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Land Rover Discovery
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The Land Rover Discovery, also commonly known as the "Disco", is a series of medium to large premium SUVs, produced under the Land Rover marque, from the British manufacturer Land Rover, and later Jaguar Land Rover. The series is currently in its fifth iteration (or generation, according to the manufacturer), the first of which was introduced in 1989, making the Discovery the first new model series since the launch of the 1970 Range Rover – on which it was based – and only the third new product line since the conception of the Land Rover (vehicle and brand) by Rover in 1948. The model is sometimes called influential, as one of the first to market a true off-road capable family car.

The third iteration – succeeding the series I and II in 2004 - was either titled the Discovery 3 or simply LR3 (in North America and The Middle East). This was the first all-original design for the Discovery. Although it followed the 2002 third generation Range Rover, also switching to fully independent suspension, it still received a separate, but integrated body and frame (IBF) structure. The fourth iteration, as of 2009 – like the series II, was again mainly an update of the new generation – marketed as the Discovery 4, or Land Rover LR4 for North American and Middle Eastern markets.

See Autopedia's comprehensive Land Rover LR4 Review.

Recent Changes[]

  • Beginning MY2012, the world-spec Discovery 4 range will be joined by the Discovery 4 Armoured. Developed in partnership with specialists Centigon, the bulletproofed model is aimed specifically for high-risk customers in Europe or the developing world. The armour fitting includes ballistic steel plates for high-velocity ballistics as well as blast protection against 15 kg of TNT, or its equivalent, and under floor protection against two DM51 hand grenades, all done in accordance with European standards. To cope with the extra weight (3550 kg / 7826 lb), Land Rover has upgrade the engine with a 5.0 liter LR-V8 petrol mill, developing 375 PS (276 kW) and 510 Nm (376 lb-ft). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is 10.6 seconds. They have also upgraded the chassis with air suspension, new air springs and revised damper settings, biggers roll bars and Alcon heavy-duty brakes, heavy wheels and run-flat tires. The Discovery 4 Armoured will come with a 3-year, 80,000 km factory warranty on both the vehicle and the armour.[1]
  • For 2011, Land Rover is launching a limited edition Discovery 4 for the UK market called the Landmark Limited Edition. Available only in Santorini Black or Fuji White, it features a set of unique 5-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels with glossy black diamond-turned coating and more upscale Taurus leather interior, which can be specified in Ebony or Ivory (the latter with contrasting stitching). Under the hood, all Landmark models get LR's 3.0 litre twin turbo V6 diesel which is 9% more fuel efficient than the outgoing 2.7 litre mill and emits 10% less CO2.[2]
  • For 2010, the LR3/Discovery 3 receives both a facelift and a new name, the LR4/Discovery 4. The new posh SUV sports a new direct-injected 5.0-liter V8 sourced from Jaguar producing 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. The new found grunt is managed through a 6-speed Auto. Besides the aesthetics and the grunt, the Discovery's electronic goodies also get upgrades, most notably, Land Rover's Terrain Response System.[3]
  • For 2009, the LR3 (Discovery 3) receives a very subtle facelift. They include fully body colored front bumpers, revised rear bumper and wheel arches (now body colored on top level trims), body colored tailgate lift handle, revised "tungsten" colored side vent, "tungsten" door handles on top level trims, and clear-lens side repeaters on all variants. The range will also be sporting three new metallic paint schemes: Santorini Black, Galway Green and Bournville as well as "Almond" trim color for the interior. Also on offer is the inclusion of a new set of 19-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels. Pricing starts at £29,950 and UK customers will be able to get theirs as early as August 2008. [4]
  • As the LR3 only debuted in 2005, there are no cosmetic changes for 2006. The biggest update, however, is the addition of a V6 version, making the LR3 lineup more versatile and relatively more affordable.

