Land Rover Discovery 3

FamilyCar Rating: Model Reviewed: SE V6 Petrol Automatic $65,390* Other models priced from: S TDV6 Auto Diesel $67,590* 3 Word Summary: Spacious True 4WD

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Review

The Land Rover Discovery 3 is an improvement over previous models while keeping true to its off road heritage. It offers a smooth drive on the freeway and feels sturdy and safe. You can choose from petrol or diesel models with various feature levels. The model reviewed is a 4.0 litre petrol and is the lowest cost model in the Discovery range. It features a 3rd row of seats which has more generous space than other SUVs that offer 7 seats and can seat 2 adults, where others can only seat 2 kids.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

The visibility for all passengers is fantastic and is one of the best features of the car. This is achieved through large windows throughout as well as a high up seating position. The only time it can be a bit limited is when you have 2 adults sitting in the 3rd row. Controls are in easy reach, except for the power window buttons, which are located at the front of the door sill. OK if you’re Inspector Gadget, but a stretch for the rest of us. Cruise controls are located on the steering wheel for added convenience. The driver and passenger seats can be adjusted manually and the steering wheel can be adjusted up and down.

Safety

The Discovery 3 has 8 air bags, with the front row having side thorax and front airbags for both driver and passenger. Each seat row also has its own curtain airbags, so even your 3rd row passengers are protected. To help the car remain stable during cornering, there’s Dynamic Stability Control and Active Roll Mitigation.

Features We Can’t Live Without

Standard features include: dual climate control air conditioning with vents located in the front and rear, rear parking assist, leather seats, huge glass sunroof over both the front and middle row passengers

Storage

There are lots of good storage spaces including a large double glove box, door pockets throughout with bottle holders, 2 cup holders in the centre console and pockets on the back on the driver and passenger seats. The centre console box is large with dividers to store your CDs. The boot space is generous when the 3rd row seats are not in use and an OK amount of space when they are being used-we fit about 6 bags of groceries as well as 7 passengers.

Kids’ Comfort & Safety

There is plenty of space in the middle row, particularly the head space. The middle row of seats is tri fold, giving you great flexibility for your luggage/passenger requirements. There are vents located in the middle row to keep your passengers at a comfortable temperature. Your middle row passengers have some storage nooks as well as pockets on the rear of the driver and front passenger seats. There are 3 child seat anchorage points located on the rear of the middle row seats, with plenty of room for child restraints and booster seats.The space in the third row is impressive, comfortably seating 2 adults, thanks to good leg room and a high ceiling. There are also cup holders and side storage compartments for your 3rd row passengers.

Green Factor

The petrol Discovery 3 is not the car to buy if fuel consumption and the environment are important to you. It consumes a very high 15.2 litres per 100kms combined cycle-it will be a lot thirstier around the city. Its green vehicle rating is a low 2.5 out of a possible 10 and its green vehicle rating is 2 stars out of a possible 5. If you love this car but want to reduce your fuel bill, go for the manual diesel model.

Overall View

The Discovery is a big car, suitable for families or those who need the space or towing capacity. It lacks a little in the refinement department compared to other models in this market but is well suited to those whose need the space and functionality. It’s also very thirsty, so the diesel models might be a better option.

Test Drive Tips

• The hand brake is a button located in the centre console. You simply push down or lift up to engage.
  

• The indicators are located on the left hand side of the steering column.

Features of Model Reviewed

Airbags:	Driver and front passenger front and side airbags, curtain airbags all row
Seats:	7
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
ESP:	Yes, Dynamic Stability Control
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	4
CD player:	Yes, single CD
Air conditioning:	Yes, climate control
Power windows:	Yes
Power steering:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	6 speed Auto
Engine capacity:	4.0 Litre
Fuel type:	Premium unleaded
Fuel consumption:	15.2 litres/100kms
Greenhouse rating #:	2.5/10
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
Warranty:	3 year/100,000 kms
Price:	$65,390

* Excludes on road costs
# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review.  Please check with your local Land Rover dealer for the most recent information.

Date Reviewed: June 2008