Land Rover Discovery 4 Review & Road Test

Pros: Great interior, diesel engine, drivability, looks, handling, off-road ability, excellent overall value

Cons: iPod integration, minor niggling issues with the trip computer

By Alborz Fallah | January 07th, 2010

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Price: $49,500 to $75,840

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	4
Comfort and Interior	4
Quality & Design	3
Value & Features	3.5
Green	2

It just keeps getting better

Model Tested:

2010 Land Rover Discover 4 TDV6; 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, turbo-diesel; six-speed automatic; wagon – $94,990*

CarAdvice Rating:

When I read Anthony’s initial review of the new Land Rover Discovery 4 I started wondering if Land Rover had got it right, a car with all the capabilities of a Discovery 3 but with an interior you can be proud of. I’ve always been a fan of Land Rover vehicles, be it the Freelander 2 or the Defender, Land Rover is one of the few car companies still around that has stuck to its own heritage.

Last year saw Land Rover and Jaguar bought out by Indian firm Tata Motors and the move seems to have been a positive step forward for the British marquees as both are charging ahead stronger than ever.

The Discovery model has been around since 1989 and the current Discovery is the fourth reincarnation to date. The Discovery 3 has won nearly 100 awards around the world, making it one of the most awarded 4×4 ever built.

In a way, the Discovery 4 must feel like Lewis Hamilton’s younger brother, not only does it have extremely high standards to live up to, but it has to better them too.

In order to test the new Discovery 4, a trip was planned to a private piece of property roughly three hours out of Brisbane. The car would be tested on its family friendliness and its everyday practicality (on the way there) as well as off-roading ability (although the later is almost irrelevant as it’s guaranteed to be good).

Step inside and you can be mistaken for thinking you’re in a Range Rover given the vast improvements to the interior.

Land Rover has made the new interior design far more simpler with less controls and a much better overall feel.

Most notably the new console is now slightly inclined towards the driver. Some Range Rover fans might start wondering if they have simply taken the interior from the Range Rover Sport?

There is an all-new steering wheel with a better feel and grip to it, plus steering-wheel mounted controls have been revised.

Even the seats have been changed with new seat designs for rows one and two. Cabin ambience is now similar to other Luxury SUVs with mood lighting provided with the introduction of white LED’s around the door handles and pockets.

Although it’s not the little things that make the difference, it’s the complete change up that has given the Discovery 4 a significantly friendlier interior.

My biggest problem with the Discovery 4′s interior wasn’t so much the interior but the Harman/Kardon 9 speaker Audio System. Firstly, let me be clear that it’s by far one of the best sounding audio systems on the market today. It’s available standard on the HSE model and above.

The issue with it is much the same as that found in the Jaguar XF. It’s “integrated support” for the iPod and iPhone is, for lack of a better word, rather rubbish. Somehow when I plugged in my iPhone (which for those of you wondering, is basically an iPod touch with a phone system built in) it managed to kill the Jaguar XF-R’s computer system (making it reset over and over again), the Land Rover managed to at least play the music but picking different songs (or podcasts) through the inbuilt audio system was nothing short of a nightmare.

All in-car navigation systems force you to stop the vehicle before allowing you to enter a destination, it almost feels as though it may be safer to do the same thing before changing songs given the complexity and amount of time required to look and play around with the audio system on the Discovery’s 5-inch LCD screen. It also fails to have that one extra power wire which allows for charging of your iPod touch or iPhone.

Maybe I’m just splitting hairs here but I like my music and when I can’t get it to work the way it’s meant to, it irritates me. In the car’s defence, the issue is easily solved as you can basically just plug in an auxiliary cable and run your iPhone/iPod that way. So you can pick the songs on your iPod instead of having to use the car’s audio navigation system.

The other niggling issue that I discovered (both on the Land Rover and the Jaguar) was the distance to empty trip computer. If the tank was almost empty, it simply would not update when less than 20 litres of fuel was put in. It would run down to “0 km left” and then eventually have another look and go, well the car seems to be still running so I may as well see how many litres are in here.

The reason I am making such a big deal about these two little issues is basically because I couldn’t find anything else to complain about. Sit inside the new Discovery 4 and you feel like you are in charge of your destiny. Despite its size it corners and grips like a Range Rover Sport and it even stops like one.

