Land Rover Discovery 4 2009 Review

Land Rover Discovery 4

OVERVIEW
-- Same, but better
Rather than merely a mid-life makeover, this is a significant rework of Discovery 3 -- a milestone model in Land Rover's 20-year-old nameplate representing no-compromise family off-roading.

Among its innovations, the third-generation model introduced a separate chassis and monocoque body construction, air suspension from the Range Rover, new Ford-PSA developed V6 diesel, ZF six-speed auto and Land Rover's laudable Terrain Response offroad system.

This fourth generation MY10 Discovery brings benefits for both off and on road-oriented buyers. The offroad system has been upgraded and the Discovery's handling over highways and the like is improved after focus on suspension and reducing understeer.

No news Land Rover builds impressive offroaders, but it's the new Discovery's on road manners that impress most.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
-- More luxe for the bucks
All MY10 Discovery models are more expensive than the outgoing versions, but equipment upgrades are significant across the range.

The latest five-seat entry model carries over the 2.7-litre turbodiesel from the Discovery 3, starting at $68,490 locally. Gen 4 upgrades include 18-inch wheels, rather than 17s for the previous model, nine (compared to six) speaker stereo system with AUX input (for MP3 players, etc), Bluetooth, xenon headlights (with washers, though this is an ADR), rain-sensing windscreen wipers and Land Rover's clever driver information system with wide TFT screen.

LR continues the SE and HSE specifications for the new mid-range 3.0-litre diesel models: starting at $81,990 and $94,990 respectively.

Apart from the all-new diesel engine, the SE and HSE come standard with seven-seat accommodation, leather trim, cornering lamp xenon headlights and folding mirrors. The additional third-row of seating is also appointed with lighting.

The HSE spec adds premium navigation system and stereo with interface for MP3 players and a USB device, rear view camera and front park assist, seven-spoke 19-inch alloys (over the SE's five spoke versions), four-zone climate control, 'mood lighting', and electrically-adjustable front seats with memory function and lumbar support.

Comparing, say, the top-spec HSE diesel Disco 3 to the new 3.0-litre version on price highlights an increase of $8400. Difference is, Discovery 4 features new equipment like the driver information system and cornering xenon headlights, and dynamic upgrades such as speed sensitive steering and air suspension.

A single V8 petrol-engined model (see MECHANICAL below) tops the Discovery 4 lineup. The V8 comes standard with high-end interior comfort package including electrically adjustable front seat bolsters, front armrests, memory function for driver's seat and exterior mirrors, electric lumbar control (front passengers) and electric driver's and passenger's seat adjustment including squab recline, cushion, cushion height and cushion tilt. The interior upgrade option is available for the 3.0-litre HSE, for $2965.

MY10 Discovery models carry over the split tailgate feature favoured by outdoor recreationists. LR does not offer an electric, single-piece tailgate option for the MY10 Discovery models but company spokespersons admitted the feature was under appraisal during the launch. Considering Disco buyers aren't all offroad-oriented -- more often parents with daily transport and cargo requirements -- adding the option is a no brainer and equal to other luxury 4WD offerings.

Offroad equipment continues at the highest level. This Disco might be more luxurious but it's no less capable.

MECHANICAL
-- All the right moves
Disco 4's real highlight is the introduction of a new engine lineup. Gone are the Ford-built 4.0-litre V6 and Jaguar 4.4-litre V8 petrol offerings, replaced by a two diesel engines and an all-new 5.0-litre direct-injected petrol V8.

From top to bottom: the new 5.0-litre V8, also Jaguar-Land Rover's, has more power (276kW) and torque (510Nm) but better economy at 13.9L/100km (versus 15L) than the outgoing 4.4-litre. The range-topper's CO2 emission rating is also reduced, albeit slightly, by 7 per cent to 328g/km.

LR's engineers say they aimed for best low-end torque response for the new V8. Max torque is from 3500rpm, compared to the 4.4-litre version's 427Nm from 4000rpm. Increased efficiency and response comes via a new direct injection system for better combustibility, and variable camshaft timing with focus on inlet efficiency.

Employing the direct injection system also avails a higher compression ratio, now at 11.5:1, which has also contributed to improved figures.

The new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel offers more power and torque than the previous mid-range offering -- 180kW at 4000 revs, and 600Nm from 2000 revs. The Disco 3's PSA-Ford 2.7-litre V6 diesel is retained as the 'new' entry-level powerplant for Disco 4. Max power is 140kW, also at 4000rpm, and its 440Nm torque is from 1900rpm.

All engines are mated to a six-speed automatic, again from German company ZF Friedrichshafen, but this time revised for smoother, faster shifts.

Improvements in low-down torque and power from the engines means the torque converter lock-up is actuated in all six forward gears, enabling economy akin to a manual transmission.

New Disco also boasts speed sensitive variable ratio steering and the Range Rover sourced auto-levelling suspension with mode adjustment.

Offroad credentials are well covered with LR's patented multi-mode Terrain Response system. It's a simple feature to use, offering 'on the fly' adjustments to accommodate all kinds of conditions such as deep ruts requiring suspension to be raised. The new Disco gets the system's latest upgrade: sand launch control. No prizes for guessing the Middle East is increasingly one of LR's most important markets.

Discovery 4 also offers trailer sway control for towing. Tow ratings for all models are 750kg for an unbraked trailer, or 3500kg with overrun brakes.

