DISCOVERY 2 FACTS

The Discovery 2’s Td5 engine delivers 136 bhp at 4200 rpm and 221 lb ft of torque at 1950 rpm. Many folk believe the Td5 engine was a BMW unit, but it wasn’t. Development began before the Germans took over, in 1994.

The early models didn’t have a centre locking diff. Land Rover considered it unnecessary, as the new vehicle was fitted with electronic traction control to all four wheels. However, purists kicked up such a stink that it was made available as an optional extra in 2003.

Disco 2 was roomier inside than its predecessor, which was achieved with a longer wheelbase: 108 inches compared to the Disco 1’s 100 inches, which had a negative effect on its ramp breakover ability over rough terrain. The rear overhang was also five inches longer, impairing its departure angle.

D2 was 2.5 inches taller than D1, at 78 inches, which made multi-storey car parks even more intimidating for Discovery owners.

It was the first to be fitted with ACE (active cornering enhancement) technology to eliminate the wallowing roll associated with big, tall 4x4s on twisting roads.

It also got ABS (anti-lock braking), HDC (hill descent control), ETC (electronic traction control) and SLS (self-levelling rear suspension) – the sort of stuff usually found on luxury German cars such as, er, BMWS.

Although the Td5 diesel was the biggest seller in the UK and Europe, there was also a 4.0-litre V8 petrol option (and a 4.6 V8 in the USA). A four-speed automatic gearbox was also an option.