I’m not saying that because it sounds good either, the new Discover 4′s brake setup is based on the four-piston, opposed-calliper performance system used on the Range Rover Sport. 360mm ventilated front disc and a single piston sliding calliper working on a 350mm ventilated disc on the rear.

Although every car gets a mandatory brake test as part of its week long review & road test, my Discovery 4 test car got a real world brake test when two teenagers decided it would be a great idea to rollerskate down a hill and onto an intersection with no way of stopping. They must have had a heart attack when they saw a giant black SUV on a collision course, but from 60km/h down to zero it almost felt instantaneous.

They may have thought a guardian angel saved them from their stupidity but I’d like to think the Land Rover’s top notch brake system was the Godsend in this case.

The most exciting addition to the new Discovery 4 is the 3.0 TDV6 diesel engine (also found in the new Jaguar XF) with advanced sequential twin turbochargers producing 180kW & 600Nm of torque.

The previous generation 2.7 TDV6 is still offered (140kW & 440Nm) but you’d be mad not to pick the 3.0 variant instead. It has 29 percent more power, 36 percent more torque and can develop at least 500Nm of torque from idle in just 500ms. Not to mention its three seconds quicker from 0-100km/h.

Despite being larger in capacity, fuel consumption is actually improved by 9.7 percent over the 2.7 litre TDV6, delivering 9.3 l/100km on combined EU cycle. The planet will thank you too with CO2 emissions down by 9.6 percent from 270 g/km to 244 g/km

Figures aside, driving the new Discover 4 3.0 diesel is an experience. The extra power and torque can easily be felt at any rev range with near instantaneous throttle response. The 3.0 TDV6 powered Disco 4 can easily take five adults around the city or off-road with little to no effort.

If you’ve been reading this and wondering what they’ve actually changed to the look of the new Discovery 4, lets put things into perspective. Land Rover is like Porsche, when its on to a winner it doesn’t mess around with it too much. You can call it maintaining heritage or keeping with tradition, either way, it still looks good.

Land Rover has taken a softer approach with the exterior design of the Discovery 4, apparently the female buyers (and lets be real, there are a lot of them behind the wheel of Discovery 3s) wanted something a little less aggressive. This resulted in smoother, simpler surfaces being used at the front with new LED position lamps around the main light units.

The rear gets new lights with LED stop, tail and indicator technology. Overall It looks like a friendlier version of the Discovery 3, park them next to each other and you might have a hard time telling them apart but I believe it’s a little more grown up and hence doesn’t need to look as aggressive.

There is also a new anti-drag bumper at the front that helps improve the Discovery’s aerodynamics. The look is completed with new, twin seven-spoke 19″ wheel design (10-spoke 20″ wheel set is available as a factory-fit option).

One of my favourite features of the Discovery 4, if you want to call it a feature, is the ride quality. It doesn’t seem to matter if you’re driving around town or if you’re out climbing a mountain, its genuinely extremely comfortable. Perhaps its a mixture of the cushioned seats and the car’s electronic cross linked air suspension which has automatic load levelling and can be configured in multiple modes: access, normal, off-road and extended height.

Speaking of off-roading ability, it always makes me wonder if there is even any reason to doubt a Land Rover’s off-road credentials. The company has proven over and over again that despite what anyone says, the Land Rover range, all of it, is more than capable of taking on nearly any terrain and coming out on top.

As for the Discovery 4, the company’s Terrain Response system has been updated with new features and improvements. With five different settings to suit different terrains, it makes four-wheel driving a lot easier than it ever used to be. You can have it in one of the following modes: General driving; Grass/gravel/snow; Sand; Mud and ruts; Rock crawl.

A new addition is the ‘sand launch control’ which allows the Discovery to get going in soft-sand a lot easier than before. The system works be preventing wheel-slip to stop the wheels digging down into the sand.

Another interesting new feature is an enhancement to Land Rover’s Hill Descent Control which now comes with Gradient Release Control. The idea is the car will not allow that initial rate of acceleration when descending very steep inclines to put you in a rough spot. So if you’re coming down a rather steep hill and you let go of brakes for a second, the Discovery 4 wont suddenly lurch forward. The car will temporarily maintain a bit of brake pressure when the driver releases the brake pedal. If all is going well it will slowly ease the brake pressure.

