Santana's

[Lighting90]

Well, got to have a good look around the Santana's at the LRO show, and have to say, I was impressed. Even though they had leaf springs, will have to find out how to be able to get a test drive, and really find out what they are like.
The thing that I am curious about though, how do they managed to get the doors to feel so solid, and to shut with such a nice clunk.... might just have to investigate to see if the Santana doors will fit on the 90!!!

Did anyone else have a look, and what did you think of them??

[Muddi Babe]

Santanas?? Is that the Suzuki santanas you are talking about?? Ive got a suzuki SJ (santana) and my doors dont clunk! they kinda rattle! hehe

[Spacemutt]

Santana (as seen at Billing). :)

[Lighting90]

and the good news is, they will be available in right hand drive, and hopefuly, next year, a 90 version will be available... This is a vehicle which I think I will need a test drive of soon.

[Alan H]

I can see the Santana taking up where the Defender/Series left off - if it's any good that is. Why can't the prunes at LR start to actually THINK what we want never mind what THEY want to sell us.

[Lighting90]

Well I was impressed with it.... can't wait to get a test drive...

[Muddi Babe]

Dont you think its odd that they have named it after a suzuki which is no longer being built??

My suzuki SJ (some are known as santanas) has a badge on it which says "made by Land Rover" whats that all about then??
My SJ is one that was built in spain by the way. (not a santana model)

[Spacemutt]

Santana built Suzukis, like they did Land Rovers. The Santana Annibal (as above) has Suzuki seats. It also has an Iveco engine (better than a Tdi?).

[Hubber]

stephen,, do you ever sleep???

[Spacemutt]

Sleep is for the week. :thedevil:

[Alan H]

Santana, or Santa Ana as it is more properly known has been the subject of several write-ups recently, one very good one by Bob. (Don't tell him I said his articles are good, he'll never get his cap on again). They built Land Rovers under licence until they and LR fell out, then started to build Suzukis under licence. Suzukis have also been badged as Maruti but I don't know anything about this manufacturer, and can't be arsed to look really. One thing is clear though, Land Rover have not built any Suzukis. Period. The "Made by Land Rover" stickers/metal badges can be bought at many places though. You do realise, with that sticker on, your Suzi will leak water in and oil out!
Santana wan't named after a Suzi, the Suzi was named by Santana. You may find that someone has removed the Santana badge and fitted a Land Rover one instead.

[Muddi Babe]

aahhh!! you learn something new everyday! Thanx for that.

the "made by land rover" badge isnt on the body though its inside the engine bay tucked away!

And yes the SJ does leak water in and oil out! lol
mines not called the santana as its an early one and made in spain??
To be honest I just drive the bloody thing not into all the history etc - as long as my vehicles get me from A to B via M (M for Mud):p I dont care!! lol

Interesting info though from everyone!!

And to get back to the original photo - it does look kinda ok doesn't it!

[owen]

I too looked at the Santana at the lro, and i was extremely impressed, the engine bay was not cluttered, because it had no turrets for the girky coils,
the engine is time proven and everything was thought out well, the plastic washable headling, the rubber mat's instead of carpet, the fact that the body and chassis are dipped before everything else is attached so even the inside of the chassis is weather protected,

I too am looking forward to getting a test drive, and they start at £15000, how does that compare to a td5 110

[Ferryman]

For those who are interested (and understand Spanish) go to this link...
http://www.arrakis.es/~ensafer/esp/santana.html
I've owned the 1979 model.
Greetz, Tony

[Alan H]

Originally posted by Ferryman
For those who are interested (and understand Spanish) go to this link...
http://www.arrakis.es/~ensafer/esp/santana.html
I've owned the 1979 model.
Greetz, Tony

So, how do you like it? Is it any good? How is it looking at 14 years old?

