| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 TDV6 SE, $81,990 |
Driveline:
3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, six speed auto |
 |
Fuel economy:
9.3L/100km |
Safety Features:
ABS, EBD, BA, DFSA, ESC, TCS, HAB |
ANCAP:
n/a |
GVG:
2.5 stars |
Discovery 4 has brought home the gold in the All-Terrain 4WD class for the second year running. That makes it a record-shattering winning streak over six consecutive years for Discovery models. Land Rover’s trophy cabinet has been strengthened to cope we hear tell.
This year it crossed swords with two ever-popular turbo-diesel models from Toyota. Once again the LandCruiser GXL was there to challenge, while the new-generation 150 series Prado GXL muscled its way past previous finalist Mitsubishi Pajero to also thrust and parry for this year’s glory.
Solid and clever engineering plus the raft of improvements that arrived in Discovery 4 held it in good stead with ABC judges both on and off the road, as its scores show. It’s man enough to skilfully tackle serious off-road duties, while strong performance, adept road manners, refinement and occupant comfort haven’t been sacrificed. Discovery again confirmed that rugged compromise isn’t necessary for all-terrain mastery.
The TDV6’s air suspension delivers a supple and comfortable ride, while judges again praised its handling precision that exceeds expectations for an all-terrain vehicle weighing nearly 2600kg.
The 3.0-litre sequential twin-turbo diesel engine (jointly developed with Jaguar) churns out a stump-pulling 600Nm of torque, up 36% on the old 2.7-litre diesel in Discovery 3. And with 29% more power too, performance is smooth, responsive and effortless on or off the blacktop. Official fuel consumption improved over the previous model and by class standards is decent, with only a couple of smaller-capacity diesels and the new 3.0-litre Prado diesel gaining an upper hand.
There’s a 5.0-litre direct-injection naturally-aspirated petrol V8 in the Discovery range, too. But its high-scoring performance doesn’t come for free, as its bottom rung fuel consumption score attests. As the premium model, it gains plenty of additional features that make it untouchable in class terms, but the wallet is savaged once more with a price tag nearly $45,000 loftier. And the pain continues with extra hurt in depreciation costs.
Nonetheless, the diesel Disco doesn’t short-change buyers for standard equipment, and it rates highly for safety. Curtain airbag protection that extends to protect occupants in its standard third row of seats (there’s seating for seven) will please families. And the third row folds away neatly into the floor.
Judges noted Land Rover’s warranty is on par with class competitors, although the significantly more generous coverage on the Mitsubishi Pajero made it the clear class leader.
Head off the beaten track and the Disco takes all manner of rough in its stride, thanks to the improved Terrain Response system with programs to suit almost any terrain. And the height-adjustable air suspension and hill descent control system add to its impressive abilities.
A braked maximum towing capacity of 3500kg, plus Land Rover’s trailer stability assist system that helps control trailer sway, will be relished by those with heavy-hauling duties in mind.
Versatility, on-road sophistication and go-almost-anywhere off-road ability once again made it impossible to go past Discovery 4 as our all-terrain favourite.