As is expected with Land Rover, safety is not an issue. There are enough airbags to make Volvo drivers happy and the Discovery 4 comes standard with more systems than anyone should ever have to remember, but in case you’re interested here they are: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), Slip Control System includes: Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), All-terrain Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Traction control (ETC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic differential control, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Enhanced Understeer Control (EUC), Hydraulic rear brake boost, Roll Stability Control (RSC), Trailer stability assist and Hill Descent Control (HDC) with Gradient Release Control (GRC).

The Discovery 4 starts at $68,490* for the 2.7 TDV6, the 3.0 TDV6 SE will set you back $81,990* and if you want the extra features of the HSE (model tested), prepare to pay $94,990*. If you really must have a V8 (although it would be silly to not buy a diesel when such a great engine is available), expect to pay $126,460* for the 5.0 V8.

With reliability issues seemingly a thing of the past, Land Rover are once again onto a winner with the Discovery 4. Nonetheless you may need to hire a full time co-driver to help you change songs.

If you need more technical information, have a read of the Land Rover Defender 4 Specification document.

*All prices are exclusive of statutory and delivery charges.

Below is a list of standard features for each variant:

Discovery 4 2.7 TDV6

2.7 TDV6 diesel engine with variable geometry turbocharger (140kW & 440Nm)
6-Speed adaptive automatic gearbox with CommandShift®
Diesel Mis-Fuelling protection device
Cruise control
Push Button Start including electronic steering lock
Terrain Response™ and Electric Park Brake
Permanent four wheel Drive
Centre electronic differential with low range transfer box
Electronic cross linked air suspension with automatic load levelling and multiple modes, access, normal, off-road, extended height
Power assisted, speed proportional steering (PAS)
Rain sensing wipers and automatic headlamps
Exterior mirrors – power adjustable, heated
Door puddle lamps and footwell lamps.
Headlamps – automatic and rain sensors with powerwash
Front Fog Lamps
Park Distance Control – Rear
Asymmetrical two piece tailgate
Tow Pack
18 inch 5 Spoke Alloy Wheels with 255/60 AT/V Rated Tyres
Full Size Spare Alloy Wheel
Automatic dimming interior mirror
Electric windows with one touch open/close
Climate control – automatic with air filtration and dual controls
5 Seats with cloth trim
Seats – Rear folding 65:35
Leather trimmed steering wheel
Harman/Kardon Audio System – 9 Speakers, Subwoofer, Radio, Single Slot CD Player, Auxiliary Input, Audio Amplifier (240 Watts)
5″ TFT (Thin Film Transistor Screen) and Driver Information Centre
Bluetooth® telephone connectivity and integration
Auxiliary Power Sockets – Front, rear 2nd row and rear loadspace
Control Systems – Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), Slip Control System includes: Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), All-terrain Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Traction control (ETC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic differential control, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Enhanced Understeer Control (EUC), Hydraulic rear brake boost, Roll Stability Control (RSC), Trailer stability assist and Hill Descent Control (HDC) with Gradient Release Control (GRC)
Airbags, full size driver & front passenger, driver & front passenger side and head, rear outboard passenger head airbags
Remote Central Locking including auto lock on drive away
Alarm System – Perimetric Security and passive engine immobilisation

Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 SE

3.0 TDV6 diesel engine with advanced sequential twin turbochargers (180kW & 600Nm)
7 Seats with leather trim
Bi-Xenon headlights with cornering lamps
19 inch 7-Spoke Alloy Wheel – 255/55 AT/V Rated Tyres
Powerfold mirrors
Third row head curtain airbags
Third row map lamps

Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 HSE

Premium Navigation System (Hard Disc Drive) with voice control and off-road mapping
Harman/Kardon (USB) Audio System – 9 Speakers including Subwoofer, Radio, Single Slot CD Player, Portable Audio Interface, Touch Screen, Audio Amplifier (240 Watts)
Portable Audio Interface – allows connection of iPod, MP3 player and USB Mass Storage Device
Rear view camera
Park Distance Control – Front
19 inch 7-Split Spoke Alloy Wheel
Rear Air Conditioning
Illuminated front vanity mirrors
Rear Luggage Net
Interior Mood Lighting
Electric seat driver’s and passenger’s adjustment (8/8 way), with memory function for driver’s seat and exterior mirrors
Driver and passenger front armrests
Driver power lumbar and passenger manual lumbar support
Leather gear knob

