Land Rover’s local Discovery line-up has been bolstered by the introduction of the new XS model, which comes with coil-spring suspension specifically developed to cater for the hardcore adventure enthusiast.
“In response to customer demand, we are pleased to introduce the Discovery 4 XS. The XS is essentially an expedition vehicle designed for robust, overland work,” says Peter Biven, marketing and communications director for Land Rover South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Outside, the XS is not far off the rest of the Discovery range, but the interior is where the differences are noticeable. Such niceties as the sunroof and electronic seat adjustment have been excluded from the standard features list. What the Discovery 4 XS does have is automatic climate control, cruise control, a cooled centre storage compartment, tow hitch and trailer-stability assist. Cloth upholstery is also standard.
The XS is powered by Land Rover’s 3,0 TDV6 engine which has been downrated to produce 155 kW at 4 000 r/min and 520 N.m of torque at 1 500 r/min (versus 180 kW/600 N.m). The driver can exploit these figures through an eight-speed automatic transmission which is also equipped with hill-descent control and low range selection.
Like all Discovery 4 models, the XS comes standard with a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. It is priced at R598 600.