Land Rover Discovery 4

Introduction:

Land Rover would probably be anyone's first bet while discussing a dedicated luxury SUV. Products of Land Rover are absolutely muscle-filled, and even in this elegant line up if you want a Land Rover with the elegance of Range Rover and the aggression of Defender then no doubt Discovery would be your go-to drive. Code-named as “Project Jay”, the Land Rover Discovery was first introduced in 1989. Since then the Rovers have managed to give this ultimate off-roader four face lifts. As the journey of discovery reaches the Malaysian market, the crowd is excited enough to welcome the newbie in their garage. Built in the same body frame structure of Discovery III, the new Discovery IV comes a bit altered in charisma as well as performance.

Engine, mileage and Variants:

The long haunched hood of the Discovery accommodates a LR-SDV6 3.0 L diesel engine. Housing a 8-speed automatic transmission, the powerhouse of the Discovery churns out a maximum power of 249 PS at 4000 rpm. Sequential turbo-charger equipped in the engine allows it to boost an overall torque of 600 Nm at 2000 rpm, which aids in its off-road maneuver. With a top speed of 180 km/h, the steering wheel mounted paddle shift allows it to touch 100 km/h in just 9.3 seconds. The sequential boost mode incorporated in the engine allows it to gasp maximum air density to each cylinder, enabling it deliver an improved fuel efficiency of 11.36 km/l.

Exteriors:

Based on the platform of Discovery III, the new 5-door full size SUV has some mutations to the exterior. Re-designed grille at the front enables ample transit of air to the engine bay. Xenon adaptive head lamps offers maximum visibility even in the deepest darkness. Colour coded versions of wheel arches and mirror caps are a new add to the vehicle this time. With a dimensions measuring 4829mm X 2022mm X 1887mm (LXWXH), the SUV is fit enough to crown it as the segment leader. The standard 19 inch alloy of the Discovery accommodates an all season-all terrain tyres, with a specification of 255/55 R19.

Interiors:

Ebony leather seats with straight grain walnut finishing comes as standard to the model. Leather tailored 4-spoke steering wheel is engraved with couple of decent audio and cruise controls. Clutch-less compressor equipped in the air conditioner offers a more controlled and refined air to the passengers. 380 W Meridian Audio Sound System in the car has a 11 speaker combination, that offers a quality sound all in the cabin. Premium Hard Disc Drive (HDD) navigation system with voice control, stores 100 GB data, which allow it to bypass heavy traffic. The 8-way power adjustable driver seats have memory function that automatically adjust the seating parameters. With 65/35 split folding seats the trunk volume of 280 litres could be increased to 2558 litres.

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous:

The SUV is packed with one of the finest safety features any vehicle of its segment could accommodate. Roll stability control (RSC) in coordination with dynamic stability control, prevents the vehicle roll over while encountering rough terrains. Trailer stability control (TSC) equipped in the car detects the swaying of trailer and immediately correct the potential problem by applying adequate brakes. 8-airbag combination of the Discovery, keeps the occupants cocooned inside the cabin during fatal crash. The braking system of the car accommodates ventilated disc type brakes with 4-channel all terrain Anti Lock braking system (both rear and front). Adaptive suspension system of the Discovery offers a stable and comfortable ride through out the journey.

Verdict:

This is a dedicated Land Rover, and that too one of the most muscle filled of the lot, it is a given that this drive has an exceptionally brilliant off-roading capability but it also embeds brilliant comfort and aesthetic features. With capacious space for the passengers, the only thing it lacks is the cramped boot space.