Discovery 4 5.0 V8

5.0 V8 normally aspirated petrol engine (276kW and 510Nm)

Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 Surround (USB) Audio System – 14 Speakers including Subwoofer, Radio, Single Slot CD Player, Portable Audio Interface, Rear Seat Audio Controls, Rear Seat Headphone Modules, DSP Amplifier (480 Watts)
Rear Screen Entertainment Pack (includes DVD 6 disc changer, 2 headphones, remote control & Rear Headphone Module)
Hybrid TV system
Rear Electronic Differential
Electric – Sunroof, tilt/slide front glass and fixed glass Alpine Roof
Surround Camera System – with Tow Assist and Tow Hitch Assist (Includes Rear View Camera)
Adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights with cornering lamps
Automatic High Beam Assist
Roof Rails
20 inch 10-Split Spoke Alloy Wheel
Front centre console – cooler compartment
Keyless Entry
Cold Climate Pack – Heated windscreen, heated seats front and rear, heated windscreen washers & Heated Steering Wheel
Premium Leather Pack with Electrically Adjustable Bolsters
Premium Leather Cubby Box Lid,
Carpet Mat Set

Ratings:

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How does it Go:

Reader reviews of the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4

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The competition

David Jones

great review alborz would have liked to have see a bit more off road action, makes the Landcruiser 200 series and Prado look outdated.
Nat Redgrave

wow that new tdv6 is an awesome motor i am just in the process of buying a range rover sport tdv6 i was going for the tdv8 but the v6 is so good i will not bother and yes landrovers make toyota prados and 200 series cruisers seem like tanks and there cheaper than toyota and just so much better and so much better technology cant wait for the arrival of my new range rover
Callous Aussie

This is a superb 4×4. They announced it as the winner of 4×4 Australia’s awards yesterday morning. I don’t get too excited about these types of vehicles too often nut having read two separate articels on this vehicle whilst waiting for my wheel alignment I must say I am impressed. This is a serious off road vehicle that is virtually fullproof for even novice off-road users.

The styling is right up to date and as said above it makes the landcruiser look old. Not to mention the Pajero.

Mitch

Sounds like boring 4×4 then. shouldnt it be a challenge.

Callous Aussie

Not everyone wants to risk their life first time out. How is 600nm of torque boring?
WOW D4 rock !

Too expensive for u Mitch ? Too out of your range ? Well well, maybe u guys are taking a wrong angle ! It ALL depends on the driver does it ???? If u cant handle the D4 , shutt up and go home !!!!! There are Toyotas for those who cannot handle a REAL 4×4 !!! Us woman know how to 4×4 without peoblems. Play nice BOYS !!!

davie

Great review

Absolutely awesome photos.

Where were those photos taken? It looks a little like yeranderrie in NSW?

I would love to go to wherever you took those photos!
Stitch

As always a great right up but one comment Car Advice….why the file interior photos of the Discovery?
Reviewing a vehicle in Australian I would expect to see your actual interior shots of the vehicle you had.
The A7 joining the A707 in southern Scotland shown on the sat nav gave it away as to the tax disc shown on the dash shot.
Please if you review Australian spec vehicles have your photographer take actual layouts of the interior, it helps us prospective buyers.

Callous Aussie

Are you really a prospective buyer or just someone trying to pick things to pieces for trophy’s sake? I’m guessing the latter.

stitch

Yes Callous Aussie, I am a prospective buyer.
Some of us don’t have the ability to drop down to a dealer every day to look at such things, my predicament is location.
Having sites such as Car Advice displaying the interior layouts help with my final choice in selecting a purchase, if they show the actual layout and not what is contained within the glossy handout then all the better.
So how is your trophy cabinet looking now Callous?

Callous Aussie

Mine’s fine. Anyone that buys an $80,000.00 vehicle sight unseen of the web is a mug. I’m sure if you ask nicely they’ll send you a brochure. Though I suspect you aren’t actually after one.

I don’t see how a different country’s street map makes any difference at all. The rest of it will be exactly the same. Right down to the options list.

Capt Pocket Toad

Callous Aussie, I find your reply very rude towards Stitch. It appears to me your may have issues of self importance towards yourself and won’t give a hoot at anyone else.