PACKAGING
-- Less is more
The interior restyle maintains the original Conran Design brief to suit the car's "lifestyle accessory" positioning but is even more minimalist than the Disco 3's rendition. The dash is now cleared of superfluous switchgear and is well positioned, giving a sense of more space up front. It's also very modern looking -- something that was lacking in the previous model which is bordering on stuffy.

Like most brands at luxury level, LR has aimed for unique and/or segment-leading additions to its models.

The company is justifiably proud of its Terrain Response system but its new TFT (thin film transistor) screen and central Parallax touchscreen is an auto industry first. The 5-inch TFT LCD screen displays driver information such as offroad functions and, usefully, where the car's wheels are pointed when in tough terrain. The driver info screen can be replicated for passengers or navigators in the central screen, or in onroad conditions passengers may view different information at the same time -- even watch a DVD.

New LED headlights and restyled tail lights make a major contribution to modernising the Disco 4's exterior. The front grille treatment is much better now that it's less bluff and blocky looking, though a more thorough restyle would win another fan here.

LR design guru Gerry McGovern told the Carsales Network that the brand's focus on functionality would no longer entirely determine vehicle styling.

"We come from a functional base. Our vehicles in the past have looked the way they do because of what they do... But that sort of overt functionality -- particularly in the premium market -- is probably not going to be acceptable in the future," McGovern admitted.

The new models benefit from body coloured side mirrors and wheelarch flares. Especially in the latter case, the new model now looks modern and less obnoxious without the blackened flares worn by the Disco 3.

All MY10 Discos are heavier than the outgoing model, by just over 140kg. Diesel Discos have 82.3-litre usable fuel tank size; the V8's is 86.3 litres.

COMPETITORS
-- Disco alone
Arguably, the Discovery has no real rival and LR has maintained its peerless status in terms of offroad ability for the MY10 version. This time though, it's more comfortable on road and the improvements may garner buyers otherwise looking at softer, road-oriented options such as Mercedes-Benz ML or BMW X5.

Those looking for decent towing ability and transport for knocking about the property, perhaps in Jeep Grand Cherokees, should consider stepping-up to LR's more luxurious offering. And Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series or LX470 buyers already stumping for the price of a Disco and then some will be tempted after comparing capabilities and equipment.

SAFETY
-- On balance
In the safety stakes, Discovery's greatest gain is its better handling on road. LR has attempted to rein in the SUV's top-heavy traits by way of better balance offered by steering and suspension upgrades. The company says its traction control system has also been improved.

Standard safety fit includes electronic parking brake, EBD, ABS, brake assist and stability control, electronic differential control, LR's Enhanced Understeer Control, roll stability system and aforementioned trailer stability system.

All passengers, including those in the third row in the seven-seater models, have airbag protection.

EuroNCAP awarded the comparable Disco 3 four stars each for adult occupant and child protection, and one star for pedestrian safety.

Like the launch drive for the Range Rover Sport, LR pitted journos and the Disco against varied terrain, this time including a deep crossing of the Tweed River [Ed: no, not the one near Murwillumbah, the real one!] several steep nosedives into slush and rocks, and even a ramp ascent solely relying on the surround camera system.

The river crossing brought fast-flowing water to well above the Disco's wheels but we emerged as insulated as a duck on the other side. Indeed, Land Rover does a thorough job of waterproofing components for such exercises. It should be noted too, the Discos were all shod with highway-going rubber which performed well despite the sharp, slippery river rocks.

The drive program also took in Scotland's Megget Reservoir: a sizable dam nearby St Mary's loch making use of the region's valleys which meant a twisty, hilly run. The Disco ate up the narrow, potholed road without suspension noise and provided good feedback in terms of steering response, though there's still some understeer if pushed hard.

Braking is smooth and responsive with decent allowance for soft prods to balance the Disco's height into corners, and pedal feel is maintained in offroad conditions.

Accommodating conditions like muddy, trenched turf is via the Terrain Response system's centre-mounted dial and elevating the air suspension system, while stationary.

On road the new Discovery is much like other luxury offroaders, with road and wind noise well insulated and agile, almost car-like handling. Again, even over potholed rural roads the Disco was quiet and its ride is well resolved. However, as mentioned the Disco will still exhibit understeer as the pace is increased -- remember, it still weighs in excess of 2400kg.

We drove the V8 and new diesel Disco models. The V8 transported us (quickly) to the dam while the 3.0 TDI was used for the offroad course and highway run.

We're already big fans of the Jaguar-sourced diesel. It boasts orderly delivery of power and quiet operation -- so quiet it's a pleasant surprise that a large SUV oiler could offer such refinement.

The V8 sounds good too and its considerable power is also well delivered. This model also seemed to steer better, but it's hard to actually determine over foreign roads. Wait for our seven-day tests of the petrol and diesel Discovery models when they arrive.

Fitted with the new 5.0-litre V8, the Discovery is every bit the indulgent luxury offroader that its less purposeful rivals offer. But the quiet smoothness of the new 3.0-litre TDI and its inherent benefits offroad (more torque when you need it) and onroad (longer stints between pump stops) would make it our pick of the two.

With all its new high-end interior equipment LR is accused of directing its laudable offroader into the luxury market alone, but die-hard fans need not worry -- all the right offroad moves have been maintained.