Launched in its current shape in 2004, the Land Rover Discovery can’t hide its age − no matter how strongly Land Rover believes that more chrome will fool us. As times change, a need for a lighter, more luxurious and more efficient model becomes necessary: welcome the Discovery 5.
Powered by a supercharged 250kW V6 petrol engine, a 190kW V6 diesel, and with the possibility of two 2.0-litre four cylinder options, the new Disco is set to make a big splash in our market when it lands mid-2017.
Speaking of splashes, a 900mm wading depth (200mm deeper than before) and a Terrain Response II system ensure off-road capability is dialled in.
The stepped roof line, generous accommodation for seven, and air suspension is (as before) standard fare; the latter offers a maximum ride-height of 284mm.
A 3.5 ton towing capacity is also aided by a tow-assist feature that allows you to set the desired parking space, and have the Discovery alley dock any size of trailer without driver intervention.
The biggest change is that 480kg has been saved over the previous generation, as a result of a new, aluminium monocoque chassis which uses a combination of ladder-frame and monocoque structures.
Expect the Discovery to slot neatly between the Defender and Range Rover Sport models in the price grade, which we expect to hover between R1m and R1.15m for introductory models, depending on the exchange rate.