You need to have a serious look at your attitude when writing on public forums because someday it will reflect back onto you.
Goodwill

Capt Pocket Toad,
Agreed with you that some of us need to lighten up and spread a bit of goodwill around…

Happy New Year to all.

Great engine, hmmmm… if this was in a Freelander with better suspenders, it would have the Porsche Cayene for breakfast. Go on Land Rover, build it and they will come.
Callous Aussie

Your response is no better so welcome to my level Capt Packet Turd. I doubt very much he is a prospective buyer. I could understand if it was that the controls were on the left side or some feature that was restricted to Europe but not a different map. I’ll hedge a bet the interior is exactly the same on the Aussie line up.

My comment stands.
Callous Aussie

Oh looky there. From the Australian Landrover website. Exactly the same.

http://www.landrover.com.au/au/en/vehicles/discovery-4/overview.htm
Callous Aussie

Which of course is the logical place to start when actually wanting to purchase one of these vehicles.
The Oracle

Clueless Aussie,
I seem to recall seeing one of your recent posts on this site wishing everyone a happy new year and asking for polite and considered debate on the site. Yeah right, peace and goodwill to all men.

So what do you do, but start insulting people and making assumptions without any basis in fact and demonstrating your wonderful wit and cutting sarcasm. Not.

You are such a ignorant hypocrite. You spend to much time on the FNQ sun, it has obviously affected your reasoning ability. Grow up kid and start acting like a mature person and try getting your thrills in a more intelligent manner. Also, try typing with two hands in the future.
Callous Aussie

By putting up that response you just lowered yourself to a “Hole” new level “the Orifice”. The fact remains this guy has picked on a very minor issue. The Landrover website shows the dash is exactly the same. Something he could have easliy checked rather than moving to embarrass the original poster.
Callous Aussie

The guy did a great review and was picked on for the most trivial garb. The official website has a moving image of the dash far better than any photo and if this guy was really buying the vehicle he’d have already been there.
The Oracle

Dear Clueless Aussie,
Thank you so much for confirming the opinion that I and others have of you from the previous posts. Please allow me to remind you of a few things.

1. Did you ask for polite and friendly debate in these forums. Yes
2. Did you then refer to people who present an alternative point of view as a “turd”, “mug” and “orifice”. Yes
3. Did you infer repeatedly that “Stitch” is a liar when he said he is a prospective buyer, with nothing to support that accusation. Yes
4. Did you contribute anything to the debate. No

So what if someone asks a question that you think is silly? Don’t you have anything better to do than be crude, rude and insulting. I agree with Capt Pocket Toad and Goodwill, you certainly do have issues of self worth, if that is how you need to express yourself. There is treatment available.
PS. No one is getting down to your level, regardless of how you may wish it so.
PPS The carpark at Cairns airport is not representative of the rental car market in Australia. Surely even you realise that it is not exactly the aviation hub of the nation.
Callous Aussie

HAHA. Classic. You really need to go back and read your own post. Nice effort dragging others in but clealry by the length of dribble from one of your Orifice’ you need their support. I hit a nerve.

It is lost on you idiots that by replying in a similar manner you have further soiled the forum which you claim you are trying to protect.

Oh and as the fleet companies are national ,Cairns airport very much reflects the rest of the “international” airports in this country. I went through a few of the car hire companies and couldn’t find a Cruze on their web pages so not all companies have them. I have yet to see a cruze in Cairns with a hire car label on it and there are plenty here. So again, suggesting they are all going to fleet is bulldust and given the amount of tossers in here that bag anything Holden or Daewoo I was right to pint it out.

Now go and read back through and you’ll see I have indeed contributed to the forum where the vehicle is concerned but as you have your head so far up you “orifice” you are too stupid to see. I expect this from you as your name implies that you believe you are above all others. Congrats on contributing to the sludge But that’s what an orifice does.
Matthew

An hour ago I picked someone up from T2 Sydney Domestic terminal, parked next to the Avis lot, plenty of Holden Cruze were there. Didn’t have time to count them. Lots of Commodores too.
The Oracle

Dear Clueless Aussie,
Thank you for the further confirmation of your character.

