Land Rover Excels Whatever The Conditions

IT’S the same collection of cars from the Auto Express 2007 Used Car Honours, but in a different order! And this year, there was little contest. While the Volvo XC90 is fashionable with lifestyle buyers, the Discovery 3 takes the prize when it comes to off-road prowess.

Land Rover has binned the old Discovery’s breathless five-cylinder diesel in favour of a more refined and frugal V6. Air-suspension makes for an accomplished ride on the road and the steering is pleasant enough.

Auto Express judge Jeff Paterson said: ‘The SUV sector has been suffering dramatically of late, but this means it’s possible to find some real bargains on the used market. The Discovery is more widely available than its immediate rivals, and the spacious cabin is a delight.’

If you’re not bothered by fuel economy there’s always the beefy 4.4-litre V8, but most buyers will opt for the more sensible V6. The proud, boxy styling hints at the fact that the Land Rover is more capable off-road than any other car in this class - so if you want an authentic, grass-roots 4×4, the Discovery is the one to go for.

COMMENDED

VW TOUAREG (2003 to date)

Price: £14,275-£31,000

FAR more capable than you’d expect off-road, and the VW has strong diesel engines. Seats only five, but is roomier than the Disco or XC90, and cabin finish and road presence impress.

VOLVO XC90 (2003 to date)

Price: £13,425-£29,350

STILL a popular choice with families, even though it’s showing its age. Volvo has a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating and clever interior, while the D5 diesel gives reasonable economy.

This article was taken from: Hamilton Advertiser

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008 at 8:57 am and is filed under Land Rover. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.