REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Time to make improvements

With the Discovery series, introduced in 1989, the renowned British sport-utility expert, now part of the Ford fold, enjoyed a great deal of success on the European market.

Updated regularly over the years, the vehicle made its North American debut in 1994 and since then, has been the object of much admiration, among other groups from a well-off clientele group sensitive to the prestige attached to the make, whose Range Rover model is the uncontested aristocrat of its niche.The Discovery has been revamped almost completely, but since in large part its body is still composed of aluminum panelling, it looks so much like the previous model that you’ll have a hard time telling the two apart. It’s too bad the builder didn’t decide to give it bolder and more modern- looking styling, like it did for its Freelander.

Inside the Discovery, the dashboard, although completely redesigned, looks like the old one as well. The same goes for seats, which are very comfortable despite an oversized center console. As for the slightly elevated rear bench seat, it is very comfortable and provides an excellent view of the outside. However, access is somewhat difficult because doors are too short and positioned directly over the wheel wells, which restricts foot room to a minimum.The Series II is longer than before, mainly to increase cargo space and to accommodate the optional third seat, which folds to the sides in a split configuration (the old Discovery had two jump seats that faced the sides). The front and rear tracks have also been widened, resulting in more stability and less sway.

Rear overhang is a bit longer, but the Discovery is still an exceptional off-road vehicle. It features an all-wheel traction control system that makes the ride smoother. Land Rover has added the Hill Descent Control system, which monitors wheel speed and sends power to the appropriate brakes, making even the steepest slopes a piece of cake. The two systems make optimum use of the four-circuit anti-lock system, which is standard on this vehicle, of course. And to minimize sway, Land Rover offers an Active Cornering Enhancement system, a semi-active suspension using hydraulic pistons linked to the anti-roll bar to eliminate roll. The 4.0-liter engine, with an aluminum block and a center camshaft, is coupled with an electronically controlled four- speed automatic transmission. It’s smooth and cooperative and it always sounds good, but its 188-hp output is barely enough under usual driving conditions. When can consumers expect a more modern Ford engine? Soon, let’s hope.

PROS
New-found reliability
Off-road capabilities
Extraordinary visibility

CONS
Difficult access to the inside
Marginal engine power
High fuel consumption

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