I couldn’t help but notice that you weren’t able to refute my first three points. I can only conclude that you agree with me. As to dragging other people into my debate, I was merely agreeing with what they had previosly stated. Also, I did not select the name “The Oracle” because I believe that I am above all others, I did so in the acknowledgement that I am the source of all wisdom in automotive matters. (That is a self mocking statement if you hadn’t realised)

PS Cairns is still a mid size regional airport, that has a couple of international flights a day. Even Christchurch airport (that’s in New Zealand)is much larger. You can’t compare Cairns to the size of Brisbane or Perth, let alone Melbourne or Sydney. If you ever hired a car there, you would know that.

I see that I have hit a nerve. Now, I would suggest you follow your own advice and try to engage in an intelligent and civil exchange of opinions.
Callous Aussie

I am flattered that half your post repeats mine and the other half repeats yours.The size of Cairns airport has little to do with the fact that ALL the hire car companies are still there.

Yep you hit a nerve. My funny bone No need to refute anything you wrote. You did it for me
The Oracle

Dear Clueless Aussie,
Your last post makes no sense whatsoever. I just remembered something I was once taught. Never argue with an idiot.
Callous Aussie

That obviously excludes me then You need to stop beating yourself up.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/ Alborz Fallah

Thanks Stitch, We tend to find interior photos are always best when they are from the manufacturer as it requires a studio and great lighting to do proper interior photos. Nonetheless I will take it on board and get some photos for future reviews to add to the gallery.

Safety First

If only people realised how hard it is to take a photo in side a car without making it look plasticy and cheap…………
Stitch

Alborz, thanks if you could include some local interior shots then great. Yeah I know they are difficult to achieve with lighting but one or two at the end of your photo gallery so I can compare apples with apples makes the hassle of cars shopping simpler from my trusty PC.

Safety First

Alborz, just a comment about the I-Pod intergration. We have the same issue with FG Falcons integration system and the system for the Euro Fords (surprise surprise I believe it’s the same software). Anyways it appears taht you may have misunderstood one little part of this system.. This is an “I-POD” intergration setup not an “I-PHONE” minor detail I know but that was the answer I was given by Apple themsleves when I asked.
It appears that the I-phone has the same functions as an I-Pod but is not the same… Believe me from this side of the desk it is as frustrating as.. also to all those people with similar systems when you buy the latest generation I-Pod it can take upto 6 months for the patches to be released for you unit…
Just a helpful insight…

http://www.caradvice.com.au/ Alborz Fallah

Hi there,

the iPod Touch and iPhone are identical in their iPod software.

Land Rover Australia explained the situation as a result of Apple changing its PIN configuration on the iPhone hence no charging.

I will add to the review as a update what LR said.

Safety First

Hmm Just check with Apple, because as I said I hjave this problem with the system in FG and that was apples answer. I have connect touch to customers cars and it worked fine, connected their I phone and get similar screen to yours.. But hey I’m only selling Fords
Actually not far from your favourite mountian road in Brissie.

Rick

Enjoyable read and it would appear that the Discovery is certainly a capable vehicle. Question – isn’t the Discovery supposed to be the “real” offroad model, as opposed to the Range Rover which is the “Toorak tractor” ? This thing is $100K plus on the road and it isn’t even the top of the line model ! Who is it aimed at ?

Alborz, in the review you said that “All in-car navigation systems force you to stop the vehicle before allowing you to enter a destination”. Which ones don’t allow you ? I currently have a 320D and the BMW sat-nav lets you enter destinations on the move as did my previous E39 5 series. I have never actually heard of a sat-nav that didn’t allow you to enter destinations on the move.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/ Alborz Fallah

That’s interesting Rick.
As far as I can remember, no in-car navigation system I’ve used in the last 3 years has let me enter a destination whilst on the move. I am talking about the built in to the car ones here.

Shak

I think it is an inbuilt safety measure, like how you cant watch TV while on the move or txt or talk. It just makes sure that your full concentration is on the road when you are driving, and not on mindy who is blurting random gibberish to you from the sat nav.

Callous Aussie

I’d hedge a bet that the German vehicles have it enabled so they don’t have to pull over on the autobahns which would be more dangerous.

Rick

Yep, mine were both built in GPS systems. Although the current BMW Navigation systems will allow you to operate them on the move, it isn’t something I tend to do for obvious reasons.

However, having a blanket prevention like you mention also prevents the front seat passenger from using it on the move, something that my wife will sometimes do.

