09 May 08
The 'junior Range Rover', aka Project Jay, was first seen at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show. By now, 4x4s were being bought by people other than farmers or horsebox-pullers; Mitsubishi Shoguns, Isuzu Troopers and even huge Nissan Patrols and Toyota Land Cruisers were all seen on suburban school runs, and owning a big SUV was as much a lifestyle choice as a practical necessity. The Discovery fitted the bill perfectly - and not only did it look the part, it retained all the off-road abilities of the Range Rover just in case its owners did decide to leave the Tarmac.
The Discovery came initially in three- and then five-door body styles, with engines including a new 2.5-litre diesel, and could seat up to seven. It went on to become the company's best-seller, selling so well that Land Rover production topped 100,000 vehicles a year for the first time in 1994. Mk2 versions - longer overall, with new technologies including self-levelling air-sprung suspension and cornering control to contain body roll - came in 1998, and the Discovery 3, with integrated body and frame, in 2004. Now on sale in countries including the USA, where it is known as the LR3, the current Discovery comes with the PSA-sourced 2.7-litre V6 diesel engine. A black LR3 - presented to the Born Free Foundation conservation charity - was the four millionth Land Rover made, with production in 2007 totalling almost 235,000 vehicles.
Review: Land Rover Discovery (1998-2004)
Review: Land Rover Discovery 3 (2004)
