Land Rover raises the bar again

Land Rovers were the rough-and-ready vehicles for farmer types. Range Rovers were the sharper-suited alternative, capable of navigating rivers and hillsides, yet were far more likely to be seen in urban environments.

It seems both models have shifted a long way upmarket now. Range Rover has moved even more firmly into limousine territory, and the Land Rover Discovery – originally a much more modest vehicle – has taken its place in the £30,000 to £50,000 market.

This is a long way from my first memories of Land Rovers as a toddler, going out on motorway recoveries with my mechanic uncle. Health and Safety would have a fit these days.

Land Rovers have always been one of my favourite vehicles. When my lottery numbers come up, I will be happy with a Discovery.

I used to covet Range Rovers, but what’s the point of paying £66,000 or so when the Discovery does much the same with more style and less fuss?

So, let’s take a closer look at the Disco (as we Land Rover buffs tend to call it).

This is Discovery 4, but the real revolution began with Discovery 3. The firm has already impressed critics with its, at the time, new Range Rover, and big things were expected from the third generation Discovery.

It delivered. Boasting new engines, a radical new look, new cabin and more upmarket experience, the firm’s mass-market luxury SUV pushed the boundaries.

The level of innovation was higher than its rivals, while the seven-seat cabin gave active families an alternative to the traditional full-size people carrier.

It wasn’t all plain sailing, though. More power from the sole diesel option, a more dynamic on-road experience and a higher quality cabin, have appeared on the wish lists of critics and potential buyers in recent years.

This is where the Discovery 4 comes in. The fourth version of this popular premium SUV is now more rounded dynamically and an aesthetically more appealing proposition.

Never mind driving it, looking at it is good enough! It manages to be both elegant and squat; square and fluid; huge, yet easy enough to manoeuvre.

What’s more, there exists an unofficial Land Rover fan club. Other Landies (as I call them) wave at you in approval. I don’t think this happens with any other car.

Neat touches such as the car’s new grille and lights serve a dual role of bringing the Discovery 4 into line with the rest of the family and taking the edge off the car’s more imposing front view.

Bigger changes can be found inside, with the new fascia and front cabin signalling a huge move upmarket for the Discovery. Absent are the acres of plastic, in its place a choice of Range Rover-style materials and switchgear. Very classy.

The new central display screen acts as a gateway to the model-dependent satellite navigation system, plus a suite of micro-cameras dotted around the exterior – ideal for avoiding writing-off smaller vehicles in car parks.

Elsewhere, the cabin is as before; the seven-seat layout is as accommodating and flexible as you want it to be, while at the rear the car’s boot and split level tail-gate make loading and unloading bulky items a simple exercise.

Mirroring the improved cabin and its newfound premium ambience, the Discovery’s on and off-road performance is now better than ever.

Leading the changes is the car’s new 3.0-litre V6 diesel unit. First seen in sister company Jaguar’s new XF, this motor has been specially tuned by Land Rover to deliver plenty of low down power and torque for effortless off-roading and stop-start city driving.

Its hushed cruising abilities and eagerness to respond to enthusiastic throttle inputs – thanks in part to the smooth six-speed auto gearbox – make it the all-rounder the detractors have been waiting for. Its green credentials aren’t too shabby either, considering the Discovery’s off-roading and towing pedigree.

Complimenting the engine’s performance is the Discovery’s ride and handling characteristics. During normal driving situations, pitch and roll have been almost entirely eradicated. The result means no ungainly lurches when navigating a sequence of bends, giving the driving a greater sense of security and confidence when travelling at speed and over rough terrain.

You can’t talk about a Land Rover without exploring its off-roading capabilities. In the case of the Discovery 4, all the various under-the-skin changes have conspired to put this car head and shoulders above the competition – again. In simple terms, the car is supremely capable in all conditions and all weathers.

The ability to essentially ‘dial in’ the conditions to the car’s Terrain Response system ensures an almost foolproof way of safely navigating any challenging ground. Factor in the cameras for extra piece of mind, the strength and depth of the V6 diesel’s ability to chug along whatever the conditions, plus the Discovery’s commanding driving position, and the only thing standing in your way is common sense and your own ability.

Equipped on the inside to make life as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, while making light work of the ground underneath you, Land Rover’s Discovery 4 raises the bar even higher for its long-suffering rivals.

Discovery... like a Range Rover, but better.

Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 HSE 5dr: PRICE: £48,795. The range starts at £32,695.

ENGINE: A 3.0-litre diesel V6 unit developing 245bhp through all four wheels, via a six-speed automatic transmission.

PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed 112mph, 0-60mph in 9.0 seconds.

COSTS: Average 30.4mpg.

EMISSIONS: 244g/km.

INSURANCE: Group 40.

WARRANTY: Three years’ unlimited mileage warranty.

Steve’s Ratings: Performance: 3/5 Ride/Handling: 3/5 Space/Practicality: 4/5 Equipment: 4/5 Security/Safety: 4/5 OVERALL: 4/5