DISCOVERY LATEST
Update SUV has earned its stripes this winter
Rugged Land Rover has made our man smug through worst of winter.
WINTER dragged on a little too long this year, but I will admit to having a slightly smug feeling with a Discovery on my driveway.
The SUV’S real go-anywhere ability has come in handy as the amount of rain has left some of my local roads impassable to many cars. But not mine. I can raise the air suspension if needed, but one big benefit of the Disco’s normal ground clearance is its ability to glide through water that leaves other cars (and some SUVS) turning around and finding an alternative route.
It’s the same with the countless potholes that are making so many of the roads on our network seem more like off-road tracks. Some of the ruts are so deep I’m glad the Discovery has hardy Pirelli Scorpion tyres fitted.
There’s more to my car’s winter worthiness than its wading ability, though. I’ll admit to thinking that a heated steering wheel was a gimmick before this winter – but not now. Within seconds of prodding the button on the steering wheel, the rim is warm and toasty.
Heated seats have been a real boon, too, with those in the back – even in the third row – getting the option of a little heat where it helps most. Up front, though, things can get a little too hot at times, even on the lowest setting.
Sadly my much-mentioned infotainment woes continue. There are times when it takes the best part of a minute for the system to kick into action after starting the car, by which time I’ve had to back out of my driveway with no help from the reversing camera.
The system also now steadfastly refuses to connect to the music on my iphone through the USB connector – I have to use the lower-quality Bluetooth link instead.