September 15, 2004. Copyright, 2004, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Land Rover Discovery does so much; or is it too much?
By Neil Winton

LONDON, September 15, Graphic News:  Looking like a cross between a baby Range Rover and a Tonka toy, the new Land Rover Discovery 3 is a big visual improvement over its predecessor, which had about as much charm as a barge on wheels. And this is one capable piece of technology. It can ford rivers, and traverse mud, sand and snow. It canÕt leap tall buildings with a single bound, but with Hill Descent Control engaged, it might just crawl down the side of one.

But most buyers of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) like the Discovery 3 will be driving to work or taking the kids to school; the only time the off-road capability is likely to be called upon will be during winter snow. The extra weight, and therefore increased fuel penalty incurred by all this off-road capability has incurred the wrath of environmentalists. In Sweden, Green and Socialist parties are proposing penal taxes on these gas guzzlers. The French government is also lining up taxes to curb SUVs. The Mayor of London has called SUV users Òcomplete idiotsÓ.

The new Discovery, though, is just as happy on roads as it is in the fields. Handling is precise and tight. Despite its height and weight it sweeps through long high speed corners with little roll. It soaks up the bumps on the highway and goes just where you point it. The performance of the 2.7-litre turbo charged diesel is no more than adequate, but this is a heavy machine Ð at over 2.7 tonnes, it is a third of a tonne heavier than its luxury big brother the Range Rover.

The top-of-the-range Discovery is powered by a 4.4 litre 295bhp V8. There is also a 4.0 litre 215bhp V6 motor. Land Rover expects about 90 percent of sales in Europe will be diesel powered.

The new Discovery is loaded with gizmos to help drivers who venture off the highway. Previously, drivers had to use whatever skill they could muster to persuade the engine, suspension, clutch and differentials to cooperate and traverse rough terrain. Land Rover says that is now a thing of the past because of its patented ÒTerrain ResponseÓ technology. The driver simply chooses one of five settings using a rotary dial on the centre console Ð General Driving, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, Sand, or Rock Crawl. The computer does the rest.

The new car has a split rear tailgate with a dip on the right side. You can load up without opening the whole rear door. The lower part swings down and is strong enough to serve as a picnic seat, or as a viewing platform.

The Discovery 3 is making its international debut at the Paris Car Show, which opens to the public on September 25. The Discovery goes on sale across Europe on November 1. The price of £36,995/54,300 euros includes air suspension, 7 seats, Terrain Response, alloys, cruise control, climate control, bi-xenon lights, touch-screen navigation, and leather pack.
/ENDS