By Ian Strachan
The Land Rover Discovery has been a popular off-roader pretty much since it was launched in the last century. But it’s moved on a lot over the last 29 years.
Today’s Discovery is almost unrecognisable from the first version, which was dogged by some quality issues, was a formidable gas-guzzler, and shared some engines with its agricultural stable-mate – the venerable Defender.
The latest Discovery still has the values of the original – bags of room, seven seats, commanding driving position and unrivalled off-road ability. But it also benefits from high build quality, smooth, less angular design, and a staggering array of visible and invisible technology.
Plus, it has great engines. I test drove the Discovery with the 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine linked to an automatic eight-speed gearbox, and its a very impressive unit. It gives you 240 bhp powering its permanent four wheel drive, but still manages a 0-60mph time of eight seconds and 43.5 miles to the gallon in mixed driving. – that would have been unheard of when the Discovery first hit the streets in 1989.
Both inside and out, the Discovery is a pleasing vehicle. Its rounded lines and attractive hatched radiator grille make it a good looking car.
It has the ultimate in capability off road but is exceptionally well behaved on road. As well as being a superb motorway cruiser the Discovery can still handle the rough stuff. It is a Land Rover after all.
Handling is stable and predictable, with no suspension wallow, and flat cornering. On road its manners are impeccable and it’s a great motorway cruiser. Steering is light but precise.
Specification is very good and includes a third row of foldable seats, DAB radio and 250 watt audio system with 10 speakers and Bluetooth, touch-screen satellite navigation, cruise control, heated front seats, heated front screen, front and rear parking aid, powered tailgate including an inner tailgate, lane departure warning, leather steering wheel, automatic high beam, leather upholstery, and 19 inch alloys. You also get electronic air suspension, heated washer jets, a full-size spare wheel, wi-fi hotspot and rain-sensing wipers.
My test car came with the options of an up-rated capability pack with terrain response (£1,125), a heated steering wheel (£200), detachable tow bar (£715), privacy glass (£400) and metallic paint (£850).
The Discovery come cheap you wouldn’t expect it to . The model I tested will cost you £53,595 on the road without the options. But it has an indefinable quality and solidity that only Land Rover seems able to achieve in its off-roaders. Money well-spent.
