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Land Rover Discovery 3 V6 TD HSE: Big Jaw

A mighty and original off-road car that shows city-greenhorns the way to behave.



Landrover Discovery 3 TD V6 HSE Automatic front
Picture by Land Rover

Land Rovers never were or will bet the right thing for mama boys. So it isn't that surprising that the third version of the new discovery even added on quite a bit (wheelbase increased 35 cm). The front with its huge Range Rover jaw might even give rise to words like "wow!" or "man!". The rear though, rather has the looks of those plumber delivery vans.

At least in the tested top-version HSE, the long legged British appears noble and with first-class leather trim, great audio-system, automatic air conditioning, parking assistance, bi-xenon-headlights, cruise control and rain sensor. And with its 45.800 Euro (pricetag for Austria) it still stays on a competitive basis for a four wheel driver. It's 1670 Euro additional charge (in Austria) for the 7-seat-version (incl. additional head airbags).

Landrover Discovery 3 TD V6 HSE Automatic rear
Picture by Land Rover

But the Discovery also shows that it is a real off-road car and far from a city greenhorn: The clear menu allows the driver to adjust suspension (with level control) to all different surfaces.

Also the Hill Descent Control for the 2,5 ton alpinist works excellent and grants control on snow and ice, avoiding downhill glissades through ABS. All that's left to be desired is an electronic device in charge of turning on narrow field paths.


Landrover Discovery 3 TD V6 HSE Automatic cockpit
Picture by Land Rover
Land Rover Discovery 3 TD V6 HSE Automatic in motion

Engine/Powertrain * * *
We liked: The gentle running and inside quiet engine, whose self ignition can only be heard at decent acceleration and which is strong enough to orderly move the 2,5 tons.
We didn't like: The high fuel consumption for a six-cylinder; especially in the city.

Comfort * * * * *
We liked: Seats suitable for long road trips with low sideward support, excellent audio system and lots of rubber covered storage spaces and shelves (also for CDs), plenty drink holders, big vanity mirror.
We didn't like: High entrance

Driving Characteristics * * *
We liked: Low noise level through wind, superior and safe driving through great overview.
We didn't like: : indirect steering, sensible pitching and nodding disturbs at load-cycle changes, slow automatic shift when passing.

Room Capacities/Variability * * * * *
We liked: Loads of room in all directions, even in the back row. Felicitous third seat row because it can be transformed into an even trunk compartment. Loading space decreases from 1192 to 280 litres.
We didn't like: Access to third row just for athletes and kids.

Performance * * * *
Top speed: Top speed: 180 km/h. Acceleration: from 0 to 100 km/h in 11,7 seconds. Fuel consumption during test drive: 12,7 litres for 100 km. Price: 59.722 Euro (in Austria)

Data from the manufacturer

Engine
Common rail diesel with turbocharger, six cylinders in V, 2720 ccm, fuel stratified injection and intercooler, 2967 ccm, 140 kW/190 hp at 4000rpm, 440 Nm at 1900 rpm, four valves per cylinder, light metal cylinder heads

Powertrain
permanent four wheel drive, step-down gear, six speed automatic transmission.

Chassis and Body
self supporting body; double wishbone and all-independent suspension set, radius rod, telescopic shock absorbers; electronically operated air suspension with level control.

Tyres, Brakes and Steering
all round disc brakes, ABS and dynamic stability control; handbrake for rear wheels; power-assisted rack and pinion steering, fuel tank of 88 litres, wheels 255/60 R 18, rims 7,5 J.

Dimensions and Weights
Wheelbase 2885 mm, length 4835 mm, width 2009 mm, height 1837 mm, 11,45 metre turning circle.

Fuel Consumption
for 100 km (according to manufacturer): urban 13,2, extra-urban 8,7, mixed 10,4 litres. Diesel.


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© A test drive by Car Testreport (08-02-05)

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