Styles and Major Options[]

The LR3 comes in two trims: the SE and the HSE. In addition, it is also now available in two engines, a 4.0L 216hp V6 as well as a 5.0L 375hp V8, but the SE is the only trim that offers both a V6 and V8 version. The HSE is only available with the V8. All models are equipped with full-time all wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Some of the standout features that set them apart include:

V6 SE

  • 18" silver alloy wheels
  • 6-way power adjustable front seats
  • Leatherette seating
  • Dual zone front automatic air conditioning
  • 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
  • Cruise Control
  • Trip computer
  • Power windows, locks, mirrors

V8 SE

Adds to or replaces V6 SE features with:

  • Leather seating, shift knob, and steering wheel
  • Express open sunroof
  • 9-speaker harmon/kardon AM/FM/MP3/in-dash 6CD changer audio system

V8 HSE

Adds to or replace V8 SE features with:

  • 19" silver alloy wheels
  • 7 passenger capacity (50-50 split 3rd row)
  • 8-way power driver seat with memory
  • Separate rear air conditioning controls
  • 14-speaker harman/kardon AM/FM/MP3/in-dash 6CD changer audio system
  • Homelink Wireless Control System
  • Compass, systems monitor, trip computer
  • Front/rear park distance control
  • Navigation system

Pricing[]

Today's actual prices for the Land Rover LR3 can be found at CarsDirect.

MODEL Trims
SE V6 SE V8 HSE V8
MSRP
$38,285 $44,985 $52,985
Invoice
$34,839 $40,936 $48,216

Gas Mileage[]

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
4.0L V6 5.0L V8
MPG
c/h c/h

Engine and Transmission[]

Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance[]

Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.

If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability[]

Warranty options and scheduled maintenance information should be mentioned here.

Safety[]

The NHTSA does not have any safety test information on the LR3, but according to Autos.com, the LR3 was tied for 4th with several other models in the Luxury SUV category for safety.

Photos[]

Colors[]

Colors will vary by trim, but a complete list is viewable at CarsDirect.com. Some of the available options include:

Exterior

  • Alveston Red
  • Bonatti Gray
  • Buckingham Blue
  • Java Black
  • Tonga Green
  • Zambezi Silver

Interior

  • Alpaca
  • Black

Main Competitors[]

Hybrid Models[]

There are no hybrid models of the LR3 currently in production.

Unique Attributes[]

If there are any features of this vehicle that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class, then mention those unique attributes here.

Interior[]

This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfort and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.


Resale Values[]

Add more fields as necessary.

<MODEL> Year
Year X Year X-2 Year X-3 Year X-4
Resale Value
$ $ $ $

Criticisms[]

Please make sure to keep critiques in a third-person point of view. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Generations[]

Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures.

Third generation (L462; 2017–present)[]

The third-generation Discovery was unveiled in the grounds of Packington Hall near Meriden, UK on 28 September 2016, the eve of the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and went on sale in the UK in February 2017. Built on a platform shared with the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, the current Discovery leaves behind many of the design traditions of former generations for a more modern, though less overtly practical, design. This model also marks the return of the Discovery marque in the U.S. market, replacing the LR moniker of the previous generation models. There are five-seat, seven-seat, and commercial van versions in the UK, Ireland and other European markets. In November 2020, a facelift for the model was launched, which debuted as a 2021 model.

This is the first Discovery that will be manufactured outside the UK, with production being moved to Slovakia in 2019.

A Discovery 3.0 TD6 achieved an AIR Index emission rating of "A" (A=Best, E=Worst) when independently tested in 2019.

The SVX version was debuted on Frankfurt motor show 2017, the car was to be on sale in 2019 but the project was cancelled

Design[]

The design of the third-generation Discovery was previewed by the Discovery Vision Concept at the 2014 New York Auto Show. In profile, the exterior design is also very similar to the small Discovery Sport model. In contrast to previous Discovery models, the third-generation has a much more rounded shape, eschewing the traditional angular design. The tail lights have changed from a vertical orientation to horizontal, and the third-row side glass no longer blends into the roof glass. The tailgate is no longer horizontally split and has been replaced with a conventional top hinged tailgate made from composite, but retaining the asymmetrically mounted license plate as a design cue from previous generations of the Discovery. The roof is still stepped over the third row, though it is now largely cosmetic in comparison to the previous models and the roof now has a strong taper to the back. The interior closely follows that from other contemporary Land Rover models, while continuing the 3-row tradition of the Discovery.

