This Discovery marks a real step forward over the model it replaced. Huge improvements were made to quality and durability and it's packed with off-road technology designed to make it as good off-road as you'd expect of any Land Rover.
Sophisticated electronics help with hill descent and can you alter the four-wheel drive for different terrains, while air suspension means that the ride height can be raised and lowered at the push of a button. Although a 4.4-litre V8 petrol was available when the car was launched in 2004, the majority of cars are the 2.7-litre diesel. A 2009 facelift brought a new engine in the shape of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre TDV6, as well as softer styling, a vastly improved interior and a larger selection of options, including a nifty camera system that gives a 360 degree view of the car. It remains one of the best 4x4s around.
The engines in this Discovery are much more sophisticated than those in previous models. It was launched in 2004 with a 189bhp 2.7 V6 turbodiesel, which is by far the most popular choice as, unlike the V8, it offers reasonable running costs and returns 31mpg. It will sprint from 0-62mph in 11.7 seconds and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although a six-speed automatic is optional and most people prefer it.
The engine itself is quiet and superbly refined, great for wafting along, but does lack punch and often struggles to provide meaningful acceleration. The V8 petrol is as thirsty as you'd expect, averaging a woeful 18mpg, but with 300bhp it does propel the Discovery from 0-62mph in just 8.5 seconds. That's even more remarkable when you consider it weights around two and half tonnes. The petrol comes with the six-speed auto as standard and it offers smooth gearshifts - almost imperceptible under normal driving - plus it adapts to suit varying driving styles. The V8 was never popular because of its thirst and was finally dropped from the line-up in 2007
Satellite Navigation System, Alloy Wheels, Radio/CD Multichanger, Cruise Control, ABS, Electric Sunroof, Lumbar Support, Roof Rails, Traction Control, Audio Remote Control, Electric Door Mirrors, Heated Door Mirrors.