Even so, the entry-level, and likely best-selling engine is now a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel badged SD4, with 240hp and 368lb ft of torque. Off-road it’s absolutely unstoppable, and its complex off-road hardware is easily operated with the simple push button, twist knob Terrain Response system no buyer is ever likely to even get near its capability off the tarmac.Įxtensive use of aluminium in the Discovery’s structure has allowed Land Rover to shift as much as 450kg over the previous model, though it is still weighty, being comfortably over two tonnes. Our test car had 21in wheels fitted and suffered a notably restless ride comfort over typical UK town roads, so we'd definitely suggest you avoid those, good as they look. Only sharp ridges are felt in the interior, which is exacerbated if you’ve opted for the larger wheel and tyre options available. There’s a bit of roll in the bends, but it’s not unwelcome, and the standard air suspension manages to achieve, for the most part, a fine balance between comfort and control. It’s agile enough to ensure it’s an easy drive, rather than an engaging, involving one, but that’s rather the point. Land Rover sensibly focuses on comfort and refinement in the Discovery rather than any sporting pretentions on road. All models have DAB as standard, though the Meridian audio (from HSE upwards) lacks the punch or crispness of Volvo’s upmarket stereo, or Audi’s optional, premium audio. Its control is a bit clunky compared to the best of its competition, though, as it lacks the cool, iPad-like operation and screen orientation of Volvo’s XC90, for example, and needs patience to learn its quirks. The touch-screen system covers everything from audio equipment to seat operation, Bluetooth phone connection, heating and ventilation, navigation and more besides. That remote seat folding is currently a party trick no rival can match, and the seats contain sensors to avoid them inadvertently crushing anything you might have mistakenly left on them. There’s the option of a 3G WIFI hotspot inside, allowing up to eight devices to connect, while Land Rover’s optional InControl Touch Pro services connects to your smartphone via apps and allows you to pre-heat the cabin, beep and flash the lights in a car park, send destinations to the satnav and even configure those five rear seats remotely. Verdict | Design | Interior | Technology | Performance | Safety | Specs | Running Costs | PricingĪll those charging points might come in useful as the Discovery is loaded with technology. As air suspension is standard on UK cars it’s possible to lower the rear to aid access to its massive boot, ease sitting on that tailgate flap, or simply give your Labrador a less challenging leap into the back.Įlsewhere around the interior clever storage abounds, with plentiful cubby stowage the centre console can swallow iPads and the like, there's the option for a refrigerated box between the front seats to cool drinks, and the Discovery can have as many as nine USB ports and four 12v sockets littered about its expansive cabin depending on how you specify it. Access to that boot is via a single-piece tailgate, and there’s a fold down flap that not only holds your luggage in place, but will take 300kg of weight if you want to sit on it. Put people in those seats and they’re accommodating for adults, even the third row, though do so and you’ll struggle to get much more than a golf bag in the boot behind them. On top of that, the Land Rover's boot aperture is a more convenient squared-off shape than the Audi's - although that sloped rear bootlid shape does mean that the rear window now cuts into overall space, where the old Discovery had a more practical, upright tailgate. The middle row seats fold and slide for access, and tumbling all of them to the floor (possible via your smartphone if you option Land Rover’s apps) gives a vast loadspace that'll better the Audi Q7's. All passenger seats can be folded (and, indeed, heated), while four rear seats feature ISOFIX, as does the front passenger seat. The cabin is absolutely gargantuan, featuring Land Rover’s usual ‘Command’ driving position and 'stadium' rear seats that give every one of the five pews in the back a view out front, making it a brilliant family car. Where the Discovery has traditionally over-delivered is with space and comfort, and that’s certainly true here. If impeccable, super tactile materials are your thing you’ll be better served in an Audi Q7. It all looks neat, and very similar to the Range Rover in its style, though it’s not all good news, as start prodding the plastics in the lower sections of the cabin and you can see where Land Rover has saved a bit of money. The new Discovery addresses that, with the cabin now finished to a standard befitting its premium billing and price positioning. Space has never been a problem for the Discovery, even if previously it was at the expense of an upmarket driving environment.
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