Fans of the Land Rover V8 series may be very excited to see the 2024 version emerge, even if a new one might be beyond all but the deepest pockets.

The latest of the series has gained some highly positive reviews from impressed observers following its unveiling.

Evo, for example, noted that there is still something familiar about the latest V8. Although the original Land Rover models were supposedly stopped in 2016, the old design blueprint has never fully gone away and has influenced newer Defenders – including this one.

On the one hand, it noted, in most ways, the newest version is “quite unlike the foundational machines that were put to work farming, in our emergency services and in our military over the course of more than seven decades.”  However, it added: “In quite a few others, in these new specials, the old muckers are alive and well.”

Even so, Evo reels off a list of performance elements that make this version exceptional, with its smoothness, great steering and “urban” style all to the fore.

However, with a price tag of £190,000 plus tax, many Land Rover fans will have to go down a different route. Owners of older models can look to buy a new V8 engine and give their vehicle a fresh lease of life and enhanced performance, even without all the extras in the latest model.

In its own review of the new V8, the Irish News described it as “an old school off-roader with added polish”.

Noting that there is plenty of “classic defender demand” still out there, this review, like that of Evo, highlighted the fact that many of the old elements are still to be found.

Nonetheless, if a new one is beyond most people’s budgets, the solution is very clear; with a new engine, an old V8 that comes with more power and performance is the best option for those trying to enjoy the finest available Land Rover experience.