LIVING WITH A... LR DISCOVERY SPORT
SUV is relaxing and comfortable in all conditions
Even after nine months on fleet, 4x4’s comfort continues to amaze us.
ARE you sitting comfortably? Well I certainly am, so let me begin. You see, after nine months behind the wheel of our Discovery Sport, I’ve got used to emerging from journeys feeling as fresh as when I set off. In recent years, we’ve become accustomed to cars with good driving positions, but even by current standards, the Land Rover is supremely comfortable. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the most relaxing machines we’ve had on our fleet over the last decade.
Part of this is down to the relationship between the seat and steering wheel, both of which give more than enough adjustment to accommodate a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
Then there’s the seat itself, which on our HSE features powered adjustment and lumbar support. The cushioning is just right, helping to spread the weight of your body and avoid the sort of pressure hot spots that can lead to pins and needles or irritating twinges. Plus, it also features chunky side bolsters, helping to keep you in place during spirited cornering.
This is just as well, because despite its rugged SUV looks and prodigious off-road ability, the Disco can be hustled through corners with the sort of enthusiasm normally reserved for lower and sportier models. There’s plenty of grip and the body control is excellent for such a high-riding machine, while the steering is well weighted and accurate.
But as any physicist will tell you, you don’t get anything for nothing, and the Land Rover’s combination of excellent agility and hefty 1,884kg kerbweight has taken its toll on the front tyres. Not only are the shoulders of the rubber very worn, the tread is almost down to its wear bars.
To give an idea of how hard the Land Rover is working its front axle, the rear tyres look almost as fresh after 12,500 miles as they did when new. Yet the tired front tyres are the only real clue to the Disco’s hard-working life. Despite the best efforts of my two young children, the Land Rover’s classy interior looks factory fresh, with no unsightly marks, scratches or missing bits of trim. There’s a squeak from the rear bench over really bumpy terrain, but in all other respects, the car feels solid. Better still, the increasing mileage has had a positive effect on the car’s disappointing fuel economy, with the figure rising to a fairly respectable 36.5mpg. That means it’s now almost possible to squeeze 400 miles between fill-ups.
This is a very good thing, because I’m usually so comfy in the Disco that I don’t want to have to stop for anything.
“It’s one of the most relaxing cars we’ve ever had on fleet” “The tired tyres are the only real clue to the Disco’s hard-working life”