Mechanical[]

The new Discovery 5 incorporates several changes over its predecessors. For the first time, the Discovery is based on Land Rover's aluminium architecture, first introduced on the Range Rover (L405). The use of aluminium chassis and body panels gives a weight loss of up to 480 kg over its predecessor. This weight loss combined with a new aerodynamic design, a 17 percent lower Cd, achieves a fuel efficiency improvement over previous Discovery generations. The new Discovery is offered with a combination of V6 petrol and diesel engines. All Discovery 5s are equipped with a standard 8 speed automatic transmission. An available option package adds a two speed transfer case (low range gearbox) and the option of an actively locking rear differential. Coil springs are now standard on base trim models, while air suspension is still offered as an option.

Land Rover also introduces Terrain Response 2 on the Discovery 5. Similarly to the first generation of Terrain Response, Terrain Response 2 constantly monitors wheel slip, wheel speed, angle of approach or departure, and the suspension's compression or rebound to adjust the anti-lock braking system, throttle response, differentials and traction control systems. The driver can select modes for snow, grass, gravel, mud ruts, sand, or rock crawling by the spin of a dial on the centre console. Terrain Response 2 also introduces a new 'Auto' mode that allows the vehicles computer to select the most appropriate mode on its own.

The Discovery 5 is the first Discovery to be built on a unibody chassis, unlike its predecessors which were built body on frame. This allows the vehicle to have higher torsional rigidity with less weight. According to the automotive press, the latest generation has a higher wading depth (up to 35.6 inches (90 cm)), improved ground clearance and a more comfortable ride while traversing adverse terrain.

A mid term update with a refreshed interior and new engine range was launched in 2021. Larger infotainment screens and revisions to the layout of the Commercial variant including more underfloor storage were the main highlights. Mild hybrid engines with automatic 2WD/4WD switching was now introduced as standard across the range.

Discovery 4 / LR4 (2009–2016)[]

The Discovery 4 (called the LR4 in North America and the Middle East) is an updated version of the Discovery 3. Using the same Integrated Body Frame structure, the new Discovery has altered front and rear light units and a restyled front grille and bumper to adopt the same smoother, rounder style as also adopted for the 2010 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The Discovery 4 also retains the body-coloured wheel arches and bumpers as the late Discovery 3s (early D3s had black plastic trim). Optional Daylight Running Lamps can be specified whilst LED lights feature prominently in both front and rear lamp units.

The majority of the changes are mechanical, with reliability issues addressed, improvements to engines and gearboxes, brake and suspension refinements, but also included major interior upgrades with a more luxurious and contemporary interior with greater luxury and technology levels available. The D4 receives two engines from Jaguar Land Rover's Gen III range. The TDV6 Gen III is a 3.0-litre development of the 2.7-litre engine used in the D3. The new version features advanced twin-sequential turbochargers where a Variable geometry turbocharger is used at low engine speeds, with a second standard turbo is brought online at higher engine speeds. Two versions of the 3.0-litre diesel are offered. Fuel economy was improved over the previous generation diesel while power, torque and diesel NVH were improved significantly. This system provides greater output than the older engine, with 241 bhp (180 kW) and 600 N⋅m (440 lb⋅ft) whilst reducing CO2 emissions by 10 percent when first introduced and in 2014 increased to 188 kW (252 hp). The Gen III version of the V8 petrol engine (available in markets outside the UK such as North America, Russia, Japan, Australia, and some EU countries) is now a 5-litre unit with Direct Petrol Injection developing 385 bhp (287 kW) and 520 N⋅m (380 lb⋅ft).