[Ferryman]

Hi Alan,
I've driven the car from '88 until '92 when I lived and worked in Spain, we had a yachting business at the Spanish eastcoast.
It was a standard 109" chassis, powered by a six cyl. inline Rover diesel. I was told that this was a petrolengine converted to diesel, but I have no proof of that.
Fact is that the comression was poor for a dieselengine, firing it up was a disaster.
I had installed a second battery, during cranking switched in serie to the original battery so the startermotor received 24 volts to start it up, that worked.
Once running it was a beauty, idling at 600 rpm it sounded like a shipsengine.
The roof was made of fiberglass, double shell with an airdam inbetween, a pleasure in the hot sun.
I used the car for what I call severe duty, hauling trailers with speedcruisers of 3 tonnes uphill.
The mainroad was at 70 meters above sealevel and the only way to get there was a 12% steep uphill road. So in 1st low at 2wd because of the many corners. I still hear the 11-blade fan in front of the radiator.
I wish I had today's awd at the time.
It's reliability was proven when I broke the rear pinion and crownwheel and was able to get home on frontwheeldrive only!
The original color was desertbeige, the standardcolor for all Santana's, but I painted it dark grey (ever spray-painted a car in open air at six beaufort?)
Greetz, Tony.

[Bob]

For UK Santana PS10 details (the Hannibal / Anibal name has been dropped to avoid confusion with similar sounding companies & products) see :-
www.fourtecuk.com
I reckon they should actually call it the Santana Series IV, as that is precisely what it is.


Here's a typical Series III Santana that I photographed on Ibiza last week. It's an 88 Especial dating from 1981 and in regular daily use.

Bob

[Spacemutt]

Is there any difference between the older Santana's and Series Land Rovers? I've seen some with a plastic roof. Is that a Santana item?

[Ferryman]

As far as I know the plant in Leon (Spain) made the polyester roofs (GRP) since the mid-seventies.
I've owned a model '79, the roof was double-sided with an airdam in between.
Worked great against the sun!
Greetz, Tony.

[Panama]

Hello

I live in the Republic of Panama and own a 79 SIII, Santana, 88 Special, 2.25 Diesel. On mine the passenger's door closes with a solid clunk, but the drivers door need the latch adjusted. for a vehicle that has been in Panama for 24 years it is in good condition. usual leaks and noises, not too fast on the pavement (80 kph) but has no problems on the cart paths in the mountains.
The rear door and tail lights are different, but LR SIII parts fit ok, and thanks to info from this fourm, I have solved any problems.
Hope to get a digital camera soon, so I can post pictures.

Regards,

Panama

[Ferryman]

Hi Panama,
Good to hear from you, buy that camera and show us how the LR looks in the waist of the America's!
Greetz, Tony

[Panama]

Hello.

There is some information in English on the new Santana PS10 at www.ticonsole.nl.


Regards,

Panama

[Paddles]

doesnt the santana have steel doors hence the extra weight?

[Panama]

Hello

Recieved the camera yesterday, will try attaching a photo of my 79 Santana 88 Special.

[Panama]

Try again

[Lighting90]

Very nice looking Santana there... and in a nice off road location... :yay:

[Bob]

Website for official UK importer :-
http://www.fourtecuk.com/Santana.asp?Section=Home

Bob

[Lighting90]

I am waiting to see if they will import the SWB version, as if the price for the LWB is anything to go by, it should fall within my price bracket....

[Dustcap]

Hey Lightening, did you ever get round to having a test drive? I've seen a second hand one for sale and would appreciate your opinions.
Tis a very tough choice between a Defender and PS10. I prefer the Defender by far but the PS10 has more plus sides.
:think:

[Dustcap]

Lightening... I meant Lighting :p

[A C H]

Lightening... I meant Lighting :p

Like these ones I saw yesterday. ;)

[mike tilley]

Like these ones I saw yesterday.

OOoooo....I do like those :). Particularly the green pick-up. Where did you take the pics and have you got any more?

[A C H]

Took the pics at the Game & Coundry Fair Norwich. :rolleyes: I liked the truck cab myself. ;)

[Dustcap]

Yep, just like them.
They look blinkin moohoosive next to the other cars :o

[Groovy]

I purchased a Santana PS10 last month. It was brought into the UAE for military trials in '03. When the military opted for something else it sat around for a while, which enabled me to buy it for for ~4,500 pounds sterling.

I don't have much experience with Defenders so I can't make direct comparisons. Before I purchased the Santana I did look at an '02 TDi but it was 3x the price and had 2.5x the kms. The cabin of the Santana was much more comfortable for me (6"2"). I like the car a lot.

[Lighting90]

You will have to post pics Groovy:)

[Stephen]

And there I was today following this rather smart looking landrover in the traffic through Trowbridge, thinking wow nice rear light custers and fancy flush rear cross member on these new landrovers. Must check about this LandRover Santana TP10 is when I get home...


