A mid – SUV with the legendary power known in Land Rover trucks, the Land Rover Discovery is an off-road that you can trot in the metropolis without shame. All four generations of the Discovery, the latest of which is nicknamed the LR4, is known for its toughness and elegance.

Discovery Series 1

The first Land Rover Discovery Series 1 was launched in 1989. It has a big body in the tradition of the Land Rover’s 4 x 4 cars. It had problems with the engine though as some variants offer 2.0L engines to take advantage of British and Italian taxation incentives for 2 and under cars.

Following problems with such engine unable to support such a big bodied car, additional units were fitted with more powerful diesel and petrol engines. This of course increased fuel costs, contrary to the original intent of providing an alternative to Japan made and cheap SUVs.

But the best thing about the Discovery Series 1 is suppose to be its design. When the project was conceived, special attention was given to the exterior and interior design in order to come up with a handsome model that is also powerful and reliable. However impressive the add-ons are, the Discovery Series 1’s interior remained utilitarian over-all, though it could be considered a major drift from the better known Land Rover Defender.

Discovery Series 2

Land Rover Discovery Series 2 showed major changes when it was introduced in 1998. It came with 2.5 L 300TDi 4-cylinder and 3.9 Rover V8 engines. Models with diesel engines had the 249 cc TD5 (a 5 cylinder in-line direct-injected engine) in line with the new Defender models.

These electronically managed engines run more smoothly and produce more power at lower revs compared to its predecessors. Manual transmission models were also fitted with stronger R380 gearboxes for added comfort. Over-all, the Discovery Series 2 come in as more economical, powerful and with a less utilitarian look inside and out.

Discovery Series 3

Until the release of the Discovery Series 3, the Land Rover Discovery remains as an equipment rather than a car for showing off. It is the top choice of many off roaders and those whose occupation demand a high torque and durable car rather than a stylish and suave drive.

With Discovery, a major face lift is evident and the Land Rover Discovery was transformed from just a heavy – duty off road into a powerful yet cool ride. Land rover came out with a new method to produce an integrated body frame. This does not only render the car stronger.

It resulted into a better sculpted body that is pleasant to the eye. As performance, endurance and durability is no longer an issue with Land Rover cars, the handsome look that the Discovery Series 3 sports is clearly the added value in this third generation Discovery.

A special Discovery was also unveiled that features a B6 ballistic level of protection, side blast and under floor grenade protection and wheels fitted with run-flat tire system. Not that there is a high demand for such anti-ballistics but this goes to show that despite the face lift, Land Rover remains true to its roots of being an all-weather and all-terrain toughie.

Discovery 4

And now comes the Land Rover Discovery 4. It is strikingly handsome and packs a lot of horsepower, equal, if not better than its predecessors. Major electronic add-ons are present as the discovery sheds off its extreme off roadability to give way to good road manners and comfort. It still is the Land over you know and love only it is given a  major facelift and accommodates all known modernity in car making technology for a more comfortable ride.

To know more about Land Rover visit: coventrytelegraph.net