An improved version of the ZF six-speed automatic/sequential gearbox was incorporated and in 2012(2014 in the US) was further improved including a change to 8 speeds. It includes taller gearing to take advantage of the new engines' greater torque output and an updated lock-up system to further reduce fuel consumption. Other technical changes include the fitting of the more powerful brakes from the Range Rover Sport and thicker anti-roll bars to improve on-road handling. The Stability Control System now includes a programme that detects the onset of understeer and applies the brakes. The Discovery 4 retains its predecessor's fully independent air suspension with cross-linking when off-road and the twin-range transfer gearbox with an electronic infinitely variable locking centre differential. As before, a similar locking rear differential is available. The Terrain Response system remains but with two new features – the 'Sand' mode incorporates a new traction control mode to prevent loss of traction when starting off and stopping in soft sand, and the 'Rock Crawl' mode gains a feature that applies gentle brake pressure at low (less than walking pace) speeds to improve grip and stability on slick rock. The system is also 'retuned' to account for the new engines and gearboxes with their different torque characteristics. Other new electronic systems include Trailer Stability Assist which can adjust the throttle and brakes to prevent a dangerously swaying trailer.

The 2.7-litre TDV6 engine was available in Europe on the basic 2.7 GS passenger and 2010 Commercial ranges. Unlike the Discovery 3 base model, this was equipped with air suspension and the Terrain Response system. The automatic gearbox was an option on this model. The 3.0-litre Gen III model (only with automatic gearbox) is also available in the GS trim level.

The Discovery 4 also features a redesigned interior (in keeping with the new styles introduced elsewhere in the LR range for 2010). The instrument cluster is updated with redesigned analogue speedometer and tachometer gauges for improved clarity. The analogue temperature/fuel gauges of the previous model and the electronic information display are replaced by a single TFT screen capable of displaying information in a variety of modes and formats. The interior also has a new centre console, which includes redesigned and simplified switches and controls. The Discovery also has a new seat design and a wider range of available interior materials – some previously only seen in Range Rover models. The stated aim of the interior redesign was to lift the vehicle upmarket, with higher-spec models now aimed at the luxury and executive markets.

The car gains some electronic systems from the Range Rover lineup, such as the optional 'Surround Camera System' – a series of cameras located in the front bumper, door mirrors, and rear tailgate handle which can display their images on the centre console screen to improve visibility (although the image quality of this system was downgraded by Land Rover around 2014). Other electronic systems are intended to improve efficiency – the engines feature a 'Smart' alternator that only charges the battery when engine load is low, thus helping to reduce fuel consumption when the engine is working harder.

The Discovery 4 was unveiled in the summer of 2009 and went on sale in the United Kingdom on 1 September that year. A Commercial van variant was released in the UK at the same time using the 2.7 engine and offered in GS and XS trim levels. In the Republic of Ireland a Commercial van was offered from 1 January 2010 based on the XE 2.7 manual and HSE 3.0 auto engines.

An armoured Discovery with B6 ballistic level of protection was announced in 2010. It offers numerous safety features designed to protect the occupants, including protection from grenades and small arms fire. The vehicle is indistinguishable from the standard LR4.

For the 2011 model year announced late 2010, the 2.7-litre engine was dropped and two versions of the 3.0-litre engine were made available – one called the TDV6 and one called the SDV6 (the latter offering 245 bhp).

For the 2012 model year, diesel models in Europe came with the new eight-speed auto gearbox with steering wheel paddle controls and a circular dial selector that raises upon startup. The SDV6 engine was uprated to 255 bhp (190 kW) whilst both diesel engines featured reduced emissions for European models. During 2012 the HSE Luxury special edition was announced, featuring enhanced trim levels, and available in Europe and North American markets.

In Ireland, 2012 saw the introduction of a new five-seat version of the Discovery 4 classified as an N1 Commercial vehicle, therefore attracting lower VRT rates. There is also a new two-seat Commercial on the same rules. All Irish models came with the lower emissions TDV6 engine. In 2014, an enhanced version of the unique-to-Ireland five-seater commercial utility went on sale which included almost all top-of-the-range features for a lower price. This vehicle is now the top selling Discovery in Ireland due to the fact that it attracts low road tax (€333 per year) and VAT can be reclaimed.

