Land Rover Discovery. Respected gentleman

 

Land Rover Discovery. Price: from $72,664 (581,310 UAH) On sale: since August 2009

In the "big three" of SUVs, the Land Rover Discovery model has long occupied the least privileged position. The new generation of the car is striving with all its might to rise not only in the eyes of others, but also above itself. And it succeeds quite successfully


Test pilot

Dmytro Tytyuchenko, 33 years old, automotive journalist, driving experience 14 years, personal car - Jeep Wrangler

Recently, the Americans launched another space shuttle Discovery from the traditional Cape Canaveral. The first launch "missed", the second, the third - it doesn't go, even if you cut it! Either the weather is not flying, or the equipment is faulty. And again the stubborn Yankees gathered at the Florida "Baikonur" to finally overcome space and expanse. And with prayer and a hamburger, on the fourth attempt, they finally sent the "shuttle" into space voyage. In the air unexpectedly hung a weightless-cloudy "...and the whole world is not enough": in parallel, in "woolly" Scotland, the fourth generation of the eponymous SUV from Land Rover successfully launched.

A revolution in the full sense of the word did not happen. But the firm hand of evolution not only changed the posture of the Discovery, giving it more pride, but also added confidence to the model in its own strength. The universal Humpbacked Horse spread its wings, turning into a stately Pegasus. The car, which previously exuded an uncharacteristic simplicity for other brand "Brits", became noticeably more glamorous, while remaining extremely recognizable: the familiar refined angularity of the body is not lost, no matter from what angle you look.

The facelessly brutal front end of the predecessor was filled with color and emotions. In the whirlwind of LED headlights, devilish lights danced, the sun sparkled in the silver of the massive radiator grille, and the efficiency curve on the graph of the fight against the oncoming air flow rapidly went up: aerodynamics are improved by the new front bumper and the shape of the wheel arches. A little attention also went to the rear of the SUV: a bright diode optics of the rear lights became an additional touch to the new appearance. Actually, this is where the changes in the exterior end: it is worth walking around the Discovery, as everything falls into place - both the gills of the air intakes on the fenders, and the side stampings, and the stepped roof, and the asymmetric tailgate.

But if you look into the cabin... Inside, the car has changed significantly, but the main "message" - everything for the driver! - is clearly read in the new role of the interior. First of all, the chopped forms were replaced by soft, smooth lines, which instantly "aestheticized" the decoration. Ergonomics also improved. The abundance of "linear" buttons and round knobs on the inclined center console has thinned out almost by an order of magnitude - it has become more pleasant and easier to handle the on-board systems. The cruise control and "hands-free" buttons on the steering wheel were supplemented with two convenient joysticks for controlling the on-board computer and audio system. And multimedia diversity is now provided by slots for iPod, USB and other additional music sources.

In addition, the technological intelligence of the model has increased. For example, the new headlights can not only track the illumination of the road, but also independently switch from high beam to low beam when an oncoming car appears. The surround view system with five digital cameras (operating at speeds up to 18 km/h) vigilantly monitors obstacles around the car - it is comfortable both to park in the city and to "feel" the way off-road. The towing assistance function allows you to easily handle a trailer in a limited space, drawing movement trajectories on the central display. And the stabilization system makes it possible to safely maneuver with some "Tonar" behind your shoulders. But the main thing is that the functionality of the Terrain Response surface recognition system has expanded. In particular, the "sand driving" program with wheel slip control now helps prevent the car from digging into the sand, and "rocks/low speed" reduces rolls and prevents the traction control system from engaging for more comfortable driving on tracks with the appropriate surface.

The new diesel engine is also tuned to overcome off-road, with a deep oil pan for efficient operation of the lubrication system and an improved oil evacuation system from turbochargers when driving over bumps. But this unit is not surrounded only by an off-road halo. The quiet diesel with two turbochargers is also good in urban conditions. Three liters of adrenaline and 245 horsepower of cheerfulness - if initially simple numbers do not stir the blood, then as you drive they manifest themselves in all their glory. 600 Nm, which the engine develops already at 2000 rpm, provide a clear pickup at low speeds and excellent acceleration at almost any speed. Moreover - 5/6 of the torque is achieved just half a second from idle! Acceleration is smooth, like the operation of the new 6-speed automatic, and imperceptible, like the declared fuel consumption (less than 10 liters per hundred). The steering wheel is light but informative, with pleasantly variable effort. Rolls are noticeable, but not critical: the modernized suspension remains soft, but with new steering knuckles, shock absorbers and a stiffer stabilizer, it copes well with the high center of gravity and considerable mass.

 

Love it - don't love it

The operation of the all-wheel drive is clearly visible on the informative DISPLAY on the center console. Interesting

TERRAIN RESPONSE is still configured independently, but switches manually. But that's for now... Tempting

 

Driving
The car has become more dynamic and manageable. It responds more readily to steering turns and rolls less in corners.

Comfort
Excellent ride smoothness will please all seven passengers.

Interior
The quality of materials has noticeably improved, and it has become more convenient to operate all on-board functions.

 

Safety
The stabilization system is even available for the trailer!

Price
With a discount on the legendary brand and taking into account the capabilities of the car, the amount seems reasonable.

 

Advantages and disadvantages

+ comfortable and spacious interior, good power unit, enviable off-road capabilities and dynamics on "asphalt".

- The spare wheel under the bottom quickly becomes covered with a layer of dirt.

 

Technical specifications

Make and model - Land Rover Discovery LR-TDV6
Dimensions - 4829x2022x1887 mm
Engine - diesel, 2993 cm3, 245 hp/4000 rpm
Transmission - automatic, 6-speed gearbox
Dynamics - max 180 km/h; 9.6 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Land Cruiser 200, Mitsubishi Pajero



Our opinion

The exterior restyling and seriously updated interior have repeatedly increased the aristocratic nature of the car. By the way, for those who have nobility poorly "combined" with diesel fuel, the manufacturers have provided a new 5.0-liter gasoline engine with 375 hp, also quite "thoroughbred" - after all, 7.9 s to a hundred...