MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS HATCHBACK A200 Sport 5dr

As ever, the Land Rover Discovery is the most practical and capable large SUV you could choose. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

There's nothing quite like a Land Rover Discovery and the current version of this fifth generation model continues to offer the toughest, the most practical and the most capable choice in the large SUV sector. Enhancements made over recent years include a smarter look, the adoption of MHEV mild hybrid engine technology and a much higher standard of media connectivity from the revised cabin. Yet the Discovery remains a supremely practical choice for up to seven adults and is an easy class-leader off the beaten track. In the large family SUV segment, it's still almost unique.

Background

Without the Discovery model line, it's doubtful whether the Land Rover brand would even exist today. Launched back in 1989, the original version merely bolted more spacious bodywork onto an aging Range Rover chassis, but the sales it generated were enough to save the company. They also financed a more sophisticated five cylinder air suspended model in 1998 at the same time as the company's engineers were busily beavering away at something much better, third generation Discovery3 of 2004 which was ultimately developed into the Discovery4 of 2009. It took a further eight years before this more unusually-styled fifth generation model arrived, a car now thoroughly enhanced with JLR's latest MHEV electrified engine tech and media features. Potentially then, lots to look forward to.

Driving Experience

There's still something very special about a place behind the wheel of a Discovery. In contrast to more car-like rivals, it's not a cockpit-like experience with all the controls angled towards you as they would be in, say a Range Rover Sport. No, this is different - a place of command: a place to do business with the elements, be they the snake-infested swamps of the rainy season in the Serengeti or the snarled-up traffic of a wet windy morning on the school run. This current version of the fifth generation model gets a very capable Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system and a smooth and responsive ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, plus the brand's 48V MHEV mild hybrid tech. Land Rover only now offers this car with its six cylinder D350 diesel, which makes 62mph in 5.9s en route to 130mph. There's a huge 700Nm of torque - great for towing and off roading. Hence the class-leading 3,500kg braking towing total. Plus Land Rover has developed clever technology to make this towing ability more accessible. Advanced Tow Assist is an ingenious development which allows drivers to complete potentially difficult reversing manoeuvres when towing trailers, caravans and horseboxes with ease. As before, there's class-leading off road ability thanks to permanent 4WD and the standard 'Terrain Response' system. An optional Configurable Terrain Response set-up allows drivers to fine-tune the Discovery's throttle mapping, gearbox shift points, steering and suspension settings to suit their preferences and requirements.

Design and Build

All the usual Discovery styling cues remain firmly in evidence - the clamshell bonnet, the stepped roof and the highly visible C-pillar. Visual changes to this improved Discovery are subtle. The signature LED headlights create a more purposeful look, plus there are animated sweeping front and rear indicators and a body-colour front fender vent. There are smarter signature LED rear lights too, which are joined across the back of vehicle by a new Gloss Black panel. Customers can also make their Discovery more eye-catching with an optional 'R-Dynamic' pack, which brings a revised front bumper and more purposeful Gloss Black and Shadow Atlas exterior accents. Inside, there's JLR's 'Pivi Pro' centre-dash infotainment monitor with its big 11.4-inch full-HD touchscreen. This offers over-the-air updates, plus dual-SIM technology with LTE modems. It complements the 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display digital instrument cluster screen, which can include a high-definition 3D navigation mapping. The steering wheel and gear selector have been re-styled over earlier models too. The second row seats have been redesigned in recent years with longer, thicker cushions, better lateral support and careful seat profiling. But the fold-out third row chairs are no more comfortable than before. We like the Discovery's stadium seating configuration, which sees each row of seats positioned higher than the one in front, ensuring every seat is the best seat in the house. Unlike some of this car's 7-seat SUV rivals, the third row chairs are designed for adults as well as kids. Auto Access Height technology reduces the ride-height by up to 40mm as passengers prepare to enter or exit the vehicle. You can specify a gesture-controlled powered inner tailgate and even with all three seating rows upright, there's still 258-litres of luggage space. With the first two seating rows in place, there's 1,137-litres of room. With everything folded, that rises to 2,391-litres.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £63,000; that's for the base S D350 diesel variant. There are four trim levels; 'S', 'Dynamic SE', 'Dynamic HSE' and 'Metropolitan Edition' and pricing rises up to around £78,000. There's also a Discovery Commercial van variant. A key standard equipment feature across the range is the 'Pivi Pro' infotainment system. And you're going to want to look at options like the 'Activity Key', a wristband that allows you to dispense with the usual key for when you're engaged in lifestyle country activities. Other key extras include a cabin ioniser, a head-up display and a gesture-controlled tailgate. There are various optional Meridian sound systems. And we'd also want Land Rover's Click and Go tablet holders, incorporated into the front seatbacks. The easy-to-use system also includes USB-A charging sockets that are perfectly located to minimise trailing wires. Using the onboard 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, which is capable of linking up to eight devices, rear passengers can be entertained on even the longest journeys. You should also consider the upgraded 'Terrain Response 2' driving modes system, which adds extra drive modes and a set-and-forget 'auto' setting.