For 2013, models received a style freshening, new badging, new fuel stretching technology, improved audio systems and a new range of driver assistance, comfort and safety features. The 2014 Discovery comes with a standard ZF 8HP transmission, and in some markets can be supplied with a one-speed transfer case (replacing the two speed transfer case). 2014 also marks the first use of a 2,995 cc (2.995 L; 182.8 cu in) supercharged six cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6 and V8 offerings.

In a January 2011 comparison test by Car and Driver, the Land Rover LR4 came in fourth place out of five cars behind the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Acura MDX.[30] However, it has always won the Auto Express categories of Best Large SUV and Best Towcar since it was launched in 2009.

To celebrate 25 years of the Land Rover Discovery, a special edition of 1800 (?) vehicles was produced in 2014 marked as the XXV, and featured a number of unique details including light grey (Cirrus) XXV-embossed Windsor leather seats, special grill sets, and almost every extra and expansion pack available. A number of these were exported in silver grey and the darker causeway grey for UK markets.

A major milestone in Land Rover Discovery's history came when the one millionth example built rolled off the Solihull production line in March 2012. This vehicle, along with two similar examples, was driven from Solihull to Beijing, China in a replication of a 1950s expedition. During this expedition, G459 WAC, a pre-production Discovery 1 (which was subsequently converted into an amphibious vehicle) joined in the celebrations when the expedition visited Lake Geneva. The expedition concluded with the actual Millionth Discovery appearing at the Beijing Motor Show. This vehicle subsequently returned to go on permanent exhibition at the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust centre at Gaydon, Warwickshire, England.

Past Generations[]

Third generation (2005-2009)[]

File:2006 LR3 front.jpg

2006 Land Rover LR3

File:2006 LR3 sunset.jpg

On 2 April 2004, owners Ford Motor Company introduced a new Discovery 3 (or LR3 in the US) for the 2005 model year.

The Series II Discovery was long over-due for replacement. Although still a capable and popular vehicle, its chassis, coil-spring suspension and beam-axle layout had changed very little since the launch of the original Discovery in 1989. In turn, that vehicle used essentially the same underpinnings as the original Range Rover, launched in 1970. The Discovery II was beginning to lose sales to more sophisticated 'working' 4x4 vehicles from Japan (such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Shogun) and 'sports' 4x4s from Europe (such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class). A replacement vehicle had been planned for many years, but the project had been delayed many times due to the break up of the Rover Group in 2000 and the need to replace the Range Rover in 2001.

The Discovery 3 (LR3 in North America) was an entirely new design, sharing not a single component with the outgoing model. Its styling is still traditional Land Rover, with function dictating the look, rather than fashion, and with lots of horizontal and vertical lines. It retains the key features of the Discovery, such as the stepped roofline and steeply-raked windscreen.

Construction-wise, Land Rover developed an all-new method which they called 'Integrated Body Frame'. The previous Discovery models had used a traditional, strong ladder-frame chassis. Whilst tough in off-road use, these are heavy and detract from the on-road handling of the vehicle. Monocoque vehicles are more rigid, giving improved high-speed handling, but can be damaged by the stresses involved in heavy off-road use. In the IBF the body, engine bay and passenger compartment is built as a monocoque, which is mated to a basic ladder-chassis holding the gearbox and suspension. It claimed to combine the virtues of both systems, but does make the Discovery 3 uncommonly heavy for its size stunting on-road performance and off-road agility.

Another big change was the fitting of fully independent suspension. Like the Series III Range Rover, this was an air suspension system, which allowed the ride-height of the vehicle to be altered by simply pumping up or deflating the air bags. The vehicle can be raised to provide ground clearance when off-road, but lowered at high speeds to improve handling. FIS has been seen as inferior to the older beam-axle when off-road due to its tendency to make the vehicle ground out. Land Rover developed 'cross-linked' air suspension to solve this problem- when needed, the suspension mimics the action of a beam axle (as one wheel drops, the other rises). In the UK and European markets, a coil-spring independent suspension system was offered on the base model. This model was unique in the range by having only 5 seats and only being available with the 2.7-litre diesel engine. This model lacked the Terrain Response system (see below).

