LANDY’S DISCO PARTY

Cushy but capable fifth-gen Discovery takes versatility to a new level

SINCE its launch in 1989 the Land Rover Discovery has blended hardcore offroad ability with luxury and comfort. Version five, newly launched in South Africa this week, takes this versatility concept to a new level.

Land Rover’s new SUV - available with five or optionally seven seats joins the digital age with up-to-date infotainment and connectivity, packages it in a more streamlined and radically lighter body, and has new tricks up its sleeve including folding rear seats that can be controlled by a smartphone.

The Discovery’s more rounded and aerodynamic new styling is perhaps the most controversial change as it’s lost the chunkiness of its predecessors, and boxier lines tend to convey more visual toughness. But under that ‘softer’ appearance is an SUV that’s more offroad-capable than ever.

A short but tricky offroad course at the Discovery’s South African media launch held in the Waterberg region of Limpopo this week confirmed that this SUV retains the formidable all-terrain ability of its predecessors and has improved in key areas: the ground clearance has risen to 283mm (up 43mm) and the wading depth to 900mm (a 200mm increase), while it can also approach steeper angles than before (it has a 34 degree approach angle, 27.5 degree breakover angle and 30 degree departure angle).

Full time all-wheel drive, offroad ABS brakes, and hill descent control are all part of the standard turftaming package. There are four equipment grades Continued on Page 3