Discovery 3 wins 2006 Best All Terrain Four Wheel Drive
Book your Test Drive in Australia's Best All Terrain Vehicle
Australia's Best Cars as judged by NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT and AANT.
Land Rover Discovery 3 SE
2.7-litre diesel
6-speed auto
from $74,990
Applied technology allied to design and driving pleasure made Land Rover's Disco 3 the vehicle of choice in the most rugged class of all.
Land Rover Discovery 3 is clearly at the high-quality end of the all-terrain four-wheel-drive market and that outlay gets you the best list of standard features, along with the highest levels of safety and security in the class. And while that means some additional dollars lost to depreciation, it is not the most expensive vehicle in the class. Prospective buyers can rest assured that once they are comfortable with the dollars they will have one of the best-engineered 4WD vehicles on the market. Notably, however, the warranty on offer is nowhere near the best in this category.
The most distinctive aspects of the Discovery are its on-road handling and driving feel. This is not just the result of good suspension geometry, but good wheel control through the full range of travel, more accurate steering than expected in this group and adjustable air springs, all of which help belie its size and weight.
Discovery is also equipped with an excellent V6 diesel engine. This is an up-to-the-minute power plant that delivers both excellent performance and good fuel economy, though the initial outlay is a hefty eleven thousand dollars more. The strong pulling power of the diesel is complemented by the refined six-speed automatic and the driveline always feels smooth. A feature of the Discovery's 4WD system is the ability to adjust the suspension via a selector dial on the centre console to cope better with different road and off-road conditions. There is also an electronic hill descent control button. At full suspension height the approach and departure angles, as well as the overall ground clearance, will handle even the worst bush tracks, while the degree of selectable suspension control means it does not dance around at higher speeds on corrugated roads.
The Discovery is also notable for its use of cabin space and some clever interior design work. This is particularly evident in the good seating comfort throughout and the adult-size space available in the third row seats. The rear seat folding mechanism which transforms the rear into a useable hard floor is a work of art.
Driving the Discovery is always rewarding: there is a great set-up at the wheel and an entertaining array of controls and read-outs that demand a little more driver involvement with the vehicle than your average 4WD.
Discovery has grown in girth over the years, however: it now weighs in at 2.4 tonnes and like most large 4WDs it is not only less environmentally friendly but is a noticeably more cumbersome vehicle to live with around suburban shops and car parks than a conventional wagon. But if a full-size 4WD is the only thing on your shopping list or towing is a prime requirement, then this is one of the best vehicles for the job. In typical Land Rover style, the new Discovery 3 bristles with applied technology paired with sophisticated design. Distinctive in its presentation, it has a practical and easy-to-live-with cabin as well as being more than capable in off-road ability.
For more information on the Land Rover Discovery or any other vehicle, please contact Trivett City & Eastern Suburbs on (02) 8338 2122.