DOH !!!

okay never seen or heard of them before and it really did look like a landrover from behind... is it a landrover or not ?

[Lighting90]

it is a relative of the Land Rover, I suppose best described as a cousin.:)

[HPLP]

it is a relative of the Land Rover, I suppose best described as a cousin.:)


.....once removed!

[Hubber]

Still it would be nice to hear some up to date news and some picts of them.

[mike tilley]

Theres one on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SANTANA-PS10-4X4-not-Land-Rover-Defender_W0QQitemZ4620542040QQcategoryZ29748QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem) if anyones interested :)

[Lep]

Hi,
I tried uploading pics of my Santana but it failed for some reason. I'll try again as soon as get moved into our new house and get the pc hooked up.

I tried to upload before and after shots. That is, before and after I rolled it 3-4 times down a big sand dune in the UAE this past weekend. I am fortunate to be here to type about it--it was very dangerous and very scary!

[Steve HNZ]

Ouch, sorry to hear that hope everything works out Ok.

Just for some general info, Santana has released a SWB version of the PS10 recently, as seen from this Gallery from the Geneva show
http://www.autocity.com/galerias/ver_galeria.html?c=2475
I think the rear windows are too small. There has been a photo of a SWB about for a whille but it has been a photoshopped version of a LWB one ( Dark blue with a white top) I admit to liking the look of the Santanas, & a lot of their features, flat floor, so decent rear seat legroom, front seats moved inboard for more elbow room, body mounted on rubber mounts for more noise & vibration insulation, wheel boxes moved out for more rear space & wider rear door, etc etc. Some more info from the Ti Console website for those who don't know what a PS10 is, look for the Santana page from the menu on the left.http://www.ticonsole.nl/

Lep, I hope you can get it fixed.
Cheers, Steve.

[Gripper]

I have driven one on the off-road course at Millbrook. It was pretty damn good. Will pull away on tickover uphill without any trouble. I gather a TD5 will not do this, torque drop off with the turbo or some such. Open diffs mean keeping a bit of momentum but parabolics make the ride and handling very good. Fisher Price plastics on the inside but presentable. Flat floor, no seat boxes, means good cab space. Lots of military buyers so it must be good.

Overall felt like an up to date series LR. If I had the dosh, I would consider it as a hose out workhorse. But, dealers thin on the ground etc.

I think the doors clunk because it is made of steel, not alloy.

[stretchlandy]

I've got a little bit about Santanas on my website at
http://www.lr-mad.co.uk/license.html
Amongst other stuff, some piccies of PS-10 and previous models.

[Stephen]

I've got a little bit about Santanas on my website at
http://www.lr-mad.co.uk/license.html
Amongst other stuff, some piccies of PS-10 and previous models.

ah ! PS-10 that is what I was following the other day, didn't think I had got TP10 bit right. Very smart looking machine.

[Dave Sumner]

We had a look at them at a 4 x 4 show last year, they seem very solidly built and well rustproofed. They have an Iveco TD 2.8 which are apparantly very good, parabolic springs disc brakes and power steering.

4 x4 mag rated them in a group test last year.
LRO mag also tested one against a S3 and a 110.

We thought they were good value, quite comfortable although a bit tight on legroom (easy enough to relocate the seat mounts I think!)
Did'nt drive one though.

The sales guy said they would be launching a SWB this year. I will take a look if they do.

To me they would be a good no frills " Landie" robust and easy to maintain. Good prices too!

[LandyV8]

I have just been having a look at the Santana Website. Looks great. I'm starting to like it and very cheep compared to the Defender. I think if LR changes the defender to look more like the Disco 3 then I think the Santana sales will rocket.

Does anyone know if it has a centre dif lock?

[benji]

Does anyone know if it has a centre dif lock?

It uses an LT230 transfer box coupled to an LT85 gearbox as used by early 110 v8's. I think the tarnsfer box is selectable 2wd/4wd but I could be wrong.

[Geobloke]

Overall felt like an up to date series LR. If I had the dosh, I would consider it as a hose out workhorse. But, dealers thin on the ground etc.

And thats why I think Santana are on to a good thing, simple, solid workhorses which are affordable to the masses! Something LR has lost sight of!

