- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
3.0DTT, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
155kW, 520Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 8.5L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4XC
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2013 Land Rover Discovery – Quick drive review
The car: Land Rover Discovery TDV6
From: $68,900, plus on-road and dealer costs
Vitals: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, 155kW/520Nm, 6-sp auto, 4WD, 8.8L/100km, 230g/km
What is it?
A go-anywhere adventurer with a dose of luxury and sophistication.
What does it say about me?
That you've got a fair bit of disposable income and you like to get away on weekends (or at least dream of getting away). You're also a bit of a badge junkie, so a Toyota Prado or Nissan Patrol doesn't do it for you.
What doesn't it say about me?
That you find big cars intimidating, or you refuse to pay a premium for a badge.
Who else is driving one?
Celebrities tend to flock to the more expensive Range Rover, while the Discovery attracts outdoorsy types and family buyers (it has seven seats) who like to tow a boat or caravan and venture off-road every now and then.
What colours does it come in?
There are 15 metallic colours ranging from dark greens to a flashier red, but it actually looks pretty good in the only solid colour, which is white. And white is free, while all the other colours cost an extra $1800.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be?
Sir Ian Botham. Talented and tough pom, but prone to occasional erratic behaviour.
Why would I buy it?
Because it will make you feel 10 foot tall and bulletproof in the daily commute and because it is one of a handful of vehicles on the road that can tow a big caravan or boat without raising a sweat.
Why wouldn't I buy it?
Because you've heard stories about them being temperamental – and because its Japanese rivals are more reliable and have more dealerships in the remote areas you're likely to want to explore in a genuine offroader.
Will it let me down?
You've heard the rumours, then. Unfortunately, although a Land Rover will get you almost anywhere you want to go, there is a chance it won't get you back trouble-free. And if something breaks there can sometimes be a long wait for parts to arrive.
Does it cost too much?
It's the cheapest big Land Rover money can buy and it isn't all that more expensive than some Japanese rivals, so it's not overpriced.
Is it safe?
It doesn't have a five-star crash rating, but it does get up to eight airbags and a "trailer stability assist" system that helps to control swaying trailers, caravans and boats.
Will it get me noticed?
At more than two tonnes, the Discovery is hard to miss, and the distinctive shape cuts a commanding figure in traffic.
How's the cabin ambience?
Army disposal store meets Old English country manor billiard room. Big chunky rubber dials and knobs mixed with the scent of leather and all the mod cons. One of the classiest cabins in the business.
Any gadgets I can brag about?
Not as many as the more expensive Range Rover, but you can pull up a special menu screen for off-roading that will tell you where your wheels are pointing when your knee-deep in mud and slush. And it has special settings in its four-wheel-drive system for different off-road environments including sand, snow and rocks.
Does it go?
Depends on the version you buy. The V8 and twin-turbo diesel versions are pretty rapid for such a big heavy vehicle. Our test car was the single turbo diesel that's also in the Ford Territory, which has plenty of pulling power but is more freight train than sports car. It's pretty quiet and refined, though, and the auto changes gears smoothly and cleanly, albeit with the occasional hesitation when you dart for a gap in the traffic.
Does it like corners?
Only when taken at a leisurely pace. It's big and top heavy, so it likes to lean in corners. The suspension is set up more for climbing rocks and negotiating rutted tracks than carving through bends. Having said that, it's better than most rivals and its stability control system intervenes cleverly to keep that two-tonne-plus body in check.
What about bumps?
Eats them for breakfast, and it's also incredibly capable off-road, so you can throw sand, snow, rocks and mud into the mix as well. On the bitumen, it's a comfortable long distance cruiser, although it can float a little over bigger bumps.
What about petrol stations?
It's not a fuel miser but driven properly it won't hurt the hip pocket as much as a big brick on wheels should.
What else should I consider?
Toyota Prado, Nissan Patrol, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mitsubishi Pajero.
The spin
A refined, modern presence off-road and on-road.
The translation
Not just a pretty face.