All this was designed to make the new vehicle suitable for a changing 4x4 market. Ultimate off-road ability was becoming less important compared to refined on-road manners. Land Rover was determined that the Discovery 3 would retain the brand's reputation as a top-performing off-road vehicle, whilst also being a good road car. Whilst the Discovery 3 was not as good in the handling stakes as some of the competition, it was much improved over the previous models and its off-road credentials remained intact.

The engines used in the Discovery 3 were all taken from Land Rover's sister company, Jaguar. A 2.7-litre, 195-horsepower (145 kW) V6 diesel engine (the TdV6) was intended to be the biggest seller in Europe. For the US-market and as the high-performance option elsewhere, a 4.4 litre petrol V8 of 280-horsepower (209 kW) was chosen. A 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine taken from the Ford stable was available in the USA and Australia. Before launch, there were rumours that Land Rover may introduce the diesel unit to the American market, but the use of high-sulphur diesel fuel, for which the TdV6 is not designed in that market made this fitment unlikely.

The gearboxes on the Discovery 3 were also all-new. For the diesel engine, a 6-speed manual gearbox was standard. As an option, and as standard on the V8 engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission was available. Both came with a 2-speed transfer box and permanent 4-wheel-drive. A computer controlled progressively locking central differential ensured traction was retained in tough conditions. A similar differential was available on the rear axle to aid traction.

The Discovery 3 was fitted with Land Rover's full armoury of electronic traction control systems. Hill Descent Control (HDC) prevented vehicle 'runaways' when descending steep gradients and 4-wheel Electronic Traction Control (4ETC) prevented wheel spin in low-traction conditions. An on-road system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) prevented skidding when steering and braking at speed.

Arguably the biggest feature of the new vehicle was the innovative 'Terrain Response' system (this system won a US Scientist award in 2005). Previously, off-road driving had been a skill that many drivers found daunting. A wide-ranging knowledge of the vehicle was needed to be able to select the correct gear, transfer ratio, various differential systems and master various techniques required for tackling steep hills, deep water and other tough terrain. Terrain Response attempted to take away as many of the difficulties as possible. The driver selected a terrain type on a dial in the cab of the vehicle (the options are 'Sand', 'Ice/Grass/Snow', 'Mud/Ruts' and 'Rock Crawl'.) The on-board computer systems then select the correct gearbox settings, adjust the suspension height, adjust the differential lock settings and even alter the throttle response of the engine suitable for the terrain. For example, in 'Rock Crawl', the suspension is raised to its maximum height, the differentials are locked, Low Ratio is engaged and the throttle response is altered to provide low-speed control. The driver retained some manual control over the off-road systems, being able to select the Transfer Box ratio and the suspension height manually, although use of the Terrain Response system is needed to allow full use of the vehicles capabilities.

As well as new mechanical and electronic systems, the Discovery 3 introduced much more advanced and modern design to the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The original 1989 Discovery's looks had been determined by limited funds and the consequent use of first-generation Range Rover components. These continued to influence the Series II. The Discovery 3 was able to have a fresh, minimalist style. The interior was much improved, with a highly flexible 7-seat layout. Unlike the older models, adults could comfortably use all 7 seats. Passengers in the rearmost row now entered through the rear side doors, instead of the tailgate as in previous versions. The driver benefited from a modern satellite on- and off-road GPS. When in off-road modes, the screen showed a schematic of the vehicle, displaying the amount of suspension movement, angle the front wheels were steering, the status of the locking differentials and icons showing which mode the Terrain Response was in, and what gear was selected on automatic versions.

The vehicle was very well received by the press on its launch, with the Terrain Response system, vastly improved on-road dynamics and clever interior design being selected for wide praise. The new look was disliked by some (descriptions such as 'van-like' were used), and the large, blank rear panel, now devoid of the spare wheel, was a controversial point. Others pointed out that the diesel engine still lagged behind the competition in power (especially given the weight of the vehicle), but overall the vehicle scored highly. A high-point in the new Discovery's launch season came when Jeremy Clarkson of the BBC's Top Gear motoring show drove one to the top of a Scottish mountain, where no vehicle had previously reached.

