Can-Am planning a model splurge

Fresh from the international launch of its all-new utility-recreation side-by-side vehicle, the Defender, Can-Am has announced plans to massively expand its line-up over the next four years.

The Global Marketing Director for Can-Am Off-Road Vehicles, Philippe Normand, announced the new model splurge at the Defender introduction in Illinois, which will see the BRP-owned marque release a new side-by-side vehicle every six months for the next four years — a total of eight.

When pressed, Normand indicated that some of the eight will be offshoots of current models, while others will be 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.
And that's why Can-Am, which has always been known for its performance-orientated off-road tackle, on both two- and four wheels, has introduced the Defender, which will sit alongside the existing Maverick and Commander side-by-side line-ups.

The Defender, which will pitch itself squarely against the Polaris Ranger, has borrowed some hardware from its siblings, namely 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, and both will be available locally in the Defender and up-spec Defender XT models.

The XT adds a few extra features over the base Defender, such as an electric winch, three drive modes (Work, Normal and Eco) instead of just one, enclosed underseat storage, a larger multifunction digital dash, and an adjustable driver's seat. 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.

Price and availability (as in more specific than the first half of 2016) are still to be announced for the Defender and Defender XT.

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 a digitally encoded security system that comes with three programmable keys. 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.

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 two-inch (50mm) hitch receiver as standard.

We'll have a full review on the Defender and Defender XT on Bikesales very soon.