Cost of Ownership

It would be wrong to say that the MHEV mild hybrid engine tech has transformed this Discovery's running costs because it hasn't, but it's made a useful difference and has kept efficiency competitive. MHEV tech is based around use of a Belt integrated Starter Generator in the engine bay to harvest energy usually lost under deceleration, which is then stored in a 48V lithium-ion battery located beneath the rear load space. It's able to redeploy the stored energy to assist the engine under acceleration, while also delivering a more refined and responsive stop/start system. Let's get to the WLTP figures. The D350 diesel returns up to 34.8mpg on the combined cycle and up to 213g/km of CO2. Of course, the driver will need to play his or her part in pursuit of cleanliness and frugality, selecting the 'Terrain Response' system's 'ECO' mode as often as possible and keeping an eye on the 'Eco Data' part of the infotainment screen. Here, you get various screen options. There's one that shows you the 'Energy Impact' of various electrical items. And another with so-called 'Eco Tips' that are supposed to improve your frugality. More useful is the 'Driving Style' display that marks your driving efficiency from 1 to 5 in three areas - 'acceleration', 'speed and engine' and 'braking' and gives you a percentage-based 'Driving Score' as a result. There's also a 'History' screen that graphically shows your recent efforts at frugality, awarding you a little trophy for your most economical journey.

Summary

The world takes on a different appearance from behind the wheel of a Land Rover Discovery. At the helm, you know you're in a car that can take on just about anything, be that a seven-up trip to the Alps or a relaxing ride home on a wet and slippery winter's night. But it's only when you put it through its paces in properly extreme terrain that the genius in its design becomes fully apparent. How can a car capable of such extremes on the rough stuff be so utterly easy to use on the school run? Only Land Rover knows. The more sophisticated design and clever in-car connectivity improvements of the enhanced version of this fifth generation model are welcome but ultimately, the recipe is as before. There's a clever, classless feel about this car that nothing else can quite replicate. Other rival SUVs claim to be tough but at the wheel, you're always a little hesitant to see them prove that. A Discovery's different, a uniquely capable SUV and a British success story that we should be proud of.

Body Glass

Electric rear windows

Electric front windows

Rear wiper

Heated rear window with timer

Brakes

Electronic Stability Program with Anti Skid Control

Adaptive brake system

Anti lock brake system with Brake Assist

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Communication

Bluetooth interface for hands free telephone

Driver Aids

Speed sensitive parameter assisted steering

Speedtronic cruise control

Attention assist

Collision prevention assist

Driver Information

Service indicator (Active Service System PLUS)

Low fluid warning light

Bulb failure indicator

Trip computer

External temperature gauge

Driving Mirrors

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Checked pattern trim

Chrome air vent surrounds

Entertainment

USB port

Exterior Body Features

Body colour side skirt

Body colour door handles

Body colour bumpers

Twin chrome exhaust tailpipes

Exterior Lights

Adaptive brake lights

Headlamp assist

Interior Features

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Load securing rings in luggage compartment

