The
Land Rover people want the American sport/utility shopper to think of the discovery as a new vehicle, but it?s actually been around since ?90 when it was introduced to the British market.
This British offering is new to America however, and it offers U.S. enthusiasts a more affordable alternative to the luxurious Range Rover County LWB.
As would be expected form the premier maker of luxury utility cars, though, the sport/utility Discovery isn?t inexpensive. But it arrives at a time when the demand for such cars is high, and it comes with a list of standard equipment that helps offset pangs of sticker shock.
The key to understanding the Discovery ?s appeal is its versatility. Its creature comforts, interior spaciousness and smooth highway ride qualify it as a well-appointed family sedan.
Its full-time 4-wheel drive system and trail-tested suspension make it a nimble off-roader. In addition, its high tow rating means it?s a genuine trailer-hauler.
The Discovery needs to be a good all-round vehicle, because it competes in a crowded segment with a number of accomplished cars, including the Ford Explorer - America?s greatest-selling sport/ute - the immensely popular Jeep Grand Cherokee and the refurbished Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy, not to mention the numerous Asian entries.
Looking just as ready to go on safari as to haul home the groceries, the Discovery was brought to market with the most advanced safety systems of any sport/utility. Dual airbags, side-impact door beams and all-terrain anti-lock brakes (ABS) are all standard issue and complement the exceptional grip provided by the full-time 4WD.
Jeep?s Grand Cherokee is the only other vehicle less expensive than the Discovery to offer non-stop 4WD as standard.
Cloaking the exceptionally rigid chassis are aluminum body panels to keep weight down (the steel roof is the only panel not formed of aluminum). The Discovery?s strong steel box-section frame was not only treated to as special anti-corrosion process, but it was also designed to eliminate moister traps as well. This is one vehicle that should last at least 20 years - given, of course, the required build quality.
The Discovery is still built in a rather antiquated production line without such modern devices as robotics, so there?s some question whether it will show the long-term durability of its competitors that come out of newer plants.
Of course, that question has already been answered in part by the Discovery?s performance in the unbelievable demands of the annual Camel Trophy safaris and Land Rover?s long experience with off-road cars.
The discovery looks tall and ours was - more than 14 in. taller than the Grand Cherokee, although it?s about the same length. The bubble-top configuration not only provides ample headroom for front passengers - and placement of the driver?s seat a full 36 in. above the road for superior sight lines - it allows the rear seat to be elevated to a "stadium" position so passengers in the back can see over the heads of those in front.
The list of standard features points out the discovery?s luxurious character as well as its serious intentions as a utility vehicle. The integral Class III trailer-hitch receiver, for instance, allows maximum towing capacity of 7700 lb.
Because the Discovery was designed to tackle the outback as well as the inner city, it retains a typical off-road vehicle?s tall ride height, yet a low center of gravity prevents it from feeling tippy when snaking around a freeway on?ramp. A very neat option on our vehicle was hydraulically retractable rear bumper step, which swung up and out of the way of any road obstacles.
