-watt lighting systems, 650-watt magnetos for extra accessory power, a tight turning circle, multi-function cargo boxes, and a bevy of storage solutions in the cabin, including a quick-detach tool box, under dash storage and a foldable centre console and arm rest with cup holders.

Accessing the cabin is also a cinch, while on all the models the tip tray comes with gas struts, four steel tie-down points, and 14 quick-attach connector points. The rear fold-down tailgate also incorporates four cup recesses for when it's time to down tools.

Towing and storage

As far as the numbers are concerned, the Defender tows up to 907kg, hauls up to 454kg in the cargo box, carries up to a 689kg payload, and has a 50mm hitch receiver as standard. No overloading ATVs anymore!

The Defenders have a couple of quick-detach and fully enclosed storage containers. The largest 'dry' container is standard only on the XT model and is located under the passenger seat. It can also be left out at any time without affecting the number of passengers you can carry.

The smaller box, located in front of the passenger, can also be removed and also left off when you need to leave tools etc on site.

Launch at Harpole's

The Defender range was launched at Harpole's Heartland Lodge in Illinois, which is about a 90-minute drive from St Louis, over the border in Missouri, and four-and-a-half hours from the really big smoke in Chicago.

Owned by the Harpole family, the lodge and its vast surroundings offer activities aplenty for the outdoor enthusiast, including over 40 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, ATV riding and, ahem, bird watching for the ultimate high-octane experience. Click here for more information on Harpole's.

We already knew before we arrived in America that side-by-side vehicles make a lot of sense, and over recent times have been replacing ATVs on farms en masse. Why? They are safer due to a wider wheel track, require less instruction, can safely carry and tow more, seat belts and roll cages are standard, and they can even be enclosed to combat inclement weather.

The Defender also carries three people — two more than an ATV. However, there is the option of folding the centre section down to make it a two-seater, which adds an open storage shelf into the equation as well as a few more cup holders.

For work and fun

Can-Am makes a top notch product, and the Defender simply carries on that tradition — but it's not all functional and you can definitely have some real fun on them as well. And Harpoles certainly obliged on that score, which included a couple of doozy bog holes.

The steel-wheeled base-model HD8 wasn't on location at the launch, but the other three models were. And it was in the HD8 DPS power steer version where we got a good feel for the 800cc Rotax V-twin engine, which clams 14 percent more horsepower than the Polaris Ranger 570, as well as 53 percent more torque at 4000rpm — although the Ranger is only 567cc, so it probably falls short of a direct comparison.

Still, if it's a workhorse you're after, the torque produced by the HD8 is impressive: quick off the mark and with a level of animation I certainly wasn't expecting.

Only when it hits around the 5000rpm mark does it begin to run out of puff, but most farmers won't even be pushing into that territory.

You'd be surprised, even on the HD8, how easily it can take off from as standings start, even on steeper hills. And that's only with 2WD engaged in High range, so there's all that scope remaining for when you're really in tight situations.

The 976cc engine in the HD10s is obviously the crown jewel, and not only does it rev a bit harder and for longer, it adds another 22hp and 15Nm over the HD8. That not only makes better at hunkering down for those tough jobs, but it just doesn't want to break stride.

Even though it's got way more muscle, for sustained hardcore work it'd still make more sense to engage the new CVT transmission in low range when you can, as less fatigue will surely make for less long-term financial and/or out-of-action pain.

The A-arm suspension on the Defenders is excellent, so much so that it's the most comfortable and smooth ride for a utility-based side-by-side that I've been in.

I was expecting some particularly hard front-end running-out-of-talent-and-nous shunts, but I soon came to the realisation that BRP has also built in a 'recreational' factor as well, so there was only a hint of that ugly understeering you get on other utility models.

And even with a full payload on the back, the steering remains rock solid and doesn't dramatically alter the handling of the vehicle.

The Defenders have twin tube gas-charged shock absorbers, and there's 254mm of travel at both ends. Ground clearance is 280mm, so plenty of room to navigate rough and knobbly terrain.

The chassis also includes a tough steel frame and four 220mm diameter discs gripped by two-pot calipers at the front and single-piston calipers at the rear. If anyone says the brakes are underdone then the Defender isn't the vehicle for them!

Onto a winner

The new Defender range presents a huge opportunity for Can-Am, and the company has made a massive commitment to getting it right from the get-go — and that was evident in our first vehicle walk around at Harpoles when we became aware of just how much thought had gone into the design. And that was without delving into the accessories catalogue, which provides yet more layers of comfort, practicality and strength.

Tough, capable and clever is the Can-Am catch-cry about the new Defenders, borne out from an exhaustive R&D campaign that has seemingly provided a 'solution' to the demands of farmers and hunters (well, it is a North American company…) while leaving just enough in the tank for those with a recreational bent to eke out some fun.

Watch out for a detailed review of the Can-Am Defender which recently touched down on Australian shores.