Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery has over time matured into a polished and hugely competent prestige vehicle. Matching the ability to carry seven people comfortably with superb on- and off-road manners, few other cars can do what this can; except perhaps other Land Rover models.

The Exterior

The old two-box shape has gone. The Discovery is now a beautifully proportioned and sophisticated premium sport utility vehicle (SUV). Hints of the previous model remain; the clamshell bonnet, the stepped roof and the broad C-pillar towards the rear but otherwise this large family car has undergone a bold exterior evolution.

New signature LED headlights with daytime running lights set lower create a purposeful look, as do the sweeping front and rear indicators. The body-colour front bumper (fender) vents accentuate the line of the flanks, through to the back. The R-Dynamic trim level accentuates this further. At the rear, the Discovery features new LED lights, enhanced across the back of vehicle by a new Gloss panel that includes the licence plate. From any angle, this is a striking vehicle.

The Discovery is a VAT-Qualifying vehicle meaning that buyers wishing to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere can save financially. Ask us here at MHH International for further details.

The Interior

Inside the Discovery, it is premium craftsmanship all the way. The cabin is spacious and the dashboard incorporates the brand’s cutting edge Pivi Pro infotainment. A completely redesigned centre console houses the large, fast and intuitive 11.4”, full HD touchscreen. With a simplified menu structure Pivi Pro provides immediate responses with navigation initialisation taking just seconds. Up front, the four-spoke steering wheel features hidden-until-lit switches and metal gear-shift paddles are to hand for manual control.

Connectivity is provided by ‘dual-sim’ technology, with two modems enabling the system to carry out multiple functions at the same time without compromising performance. In front of the driver the 12.3” Interactive Driver Display, offers high-definition 3D mapping within the configurable instrumentation, leaving the central touchscreen free to control other applications. Smartphone integration is straightforward, with the usual entertainment apps, and a Head-Up display is among the many options available on new cars. For our modern world cabin air-ionisation may be available on some models for the benefit of passengers, cosseted in the superb seats.

There are three trim levels, S, SE and HSE trim, each adding to the standard features, plus the sporty R-Dynamic package. There’s even a practical Commercial model with a 2,024 litre cargo area and additional underfloor stowage lockers; the ideal all-terrain work horse.

Driving The Land Rover Discovery

This is not a sports car; this a vehicle for going from A to B over almost any terrain in absolute sure-footed comfort. All-Terrain Progress Control is available as part of the ‘Advanced Off-Road Capability’ Pack, which is an option on all trims apart from the entry-level S. In effect, this acts as a cruise control for off-roading, working at speeds up to 19mph and includes hill-descent controls.

The latest Discovery features a choice of straight-six Ingenium engines, both petrol and diesel, all featuring 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for enhanced efficiency. There’s also a four-cylinder P300 Ingenium petrol variant too and all with the latest ‘Intelligent All-Wheel Drive’ system. This is a big, heavy car so owners should not expect frugal motoring, yet driven with economy in mind, there are more miles to the gallon than first thought.

The driver sits in a commanding position with good all-round visibility including ground view cameras to see directly in front of the vehicle. Air-suspension wafts this big car across almost any surface with virtually no ill-effects on passenger comfort. Despite its size, the Discovery is a good car to drive on the road, with confidence-inspiring handling; it’s at home anywhere.

Should You Buy One?

Land Rover insist that on this latest car, the reliability niggles that blighted earlier models are in the past. The ride, the handling, the space, the technology and the towing ability all enhance the Discovery’s reputation for being the best family car around, on- or off-road.