Time for a voyage of Discovery
IS THIS the perfect time for the new Land Rover Discovery? Could now, with this fifth generation of the British 4x4, be the moment it finally makes the break into motoring superstardom? After 28 years and more than 1.2 million sales, you would be quite justified in arguing that the classic 4x4 has already done so. But we think it can go further.
With the huge success of the smaller Evoque and Discovery Sport, there’s no question Land Rover is on a roll at the moment; 2016 even saw sales up by eight per cent worldwide for a record year.
More people are walking through the showroom door with the green oval above it than ever before.
Add to that the fact the Range Rover and Sport have pushed ever further upmarket (you can’t buy the former with much change from £100,000 after all) and this new Discovery sits in a perfect spot.
With a starting price of £43,495, it’s not cheap admittedly but we still think it’s in a sweet spot.
Those 28 years have seen the Discovery transform itself from an off-roading workhorse to practical family car, capable towing machine and executive car all rolled into one. Yes, that latter element means that this fifth-generation model arguably has more in common with the original Range Rover than the original Discovery.
But it has every ingredient to be the best Discovery yet. Early buyers seem to agree – Land Rover has an incredible 20,000 pre-orders before this car has even arrived in showrooms. Well, we say every ingredient but under that sleeker new shape, and wearing a familiar family resemblance to the rest of the range, there is a loss.
The split tailgate, so beloved of Discovery owners past and present, has gone in favour of a traditional hatchback. Many will undoubtedly mourn its passing but there is a neat alternative. The reality though is that for all of its benefits that split tailgate didn’t make for the easiest access to the further reaches of the boot.
However, its departure helps save weight with this all-new Discovery tipping the scales a very welcome 75 stone lighter than its predecessor.
As much as we learned to love the boxy look of the outgoing Discovery, there’s no question this latest version is a great looking car.
Yes, it has lost some of its distinctive lines but the stepped roof line remains (just) and there’s still a purposeful look to it.
If there’s a weak point it’s the pinched-looking rear which might take some getting used to. Also welcome is the addition of new engines, the entry level of which is a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with 240bhp sitting alongside the traditional 3.0-litre V6 with 258bhp.
The smaller unit, expected to be the best-seller in the range, is good enough on paper with a 0 to 60mph time of 8.0 seconds, 128mph top speed, 43.5mpg average fuel economy and 171g/km emissions.
Traditional Discovery owners are sure to want to remain with the larger 3.0-litre but gains in acceleration (7.7 seconds from 0 to 60mph) are counterbalanced with a loss at the pumps (officially
39.2mpg but likely to be less) and on the monthly company car tax bill with 189g/km emissions.
Perhaps more of a surprise is the return of a petrol engine, a 340bhp 3.0-litre V6, for the first time in the UK Discovery line-up since 2004.
Even though some current opinions are turning against diesel, this is a brave move on Land Rover’s part – the 26.0mpg average fuel economy and 254g/km emissions will require deep pockets on the part of any owner – it’s only expected to account for five per cent of sales. A plug-in hybrid will join the range in time too.
On the road, the petrol is as smooth and refined as you might expect although it’s hard not to be distracted by your average fuel economy on the trip computer.
However, it does underline that when Land Rover talks about this fifth-generation Discovery being a revolution, it’s not joking.
In terms of its ride quality, refinement and wind, road and engine noise, this latest car is in a different league to the outgoing model. It is very, very good indeed.
Is that also the case in terms of the two turbo-diesel versions that will account for the bulk of new Discovery sales? Yes. And no.
The 2.0-litre diesel is refined enough but it can’t battle sheer physics and, despite that diet, this remains a 2.2-tonne car. Not only are economy and emissions beaten soundly by the likes of the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90, its acceleration from standstill and throttle response are somewhat sluggish, no matter what on-paper acceleration figures suggest.
Once on the move it actually feels much better and perfectly capable, it’s just those initial moments where it can sometimes feel a little overwhelmed.
THE 3.0-litre V6 might not be the youngest engine on the market but it has much more grunt. It is just as competent off-road, with even better ability and improved ground clearance. As you would expect, the Discovery can tackle the kind of terrain and conditions none of its rivals could even think about.
There are also some neat touches, such as Advanced Tow Assist which uses cruise control and cameras to help you reverse when towing a trailer or caravan.
What those rivals also can’t match is the Discovery’s brilliant new interior. Customer feedback reported they wanted improved materials and more tech, alongside the same great levels of versatility.
Land Rover hasn’t just matched the same levels of practicality as before, instead it is so much better.
The seven seats are still there but now they can be folded down electrically via a switch in the boot or a smartphone app. All five rear seats also have Isofix mountings, making it a boon for big families with small children. There are also nine USB charging points.
Up front, the cup holders slide away to reveal a deep cubby and there are twin gloveboxes, a cooled storage box and a hidden pocket behind the ventilation controls. In the boot there’s a wet storage area beneath the floor and a fold-down seating bench that partly makes up for the loss of that split tailgate.
There are more than a few things to love about the new Discovery. It is more refined and quieter, with better practicality and versatility – and it’s better to drive than ever.
Those 20,000 pre-order customers won’t be disappointed.