Land Rover Discovery 3 2007 Review

Unfortunately, there's always been a question of longevity and build quality, which Land Rover seems to be slowly overcoming. We sampled the third-generation top-spec turbodiesel V6 HSE Discovery.

The cabin is ergonomically better than previous offerings but the driver's-side window developed a mind of its own during our time with the car. The central part of the console works a little better, with the sound system and dual-zone climate control easy to use. The Disco gets the electric park brake system, as well as the clever, effective and easy-to-use Terrain Response system.

A quick turn of the knob, compliance with the advice on the LCD screen and the Disco is set up for most off-road expeditions.

There's decent cabin space and the third row of seats can accommodate most people.

The features list boasts leather trim, rear parking sensors, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, auto bi-xenon headlights, climate control (including rear airconditioning) and eight airbags, with each seat row getting curtain airbags. But topping the list of attributes for the 2.7-tonne British bush-basher is the 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel, which delivers 140kW of power and 445Nm of torque. It's a smoothy, with some passengers finding it hard to believe there is a diesel unit up front.

The Disco spent several weeks with the CARSguide team and used fuel at a rate of 11 litres/100km.

The height-adjustable self-levelling air suspension (a $3450 option, including Terrain Response, on the bulk of the range, but standard on the HSE) cleverly counteracts body roll, pitch and bumps.

The Disco completed many of its normal duties - family beach trip, commuting and a bit of off-road work - but the final test was a trip to the Limestone Coast with lodgings in tow. A Jayco Expanda caravan was the dwelling of choice.

Tipping the scales at 1400kg, the Jayco was never going to tax the 3500kg braked towing capacity.

After an 800km round trip, the Land Rover had barely noticed the well-behaved van on the back - apart from some restricted rear vision and an increase in fuel use to about 15 litres/100km.

Given the ease with which it pulled up hills - dropping to fifth or fourth but rarely third - and the frugal fuel habits, there's little doubt the turbodiesel V6 is the pick of the litter within the Disco range.

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SMALL TORQUE

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY HSE Turbo Diesel V6

Price: $83,990.

Engine: 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel.

Power: 140kW @ 4000rpm.

Torque: 440Nm @ 1900rpm.

Transmission: Six-speed manual and automatic, all-wheel drive.

Suspension Double wishbones and computer-controlled air springs front and rear, height adjustable.

Zero-100km/h/top speed: 12.8 seconds/180km/h.

Fuel consumption/capacity: 10.4 litres/100km (claimed), on tow test 15 litres/100km, tank 82 litres.

Dimensions: Length 4835mm, width 2009mm, height 1832-1940mm, wheelbase 2885mm,

track fr/rr 1605/1612mm.

Weight: 2353kg-2432kg.

Brakes: Four-wheel ventilated disc, with stability and anti-rollover systems.

Wheels: 18in alloys.