Discovery 300Tdi
In 1994 the success story that was the
Discovery got a major facelift. The Conran interior was out, along with the
external graphics. Some would argue that the new interior was bland, but the
new 300Tdi engine was more robust.
Some
would argue that the new interior was bland, but the new 300Tdi engine was more
robust
The 3.5 petrol engine was replaced by a 3.9
version of the venerable Rover V8. The new models featured larger headlamps and
a second set of rear lights in the bumper. The Morris Marina paddle-style door
handles remained, however (just as they did in the Range Rover Classic).
The 300Tdi Discovery went from strength to
strength and today is hugely popular with Land Rover enthusiasts – not least
because it is without doubt the best-value Land Rover on the market at the
present time. Sound, well-maintained ones are selling for around $3,000.
Discovery TD5
Discovery 2, launched in 1998, looks very
similar to its predecessors, but in fact everybody panel apart from the rear
door outer skin is different. And although it still has a 100-inch wheelbase,
the body was extended to increate load space, leading to a considerable rear
overhang, which can compromise its off-road ability.
The
old V8 was replaced by the same 4-litre V8 used in the P38 Range Rover
By now, Land Rover was owned by BMW, but
the new turbo diesel engine under the bonnet – the direct-injected
straight-five 2.5 Td5 was derived from Rover’s L-series car engine. It was much
more refined than the Tdi variants. The old V8 was replaced by the same 4-litre
V8 used in the P38 Range Rover.
Controversially, the Disco 2 came without
the linkage to operate the center diff lock (although the actual mechanism was
in place!). Land Rover’s powers-that-be had decided it was superfluous thanks
to the introduction of electronic traction control. Users, however, disagreed
and it was soon reintroduced as an optional extra.
In 2004 the model was face lifted to
include the new family headlamp design, matching the Range Rover and face lifted
Freelander models.
Discovery 3
By now owned by Ford, Land Rover splashed
the cash in developing the all-new Discovery 3, launched in 2004. The engine
bay and passenger compartment were built as a monocoque, fitted to a ladder
chassis bearing the suspension and gearbox. Land Rover called it an Integrated
Body Frame, but all that extra metal made it heavy. Luckily the Ford-derived
2.7-litre TDV6 diesel was installed under the bonnet to power it.
Land
Rover splashed the cash in developing the all-new Discovery 3, launched in 2004
There were also V8 petrol option and
six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. The center diff lock was reinstated
as standard.
This was the first Discovery to feature
independent suspension, enabling ride height adjustment via air bags. This
created valuable extra ground clearance in off-road situations.
This vehicle also was the debut of the
innovative new Terrain Response system, enabling the driver to literally dial
in the type of terrain we was about to tackle, enabling the vehicle’s computer
to sort out the best engine, transmission and suspension setting to cope! It was
a runaway success that has since been refined and rolled out on all Land Rover
products, apart from the Defender.
Discovery 4
It’s debatable whether the Discovery 4
deserved a new model number. It’s no more different to the Discovery 3 than the
200Tdi was to the 300Tdi but the updater is well worthwhile, especially under
the bonnet.
It’s
debatable whether the Discovery 4 deserved a new model number
The TDV6 Gen III is a 3-litre version of
the 2.7 found in the Disco 3. It features advanced twin-sequential
turbochargers that eliminate the turbo lag which frustrated so many D3 owners.
It delivers 241 bhp and 440 lb-ft of torque, yet reduces CO2 emissions
by 10 per cent. No mean feat.
Inside, the new car is more luxurious than
ever. Like its posher stablemate, the Range Rover, it has moved steadily
upmarket throughout its life and there’s nothing to suspect than is eventual
replacement penciled in for 2015 by ambitious new owners Tata will be any
different in that respect.
There’s no doubt that the Discovery – the
vehicle that saved Land Rover is a success story that will run and run.