My local LR garage is on the brink of becoming a Official Santana seller and has promised me a test drive or two!! :yay: which I am really looking forward to! THe only thing I do not like about the Santanas is the tubular bumpers, IMO they look nasty, but for the price I would live with them!

[Lep]

I believe the newer Santana's are using a ZF gearbox. Mine has the LT85. At some point over the last few years they switched.

[smiler1]

I have test drove the Santana TD at Bircham Newton quarry, Norfolk. I was very impressed with how it handled,I was very dubious about the leaf springs until I see that they articulate more than a standard coil sprung 110, clever. There is more room in the front, due to the way they have mounted the seats. The Military version has really outshone the Defender, with far more kit as standard across the board. They said that they will always pitch at about £1500-2000 below the equivalent LR model. The reason they are making it now for themselves is the contract they acquired to assist in overflow production of Defender models,should it be needed has expired after 20 years, so there is nothing stopping them legally.
Overall a very competitive option, Myself, No match for my prep V8 RRC!!

[turfrite]

I have had a Santana on test through work and I too was impressed. The Ford Iveco 2.8 engine was pretty nifty.

[shadyadie]

One thing is clear though, Land Rover have not built any Suzukis. Period. The "Made by Land Rover" stickers/metal badges can be bought at many places though. .

I don't know the history of santana, but our suzuki's vin plate (original, not bought or added) says Landrover Santana S.A. ( see timbott's avitar) So in my mind there must be some landrover santana /suzuki overlap.

I don't know if this is correct, but I have been told that LR had a controlling interest at santana when they started to build the SJ's hence the landrover santana badge.

[shadyadie]

YearEvent 1958 The first Spanish-built Land Rovers are launched: Series II models, with a choice of 2-litre or 4-litre petrol engines and a 2-litre diesel engine. 1962 Production of the Series IIA begins, in 4-litre petrol and 2-litre diesel versions. 1967 Production of a new model, the Land Rover 1300, begins, again in both petrol and diesel versions. 1968 The Land Rover 109" "Rural Taxi" is launched, with 5 doors and a second row of forward-facing seats. 1969 Assembly of 106" military versions begins, with various versions, including an ambulance and special models designed for deep-fording and desert use. 1970 Special versions of the 88" and 109" Land Rovers are launched, with anatomical seats, Alpine windows, an aerodynamic hood and headlights mounted in the front wings. 1972 All models gain the wing-mounted headlights. 1974 Production of the Series III models begins, with some important improvements over the Series II, including synchromesh on all gears and a dashboard redesigned with safety in mind. 1975 All models gain dual-circuit brakes. 1976 All models gain a brake servo, and manufacture of a 1-tonne, 6-cylinder military version begins. 1977 The first 6-cylinder diesel-engined 109" Land Rovers are built. 1978 The Land Rover 1300 is replaced by the Santana 2000, with a 2-tonne payload and 6-cylinder engine. 1980 The 88" model is withdrawn, and a number of improvements are introduced across the remaining range, including a 5-bearing crank. 1981 The company name is changed from Metalu'rgica de Santa Ana, SA to Land Rover Santana, SA. 1982 A contract is signed with Suzuki which would saw the Japanese company take a 20% stake in Santana, who would in turn start building the Suzuki SJ-series off-roaders, with first sales planned for 1985/86. These Spanish-built models had over 60% European content, which meant that they were exempt from the quotas governing Japanese imports to Europe. [The manufacture and sale of such models currently forms Santana's core business.] 1991 Suzuki Motor Corporation becomes the majority shareholder in Santana, with 49% of the share capital. This led to the company being renamed Santana Motor, SA at the end of the year and Land Rover production was discontinued. 1994-95 Company reorganisation sees the workforce reduced by 862 people, and a new direction for the company. A new Contract of Licence is signed with Suzuki, and Soprea SA of Andalusia acquires 83.74% of the share capital.1995-97The EU Commission approved community funding for the company, and agreements are signed with Suzuki for the production of new diesel-engined models and extension into new sales markets.1997The Contract of Licence with Suzuki is extened to 2006, and Santana's share capital is reconstructed.


just found this

[shadyadie]

landrover owned 23% of landrover santana until 1990 so they were a major shareholder of the company.

[wozza35]

our local mitsubushi garage has just become a santana dealer ,they have the truckcab and the 110 like a station wagon but without rear windows ,i will see if i can get some brochures if anyone wants one
warren