Roy Lewis road tests the Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0-litre TDV6 HSE (From Hereford Times)

Roy Lewis road tests the Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0-litre TDV6 HSE

8:00am Friday 19th March 2010 in

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AT-A-GLANCE Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0-litre TDV6 HSE.

Price: £48,795.

Top speed: 112mph.

0-62mph: 9 seconds.

Fuel: 30.4mpg (combined figure).

C02 emissions (g/km): 244.

Verdict: Top of the class, technically advanced, luxurious, superb motor and driving characteristics, distinctive looks and very versatile.

FURTHER technology combined with clever thinking and the arrival of a new diesel unit make the latest award-winning Land Rover Discovery an overwhelming success.

Probably the most significant update is the powerful and refined common rail 3.0-litre V6 diesel which despite being a bigger engine than the 2.7-litre, returns better fuel consumption and lower emissions. And with 245bhp and 442lb ft of torque, the twin-turbo unit offers strong pulling power and seamless overtaking ability.

The Discovery will cruise effortlessly on the motorway and give a serene ride similar to the top executive motors.

The new model is not cheap but prices do compare well with other large off-roaders. Costs go from £32,695 for the 2.7-litre TDV6 GS five-door to £48,795 for the 3.0 TDV6 HSE five-door which with such a wealth of advanced technology is the one to have.

While the Discovery has received major updates under the skin, it has also come in for sharper styling. There is a new front grille, new LED lights, and an upgraded interior with a better layout of controls. All in all, the car has a softer and more stylish appearance both inside and out.

Being fairly big and roomy there is excellent access and superior leg, head and shoulder space for all occupants. On the seven-seat model, the third row of seats fold cleverly into the floor to give a huge amount of load area.

While driving, the Discovery feels lighter, quieter and more agile. It is well balanced and handles like a smaller vehicle – the hallmark of a good car.

And despite the Discovery’s height, it remains composed and surefooted when being hurried along, with the light yet nicelyweighted steering producing good feedback. The six-speed automatic gearbox is certainly a smooth operator.

The ride on this latest model is further improved, thanks largely to the upgrading of the air suspension system which has proved such a success.

Drive off the tarmac and the Discovery will also impress with its ability to tackle all sorts of difficult surfaces and wade through deep water. Its Terrain Response system is like having an expert in its classy cabin because at the turn of a knob the car’s ride height is raised and the driver can tackle snow, rocks, gravel, sand or grass at his or her command.

There is also the noted Hill Descent system available at the press of a button for negotiating steep and slippery hills.

The equipment list on the top models is as long as your arm.

You’ll like the high-tech wizardry, the luxury leather interior, the top sound system, satellite navigation, alloy wheels and the reversing cameras which can give the driver such an extensive view.

Besides being an excellent vehicle for towing, the Discovery even helps you hitch up your trailer as the cameras show the line to the tow hitch.

The new model is an exceptional all-rounder with executive refinement. It may not be cheap but Land Rover is the most established name in off-roaders and it builds the best 4x4 money can buy.