Land Rover Discovery TDV6
With more than 40,000 Discoverys sold in Australia since the launch of the original in 1991, it's fair to say a few buyers will be eyeballing the big, brash, all-new Discovery 3. We sampled the V8 petrol model some time ago, and came away impressed, but we've had to wait to see whether the new turbo-diesel V6 plays to the same tune.
Like petrol Discovery 3s, the TDV6 engine is based on a Jaguar design, in this case the 2.7-litre, 24-valve turbo-diesel V6 destined for the S-Type. The Disco reverts to a single turbo instead of two, and although power is down, there's a resounding 440 Nm of torque on tap from just 1900 rpm. A six-speed auto is standard across the range, with a six-speed manual available in the base model.
There are three TDV6s, starting with the S at $64,650. With 17-inch wheels, air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, CD sound system, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel and a full complement of safety gear, the S isn't threadbare, but there are not a lot of trinkets to justify the mid-$60,000 price.
The mid-range SE packs a better-value punch. Along with air suspension and the innovative Terrain Response 4WD system, you get two additional rear seats (plus two more curtain airbags), 18-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, trip computer, bi-xenon headlights and climate control for $73,650.
The HSE tested here tops the range at $83,650 and brings power seats, leather trim, six-CD Harman Kardon sound system and rear air-con to the party. You'll have to pay extra, though, if you want stuff like satellite navigation, a sunroof or front parking sensors.
The TDV6 is no match for its petrol partners in a straight line, (Land Rover claims 12.8 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, a hefty 4.2 seconds slower than the V8), but it's still sharp. Despite a whiff of turbo lag off idle, the TDV6 steps smartly off the line and continues to sprint with conviction, the smooth six-speed auto effectively keeping the engine in its 2000-4000 rpm happy zone. It feels much friskier than the figures suggest, and is smooth and well mannered too.
Fuel economy, the bugbear of the V8 model, is good when you consider the TDV6's 2700 kg-plus kerb weight. We averaged about 11.5 L/100 km in a combination of urban, highway, dirt and off-road driving, which lends itself to a handy touring range with the 82-litre tank.
The TDV6's characteristics match well to the advanced air suspension, which allows the car to be raised for impressive off-road ability. The Terrain Response system, which allows the driver to preset the suspension and electronic aids to best suit the conditions, is easy to use. We didn't get any sand or rocks to try it on, but in Mud Rut mode the TDV6 clambered up steep muddy tracks more gracefully than was possible on foot.
On the road, the Discovery brings more smiles. The mass is obvious during repeated direction changes, but the TDV6 drives better and more responsively than its weight gives it right to. Quiet and smooth, it stops and steers well, grips hard and inspires confidence. The rest of the package is familiar Discovery 3 - a stylish, spacious, easy-riding cabin that is flexible and user-friendly.
That the TDV6 convincingly addresses fuel consumption without an unnecessary sacrifice in punch and refinement is a worthy achievement. It is deeply impressive but its excessive size and weight stop it just short of a glowing endorsement.