OpenRoad Driver Volume 14 Issue 1 | Page 51

Volume 14 Issue 1 » 51 2017 Land Rover Discovery » The Land Rover Discovery is arguably one of the first vehicles that kicked off the SUV trend that is so popular today. of 35.4 inches. In other words, the Discovery is practically without challengers in this segment of family haulers. Introduced in the UK as the Discovery Series I back in 1989 and now in its all-new fifth iteration for the 2017 model year, the original modus operandi of the Discovery still rings through. If you’re looking for the perfect luxury vehicle to head off-road whilst still carrying seven passengers in comfort, look no further than the Discovery. Engine choices include a supercharged 3.0L V6 with 340 hp, and a 3.0L 255 hp turbodiesel V6. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Land Rover’s excellent four-wheel-drive system. Wearing all-new sheet metal, the Discovery has shed a massive 830 lbs compared to its LR4 predecessor. It no longer looks like just an industrial machine, but instead a modern family vehicle that just happens to be done up in Land Rover fashion. Some impressive figures include a tow rating of 8,201 pounds, ground clearance of up to 11.1 inches, and a water wading depth An air suspension setup is now optional, but regardless, the big Discovery’s road manners are much improved. High-quality materials and a dash design that mimics that of the more expensive Range Rover means that the interior is a very pleasant, comfortable place to be, even for third-row passengers.