Some of the newness may be fading, as the Defender in its modern form has been on sale since 2020. But there's no doubt its combination of modern but sympathetic design, impressive refinement, and the fact it's great to drive on and off-road, keep it attractive to customers even after three years. 

However, for company buyers, there's no doubt the diesel and petrol models' thirst, high CO2 and list prices mean it is enjoyed by a lucky few company car drivers. Could the P400e plug-in hybrid version of the Defender be the solution? 

The high £72,130 P11D value of our X-Dynamic S trim test car mean this Land Rover will be the preserve of company directors and the like, but because it is a PHEV, the BIK falls from 37% to a more affordable 16%.  

The P400e combines Land Rover's 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor and a 19.2kWh battery hidden under the back of the car. Total power is an impressive 404hp with 472lb ft of torque. Starting in full-electric, it's a refined unit, which quietly switches to petrol power as speed builds. Acceleration to 60mph takes 5.6 seconds yet it is still capable of covering 27 miles on electric power alone - although we saw just 20 miles in the cold winter weather when we drove this car.

Outside, the Defender's retro-modern styling is unchanged. The only obvious change for this PHEV version, apart from the P400e badging, is the extra charging flap at the back on the left. PHEV Defenders are only available in the 110 five doors in X, X-Dynamic and XS Edition trims. Our X-Dynamic S test car had standard 19in alloy wheels, although these were upgraded to 20s, a sliding panoramic sunroof and keyless entry and go. 

Inside, the PHEV looks and feels identical to the regular Defender. So, think the same dashboard with its 13.1in tablet-style Pivi Pro navigation system, with physical ventilation controls lower down. Elsewhere, there's a chunky four-spoke, multi-function steering wheel and Windsor leather trim on the seats - it feels special and expensive.

There are five- and six-seat versions of the Defender PHEV, but because of the battery, there's no seven-seater option. Still, both have decent head and legroom. Boot space is a practical 853 litres, as the battery doesn't affect that. 

On the road, the Defender PHEV starts in total silence in Hybrid mode, with the engine not woken until speeds increase when out of town - although we found the battery quickly depleted. So, to hold on to as much electric charge for as long as possible you're probably best pressing the new 'Save' button on the centre console. Or, if you need all 20 or so miles of electric power at once, the 'EV' button should be pressed. Weight has climbed to a not insignificant 2,525kg, but it drives much the same as the standard Defender. So, think controlled and comfortable - even on the optional 20in wheels.  

When this Defender needs charging, it will take two whole hours to get to 80% when plugged into a 7kW wall box - although it can be rapid-charged from 0-80% in 30 minutes

Then there's the handling, which considering its weight and tall body, remains impressively tidy. In fact, the Defender's steering is decently precise, equalling an off-roader that is more involving to drive than you'd expect.