The first all-new model placement since the Freelander, the Range Rover Sport is based on the Discovery 3 platform, rather than on the larger Range Rover.

Second Generation (1998-2004)[]

Series II

File:2000 Land Rover Discovery.jpg

2000 Discovery Series II

The Series II Discovery debuted in 1998. The interior and exterior was re-worked to be less utilitarian, but it was still very similar to the Series I. However, every body panel was new (and incompatible) except the rear door outer skin. The rear body was extended to improve load space but at the expense of added rear overhang, which adveresely impacted off-road ability. However overall off-road ability remains impressive and in practical terms, choice of tyres is far more relevant. Changes to the diesel engined models saw the 2495cc Td5 (in-line direct-injected 5 cylinder) engine introduced, in line with the updated Defender models. This electronically managed engine was smoother, producing more useable torque at lower revs than its 300 Tdi predecessor. ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement, an electronically controlled hydraulic anti-roll bar system) was fitted to some versions, which reduced cornering roll to insignificant proportions. Self-levelling air springs were fitted to some models and European type-approval for 7-seat vehicles was only given for air-sprung cars.

The locking centre differential was still fitted, although the linkage to operate it was not attached, as Land Rover believed that the traction control and newly-developed Hill Descent Control would render it redundant. In 2002, US models saw the mechanism itself finally removed. At this time the mechanism was removed on European 02 Model Year vehicles and remained fully deleted until the face-lifted model was introduced later in that year. Customer demand saw the mechanism and controls fully reinstated as a cost option only (standard on top of range HSE/ES vehicles) on UK/Irish models. The "face-lift" models are easily identified by new "pocketed" headlamps which matched the Range Rover and face-lifted Freelander models. As with earlier models, however, this can be deceptive since kits are available to modify 1998-2002 vehicles with the newer lights.

A small number of Discovery II Commercial models were produced by Land Rover Special Vehicles, this time based on the five-door bodyshell but with the windows rendered opaque to give van-like appearance and security. Normal vehicles were exported to Republic of Ireland, where the rear side windows were smashed and rear seats were destroyed in the presence of a Revenue official, to offer a model that avoided the usurous Vehicle Registration Tax (saving approx.40%).


First Generation/Origins (1989–1997)[]

Series I The Land Rover Discovery was introduced into the United Kingdom in 1989. The company code-named the vehicle "Project Jay", and came close to calling it the "Prarie Rover" until the decision was made to improve the overall branding strategy, eventually leading to the Land Rover name becoming detached from any specific model (at the launch of the "Defender" name.) The new model was based on the chassis and drivetrain of the more upmarket Range Rover, but with a lower price aimed at a larger market segment and intended to compete with Japanese offerings.

The Discovery was initially available in a three door version, partly to avoid eating into the market of the more expensive Range Rover. The five door became available the following year. Both were fitted with five seats, and an option was made available to have two further seats fitted in the "boot" area at the back of the car. A two-seater, three-door Discovery Commercial version, lacking rear windows, was later offered by Land Rover Special Vehicles. Pre-1994, the Discovery was available with either the 2.5L 200 Turbo Direct Injection (Tdi) engine or the 3.5L Rover V8. Early V8s used a twin SU carburettor system, moving over to Lucas fuel injection in 1990. In the UK, V8 models are comparatively rare, the majority of Discovery owners preferring the more economical diesel engines. Consequently, resale prices of V8-engined vehicles are lower than the more popular diesel counterparts. In the North American market, the situation was reversed and the vast majority of vehicles sold were fitted with the V8. A two litre petrol engine from the Rover stable was briefly available in a model known as the 2.0 Mpi. This was intended to attract fleet managers, since UK (and Italian)Tax laws benefitted vehicles under two litres. A combination of changes in taxation and the engine being woefully underpowered for such a heavy vehicle led to the demise of this engine, despite the kudos of being the engine fitted to several Discoveries supplied to the British Royal family.