Storage compartment under load area floor

Front centre armrest with storage compartment

Centre console with cupholders

12V power socket in centre console

3 spoke leather multifunction sports steering wheel

Leather gearshift

Luggage compartment cover

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting

Luggage compartment lighting

Footwell lights

Illuminated glovebox

Packs

Light and sight pack - A Class

Safety

Active bonnet

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Crash responsive emergency lighting

Window airbags

Front side airbags

Front passenger seat occupancy sensor

Drivers knee airbag

3 rear 3 point seatbelts

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Dual stage driver/passenger airbags

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Child proof door locks

Seats

Rear head restraints

1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seats

Auto Mercedes-Benz child seat recognition sensor

Front head restraints

Isofix rear child seat preparation

Front sports seats

Seat cushion angle adjustment

Security

Alarm system/interior protection/immobiliser

Remote central locking

Wheels - Spare

Tirefit sealant with electric air pump

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.101

HC: 0.044

NOx: 0.013

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0001

Noise Level dB(A): 74

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

CO2 (g/km): 132

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Gears: 6 SPEED

Transmission: MANUAL

CC: 1595

Compression Ratio: 10.3:1

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 73.7

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): 49.6

EC Extra Urban (mpg): 62.8

EC Urban (mpg): 37.2

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: No

General

Special Order: 0

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 23E

Service Interval Mileage: 15600

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 93

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 81

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 67

NCAP Safety Assist %: 86

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 156

Badge Engine CC: 1.6

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30

Coin Series: Sport

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 26

Engine Power - BHP: 156

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Top Speed: 139

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.4

Engine Torque - RPM: 1250

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Power - RPM: 5300

Engine Power - KW: 115

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: 5 TWIN SPOKE

Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R17

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R17

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4292

Wheelbase: 2699

Width (including mirrors): 2022

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1433

Width: 1780

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1935

Minimum Kerbweight: 1370

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 685

Max. Loading Weight: 565

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1157

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 341

No. of Seats: 5

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Heated windscreen wash system

Communication

Telephone pre-wiring with hands free facility

Driver Aids

Active park assist with parktronic system

Reversing camera

Driver Information

COMAND HDD navigation with DVD Radio/6CD, linguatronic, 10GB music register, SD card slot + online

COMAND HDD navigation with CD/DVD/Radio, media interface, linguatronic, 10GB music register, SD card slot + online

Entertainment

Harman/Kardon logic 7 surround sound system + 11 speakers

Mercedes Audio 20 radio/6 CD changer/telephone keypad

Media interface

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Model designation deletion

Panoramic sliding sunroof

Metallic paint

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

Intelligent light system with Bi-xenon headlights, headlight wash, cornering lights and adaptive high beam assist

Intelligent light system with cornering lights + adaptive high beam assist (when chosen with Night pack)

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic climate control

Interior Features

Grey headlining

Rear armrest with 2 cupholders and load through provision

Packs

Exclusive pack - A Class

Mirror pack - A Class

Lane tracking pack - A Class

Memory pack - A Class

Night pack - A Class

Dynamic handling pack - A Class

Night pack - A Class with R10 18" bicolour 5 twin spoke alloy wheels

Memory pack - A Class (when chosen with Exclusive pack)

Stowage Pack - A Class

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - South sea blue

Metallic - Mountain grey

Metallic - Polar silver

Metallic - Northern lights violet

Metallic - Orient bronze

Metallic - Cosmos black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Jupiter Red

Solid - Cirrus white

Safety

Rear side airbags

Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system

Seats

Heated front seats

4 way adjustable lumbar support

Security

Keyless Go access/ignition system

Towing

Trailer coupling

Trim - Leather

Exclusive pack - Leather - Hazelnut brown

Exclusive pack - Leather - Lava black

Exclusive pack - Leather - Crystal grey

Trim - Part Leather

Cloth/artico man-made leather - Grey

Cloth/artico man-made leather - Black

Wheels - Alloy

17" 5 twin spoke titanium finish alloy wheels

17" 5 twin spoke alloy wheels