In Spring 2017, the all new redesigned and reshaped Land Rover Discovery 5 will be available to purchase from Land Rover dealers across the UK and yesterday we went to Land Rover Belfast on the Boucher Road to catch the first glimpse of this long awaited SUV.
On arrival, there was a good vibe in the crisp autumn air and through the long glass panes of the showroom, I could see lots of people, people chatting about something that was shimmering elegantly in the centre of the building, that something was the all new Discovery 5.
For one day only, this desirable and unstoppable SUV visited Belfast on its tour around the Land Rover dealer network, allowing anyone interested to get up close and personal with the latest offering and indeed sit in, play with and explore the vast amounts of technology within.
At a glance the Discovery 5 has adopted a much softer look, a less agricultural look and indeed a very nice look I have to say. All of the modern styling from other models within the Land Rover group, seem to be incorporated into this new SUV and rightly so, as it works.
The Discovery, since its launch in the eighties has always been a firm favourite as a work horse and even the outgoing Discovery 4 model [read our full review here] is still used widely by those with the need for comfort, power, huge towing ability and off-road agility.
However over the years, as the Discovery became more refined, the huge practicality and usable seven seat layout soon became a firm favourite for the ever expanding family owner and not only found itself towing horse boxes and cattle trailers but also felt just at home on the school run.
Load space is in abundance and with all the rear seating folded flat (which is now done with the touch of a button, electronically) there is van like volume with a van like flat floor whilst with all seven seater vehicles, when the rear two rows are in use, the boot turns into a space fit to accommodate a dachshund.
Full black leather with white piping was the interior choice on this HSE model with two large windows in the roof for some late night star gazing. Space inside is better than ever and the Discovery 5 is one of few SUV’s on the market that offers more than ample room in the third row.
Rear climate control keeps rear passengers comfortable and on this display model infotainment screens have been built into the back of the front headrests to keep kids of all ages (sometimes adults are worse on a long journey) entertained with TV or movies.
In the front there is an abundance of room and comfort and I noticed there is a Meridian surround audio system installed also which I have to say will sound great going by other models with the same system.
One big change for the Discovery 5 is the introduction of the Ingenium 2.0L TD4 diesel engine, this is a vast change from the large capacity TDV6 found in the Discovery 4 and I am keen to see how it fairs in the Discovery 5 as it is a decent unit as we found out in the Discovery Sport [read review here].
This four cylinder engine produces just shy of 240bhp with a staggering 370lb/ft or torque and mated to the auto gearbox will easily cope with the all-important 3500kg towing weight. Due to the low capacity engine, road tax starts at a mere £210/annum also.
On and off-road there is as much technology as NASA to keep you safe and in control whilst off-road there really isn’t anything like it within the segment that has the genuine go anywhere capabilities.
This latest styling and vast technology really will appeal to everyone if a little more suited to the city slicker however underneath the fur coat lies something that only Land Rover can provide, a truly unstoppable vehicle!
Pricing starts at just shy of £45,000 whilst a model with all the options ticked will cost something around the £75,000 mark roughly. Keep an eye on the blog and social media in Spring time for our full road test and likely off-road test too…
Words & Photos: Graham Curry
1 comment
It would seem like Graham is still trying to find his feet with a completely uncritical review of the new Disco.
If he were to describe a mixture of good AND the bad points, then go slightlier easier on tha facts that are available to anyone can read from a spec sheet, it would be closer to a review.