THE ULTIMATE DISCOVERY

DISCOVERY 3 is the pinnacle of a motoring revolution that began in 1990 when Discovery 1 filled a previously unidentified marketing chasm. Discovery 2 refined the concept in every way until the 2004 Discovery 3 further stretched the practicality and versatility, while adding timeless looks, full independent air suspension, new levels of comfort and refinement, and a smooth and potent six-cylinder diesel engine that put the Discovery 2’s Td5 into the dark ages.

Discovery 3 is a vehicle that will never be repeated. It’s the last of the true Land Rovers. Its traditionally huge road presence, capaciousness, toughness and immense practicality will never be seen again, thanks to the evertightening emissions regulations that demand lightweight construction, aerodynamic bodywork and four-cylinder engines, and also thanks to short-lived fashion whims that prevent newer models ever becoming classics. At the moment, this giant of a machine must surely be nearing the bottom of its price range – right now, it’s a bargain, a massive amount of Land Rover for the money.

If you don’t own a D3, we’re going to explain why you shouldn’t be scared to buy this electronics-fest of a vehicle. If you already drive one, we’ll tell you how to keep it in the condition it deserves, and how to enjoy your ownership in the years ahead. Much of this applies to the Discovery 4 which, essentially, is a facelift version of D3 with the improved 3.0-litre V6 diesel and 8-speed auto transmission. But it’s D3 that is the iconic development of the Discovery family. D3 was the transformation, it’s the raw machine.

The essence and styling of D3 evolves naturally from its predecessor D2, but here the similarity ends. Technically, D3 is totally different, and its competence and safety is streets ahead. It still rides on a chassis (from which the body can be removed), but the chassis integrates with the