In its biggest show of strength since coming under the ownership of Tata, Land Rover has rolled out a thoroughly revised line-up at the New York Show. The most noteworthy arrival is that of the new Discovery 4, which has moved even further upmarket.
By Mike Fourie
The introduction of Jaguar Land Rover family engines is a common aspect to the powerplant and technological upgrades incorporated throughout the Discovery, Range Rover Sport and flagship Range Rover offerings. Moreover, the extent of the aesthetic and ergonomic improvements herald a noticeable shift for the brand towards a non-traditional, sophisticated and affluent, urban-based clientele – the kind of folks who would normally procure executive saloons or passenger-oriented luxury SUVs.
The new Discovery’s exterior design is, dare we say it, pretty… Characterized by smoother, simpler surfaces at the front, the Disco now has sportier lights with LED detailing front and rear. The revised front lower chin spoiler and new front wheel deflectors increase underfloor airflow, and 19-inch wheels are fitted as standard.
And if the outer design sends traditionalists scurrying to their Defenders, the interior will cause nothing less than a sensation. Inside, the Disco’s been completely redesigned, with a transformed dash and center console, new seats and an array of user-friendly features.
The new console inclines towards the driver and the cabin is bathed in ambient LED lighting at night. The Terrain Response control is now more prominently located at the front of the center console, and the heated steering wheel has a revised satellite controls for driver information, remote audio controls and cruise control. Top-of-the-range models specified with the Premium Leather pack feature electrically adjustable seat bolsters, and for convenience, the front electric seat memory controls are relocated to the inner doors.
New features available include a Portable Audio Interface that is accessed and controlled via the facia-mounted touch-screen system and allows connectivity to various personal audio storage devices. A five-camera panoramic view function (to assist with parking and towing), keyless entry and push-button start functions have also been introduced.
Two of the most eagerly-anticipated engines of the upcoming Jaguar XF range, a twin-turbo 3,0-litre diesel and a 5,0-litre V8, armed with direct injection and torque-actuated variable camshaft timing, will power the new Discovery 4 range. The former delivers 180 kW and an undoubtedly useful 600 N.m of torque from 2 000 r/min.
Land Rover claims that the range-topping V8 is one of the most advanced engines ever built, which is no humble claim… Developing 280 kW and 508 N.m torque, the new powerplant offers 25 and 19 per cent more power and torque than the previous 4,4 and is mated with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission. We can’t wait to drive it!
Major dynamic advances introduced for the LR4 include revised suspension architecture (stiffer and larger anti-roll bar), improved steering, enlarged brakes and enhanced versions of the Dynamic Stability Control, Terrain Response and Hill Descent Control systems, which offer optimized Sand Launch and Rock Crawl programmes.
Expect the new Discovery 4 to make its appearance in South Africa well before the end of the year. Although the newcomer will undoubtedly be a significant arrival in the full-sized SUV segment, the Discovery 4 new technologies and higher specification levels suggest that the range will come in at a price premium over the current model.
