Land Rover Discovery 2004 Review

A lot rides on its success.

It is Land Rover's first all new model since Ford started calling the shots in 2000.

The new Disco preceeds about four new models from Land Rover including the Range Rover Sport, new Freelander, a new Defender and revised Range Rover, all due within the next couple of years.

Disco has a strong base here thanks to its 4WD prowess, utilitarian good looks and distinctive "Briddish" character.

Built on a new platform called an Integrated Body Frame that incorporates elements of a separate chassis and a monocoque construction, Disco 3 comes out of a new facility in Solihull, Birmingham that features industry leading technology.

A "virtual build process" smoothed the design and production of this model as did an arrangement with the workforce.

Land Rover execs proudly state it's the best vehicle the company has ever made.

And it has been validated over an exhaustive 6.5 million kilometres in harsh locations around the globe.

Land Rover is confident the new model meets and exceeds all buyer expectations.

It has definite styling links to the previous model but is much bolder with a powerful looking, dramatic, practical exterior.

The theme is carried through to the interior which was infact designed before the skin.

You won't mistake the new Disco for any other car.

It's chunky sometimes asymmetric lines will form the basis of a new Land Rover corporate look to flow through all models.

But it has gone significantly upmarket compared with the previous model.

Whether the Disco will drag its customer base to this new elevated position remains to be seen.

It is certainly no soft-road excuse of an off roader.

The Disco is a tough 4WD capable of tackling pretty well any off road environment you care to point it at.

On the other side of the coin, huge advances to its on road driveability make the Disco a wieldy beast on sealed roads even if it is big, heavy and wide.

It's a revelation on-road compared to the boatish predecessor.

Bristling with goodies, Disco 3 features clever technology like Terrain Response that optimises the vehicle's dynamics for a choice of driving conditions. There is also an auto mode.

Three engines are available: a 2.7-litre V6 turbo diesel from Jaguar, a 4.0-litre V6 petrol from Ford and a 4.4-litre V8 also from Jag. All are tailored mechanically for Land Rover requirements.

The transmission is a six speed auto from ZF with six speed manual available only on the diesel.

The all wheel drive has a two speed transfer and lockable differentials.

Air suspension is fitted to all but the base model.

On the road, the diesel is pick of the bunch though we didn't test the V6 petrol.

Disco 3 weighs in excess of 2.5 tonnes so torque is of great importance. That's why the diesel is a better drive.

The V8 sings sweetly but lacks the punch of the diesel. It also consumes prodigious amounts of petrol.

The Disco steers well, has a safe and stable ride and powerful brakes. Off road Disco II is a revelation compared to the numerous soft roaders that populate this segment.

Where they are pretty well hopeless in anything more demanding that a gravel road or perhaps firm sand, the Disco marches forward over the toughest terrain without flinching thanks to the sophisticated independent suspension.

Uphill, down dale, through deep river crossings, huge off set potholes, diagonal ruts, rock strewn river banks – not a problem.

Seating for seven is available though with the third row, load space disappears.

The spare is full size and resides under the load floor.

Prices start at $56,650 for the V6 S model.