Land Rover Discovery 4 2013 Tow Test Review

Introduced as a budget version of the upmarket Range Rover in 1989, the Discovery has proved popular with a wide spectrum of buyers, from hard-core off-roaders who enjoy its go-anywhere ability to suburbanites who appreciate its family-hauling abilities and on-road manners.

Not to mention those who want something suitably stylish and capable of towing a sizable horse float, luxury caravan or family boat.

While retaining its impressive off-road abilities, the Discovery has over the years become less utilitarian in appearance and more up-market in the level of appointments and creature comforts on offer.

On sale since 2009, the fourth-generation Discovery continues this trend. More an update than all-new version, it carried over the chassis, body and much of the suspension and interior of the Discovery 3, but benefitted from a number of detail changes to the suspension, steering, and brakes, plus the addition of Land Rover’s impressive Terrain Response off-road system.

In its current guise, the Discovery 4 kicks off at $68,900 for the entry-level TDV6 (tested here with the 140kW/440Nm, 2.7-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, which were recently replaced with a 155kW/500Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel and eight speed auto).

There’s also a gruntier version of the 3.0-litre bi-turbo diesel V6, offering 180kW/600Nm, priced from $83,800, and a 276kW/510Nm, 5.0-litre petrol V8 model from $129,400.

A full-time, dual range 4x4 system comes standard, with adjustable, air-bag independent suspension fitted to most variants

This added to an already impressive list of standard features, which include keyless start, halogen headlights, electric windows with one touch driver’s window, cruise control, folding mirrors, leather steering wheel, climate control with rear vents, 18-inch alloy wheels, and rear park distance control. ??

Boosting the base price by just over $20,000, our TDV6 Discovery test car came with a healthy swag of options, including Bournville (dark brown) metallic paint, seven seat leather trim pack, console cooler box, privacy glass, electronic rear locking diff, surround camera, rear seat entertainment system including wireless headphones, 11 speaker audio and 7in touchscreen display with off-road mapping.

Inside, the classy, upmarket ambience is enhanced by a matching brown/beige interior colour scheme including stitched leather on the dash. Also adding to the luxury feel was a big touchscreen display, complete with sophisticated trip computer and sat nav system, and crisp-sounding Harmon Kardon audio system.

Space and comfort is generously provided for all passengers in this family-sized wagon, with the extra headroom provided by the high-set roof ensuring you’ll never feel claustrophobic. ??Fitted with the optional, tw  folding third row seats along with a proper second row middle seat, the Discovery is also one of few seven seat wagons that can comfortably accommodate seven adults for an extended trip, without causing leg cramping. ??The driver is provided a commanding view of the road ahead too, partly thanks to a low bonnet and raised but comfortable seating position. While the uncluttered dash presentation and clear instruments contribute to the overall user-friendly layout.

Land Rover has made good use of available space for storage, with two gloveboxes up front, decent side door pockets and a useful storage bin in the rear load area, which can swallow a significant 1192 litres of cargo (in five seat mode).??Accessed by a handy split tailgate, the beige-carpeted luggage compartment also includes a 12V socket and. A full size spare wheel is located in the undercarriage.

Helping take it further into the bush is a 700mm wading depth, and ride height that can be jacked up to 310mm over rugged terrain.
But while unflappable off-road, this tall and bulky (2486kg) wagon also impresses with its impeccable on-road manners. On the freeway it’s whisper quiet, purring along in sixth gear at 100km/h at a relaxed 1600rpm, with just some wind noise from the bluff, upright windscreen. ??Diesel engine clatter is well suppressed, but like the diesel Ford Territory which uses the same 2.7-litre V6 oiler, it’s a bit sluggish off the mark due to some turbo lag.

There’s a decent shove from around 3000rpm though, helped along by the swift, smooth-shifting six-speed adaptive auto box.

The independent air suspension glides over a range of road surfaces without disturbing occupants. It also helps keeps the 2.5 tonne wagon in check around corners, although the body leans when pushed. Strong grip and decent steering feel add to the planted, on-road feel.

Another strongpoint is the list of standard safety features, which include an electronic parking brake, anti-skid braking, brake assist, stability control, Enhanced Understeer Control, roll stability system, and hill descent control. The airbags also extend all the way to the third row, protecting all passengers.

The Discovery proved a good match for the hefty rig, offering steady progress without protest or over-revving. It remained stable at freeway speeds up to 95km/h, with only some minor sway detected due to a cross wind and minimal pitching. ??While keeping up a steady cruise while towing, the 2.7-litre engine lacked sufficient grunt for strong acceleration or overtaking.

If this is an issue the 3.0-litre diesel with 160Nm more torque could be a better option, although there’s the $15,000 premium and bigger fuel bills to contend with.??

Driving solo, the Discovery average 10.6L/100km for a combination of freeway and city driving, increasing to 15.6L/100km while towing over a course which included some freeway cruising.??Thanks to the airbag suspension we noticed no rear suspension sag, which is a good thing as Land Rover doesn’t recommend use of a weight distribution hitch. The clever 4WD and traction control systems also ensured it was a fuss-free exercise running the boat up and down the ramp for our photo-shoot.

The Discovery 4 also featured Trailer Stability Assist, a towing aid that detects trailer oscillations and intervenes using the brakes and by reducing engine torque. We didn’t get the chance to experience it in action, but it was nice to know it was there just in case.

Our test vehicle also came with a wiring adapter kit that plugs into the trailer socket to prevent ‘pulsing’ of any LED rear tail-lights.

The consummate all-rounder, at home in the ‘burbs or in the bush, it’s also one of the most stable and confidence-inspiring tow vehicles I’ve had the pleasure of driving. And in entry-level TDV6 form at least, pretty good value for money.

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $68,900
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 10.2
CO2 emissions (g/km): 230
Towing capacity (unbraked/braked): 750kg/3500kg
Tow ball mass maximum: 350kg