Stash

Hi Alborz,
I am thinking of buying one – leaning towards HSE with Alpine roof option.
I just want to know what is your opinion on the Alpine Roof. Would it be troublesome in Sunny Queensland – with light and heat?
Thanks
Stash

http://www.caradvice.com.au/ Alborz Fallah

That was something I thought about as I was driving out here in QLD Summer, It’s not too bad, with the shades closed it does block out a lot of the sun but it definitely does add a little bit of heat to the cabin. In saying that, God it does look good and the Aircon more than accommodates

I suppose its a compromise. I’d go for it just because I think for a car that big, 2 weeks of really hot summer shouldn’t ruin what could be a really nice roof feature.

Callous Aussie

Not to mention it is fantastic at night and in Queensland most nights are perfect.
Stash

Thanks.

Edwardo

Nice review, but a question. Have they fixed the issued with the previous Disco with the tow bar kit? The design was frankly disastrous and it interfered with the departure angle of the car.
Callous Aussie

Edwardo I’m not sure if you are aware or not but LR offer or at least offered an adjustable height towbar. If you email them they will help you as to whether or not it is still available.
sump-plug

The Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 is an amazing vehicle. Pleanty motoring journalists and awards agree. My issue is with previous reliability issues Land Rover has gotten a little bit of a bad rap. Have these issues been sorted out? When Ford owned LR (after BMW) things improved, but have they gotten to Toyota levels? I ask because the new Prado and Disco4 compete in the same bracket. A similar spec Prado 3.0 D4D will cost ~$70,000, compared to the Disco 4 3.0 TDV6 SE of ~$85,000. That amounts to ~$461/mth less (financed over a 3y term @ 11% interest), which doesn’t make that much difference. I prefer the LR, but dont feel like getting well aqainted with the work-shop manager at LR, at intervals other that the reqular service times.
Johnno

Wah wah ahahahaha ha hahahaha

yellow lampshades, blue curtains, air suspension, VOR, waaahhh
Nath746

Why don’t we get the Manual version down here in Australia? They sell it in Manual all across Europe (only the 2.7L TDV6) so why not here?
wenza

Hi – I just luv my Disco 3 and really want a Disco 4 BUT my concern is the lack of rural support ! There is only one country service centre which is about 9 hours from where we live ! We struggle now with the requirements for servicing and in partiular wheel alignments and tyres – so what happens with the poor landrover marketing and the need to demobilise every time you need a wheel alignment ??
Bryan

The biggest short coming that I can see with this vehicle is the small fuel tank and the resulting limited touring range; does anybody know if you can buy an aftermarket long range tank for the Disco 4? Or maybe for the Disco 3 which is more likely to be in my price range?

Otherwise, it is a magnificent vehicle and I would have one in a heartbeat – money (and wife) permitting of course…

KV

Apologies Bryan

I said “replacement” tank which is technically incorrect. You’ve probably already realised I meant “auxiliary” since it goes where the spare tyre usually sits so your total would be around 186L

Bryan

I just looked at the prices listed at the end of the article for the various models and it says that the petrol V8 costs thirty grand more than the top of the range diesel! Surely this can’t be correct? Most manufactures charge more for their diesel models but even Toyota only squeeze an extra ten grand out of you for a diesel 200 series over the petrol ones: thirty thousand dollars for a petrol engine [supercharged or not] sounds like a bit much…
Dan

Just bought a disco 4 3.0 TD HSE. It’s great….a couple of questions…

Can you get a ‘surf key’ to allow key entry and security rather than hiding the keyless brick some where?

I have three kids and two corded head phones for the rear entertainment system. Is there an option to allow number three to get headphones I can’t seem to locate another jack anywhere?
Erine

Hi I bought this lovely vehicle but got endless electronic problems….Nav radio AC speedo intrument cluster all goes dead
It happened now for the 3rd time after being “fixed” My lovely car is now as we speak being towed in to a dealer. We didnt have AC in the Karoo SA 39 degrees….nice with 2 babies on board. Im so disappointed I dont think Land Rover SA got an idea the brand damage this vehicle caused. Children told the world on Facebook you name it how bad Land Rover is because they had to suffer such terrible inconvenience.
http://www.7-seater-airport-car-hire.co.uk 7 seater airport car hire

Nice piece! I have liked this on Facebook. Bye!
GetReal

oh yeah, ‘excellent value’ at only $94,990 as tested, plus delivery and on-road costs, not to mention luxury car tax?… Get a grip!