File:800px-Land Rover Discovery SI maroon side.jpg

Pre-1995 Discovery Series I

In 1994, many changes were made to the Discovery I: the 200TDi and 3.5L V8 engines were replaced with the 2.5L 300TDi and 3.9L Rover V8 engines, the 300TDi introducing a Bosch electronic emmisions control for certain models and markets. At around this time a stronger R380 gearbox was fitted to all manual models. The newer models featured larger headlamps and a second set of rear lights in the bumper. A notorious annoyance with the new rear lights was that the wiring was changed several times to meet real or expected European safety legislation. Some vehicles are left with a frustrating arrangement where the vulnerable bumper contains the only working direction-indicator lights; other examples have these lights duplicated in the traditional rear pillar location.

The designers of the original model had been forced to economise and use the "parts-bin" of the then parent-company, Rover. The 200 series used the windscreen from the Range Rover, door handles from the Morris Marina and tail lights from the Austin Maestro van. The favour was returned when the facelifted Discovery dashboard was also fitted as part of the final facelift to the first-generation Range Rover, though with minor differences reflecting the vehicle's higher status, such as an analogue rather than digital clock.

1994 also marked the first year that the Discovery was sold in the United States. Airbags were incorporated into the design of the 1994 model to meet the requirements of US motor vehicle regulations, though they were not fitted as standard in all markets. All models sold in the US utilised the 3.9L V8 engine.

As with all Land Rover vehicles designed since the Series models which had switchable [Two wheel drive|2]] and 4 wheel drive, the transmission is a permanent four wheel drive system, with a locking centre differential at the transfer box. In common with much of the rest of the Land Rover range, the handbrake acts on the transmission at the back of the transfer box.

In Japan, a badge-engineered version of the Series I was offered, called the Honda Crossroad.


Worldwide[]

In Australia, the vehicle managed to be awarded '4WD of the Year' by virtually all of the 4WD press, impressing the often conservative journalists of the 'hard-core' magazines when it effortlessly ambled where the traditionally highly-rated Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol had to scramble. It was widely hailed as the first time that electonics actually out-performed trusted mechanical systems, although most sounded a note of caution about long-term reliability and serviceability. Despite these reviews, and a price tag very similar to the Land Cruiser, it did not set the market alight.

Design quirks and oddities[]

Amongst the off-road driving and Land Rover enthusiast community, the all-new Discovery has gradually gained acceptance. Given the improved road-going qualities of the vehicle, many were worried that the vehicle's off-road abilities would be comprimised, and others expressed doubts about relying on electronic systems in extreme conditions. However, by 2006, 2 years after the vehicle's launch, the vehicle's abilities and reliability have been proved both by the press and private owners. Land Rover and many aftermarket companies have developed off-road equipment such as winch, bull-bars, under-body protection kits, snorkels and roof-racks for the new Discovery, to optimise its off-road use.

In 2006 Land Rover will use the Discovery 3 in its G4 Challenge, alongside the Range Rover Sport. The vehicles used are all in standard mechanical form, and are fitted with equipment from the standard Land Rover brochures.

In

Awards[]

  • Drive awarded the Land Rover Discovery 4WD Of The Year in 2010.
  • The LR3 was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award
  • It won Motor Trend magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year for 2005.
  • It won RACV's Australia's Best All-Terrain 4WD for 2006.
  • It won RACV'S Australia's Best All-Tereain 4WD for 2005.

See also[]

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LAND ROVER

Tata Group


Tata Motors | Jaguar | Land Rover | Hispano Carrocera SA | Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle | Daewoo Bus


Current Models: Discovery · Range Rover · Range Rover Sport · Defender · Range Rover Velar · Range Rover Evoque · Discovery Sport

Historic Models: Series I, II, and III · 109 Series IIa and III · Range Rover Classic · LR2/Freelander 2

Concept Cars: Land e · Range Stormer · LRX Concept · Llama

One-Offs:

Military Vehicles: 1/2 ton Lightweight · 101 Forward Control · Wolf · SNATCH Land Rover ·


Include notable internal links here


Maurice Wilks and Spencer Wilks Corporate website A brand of the Tata Group


External Links[]

Smallwikipedialogo.png This page uses some content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Land Rover Discovery. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Autopedia, the text of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


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