Land Rover Discovery (New)
Overall Average Rating - 90.3%
Position in the Top 100 cars - 4th
Who says big 4x4s are last year’s news? Despite the current trend for SUV drivers to downsize to smaller, more economical cars, drivers of the super sized Discovery 3 are quite contented.
The Brit-built model has fallen two places since last year, but fourth is still a great achievement.
Smooth air-suspension has helped it grab top spot in the ride chart, while the huge seven-seat cabin proved unbeatable in the practicality rank.
Despite its size, you don’t think the Disco is a challenge to drive, either. Only steep running costs have prevented it from climbing on to the podium.
WINNER OF CATEGORY - Ride Quality
Of all a new car’s mechanical elements, the suspension takes the lion’s share of development time. Thousands of miles are driven on all surfaces with all manner of wheel and tyre combinations to find the perfect ride/handling balance. However, achieving the ideal set-up on a factory-fresh model is only half the battle – a true winner must retain a flawless ride after years of driving. The clear victor is Land Rover’s Discovery. It is designed to not only withstand the punishment of off-road driving but also to smooth out tarmac lumps and bumps. While the old car wallowed over high-speed humps, it’s perfectly damped. Land Rover’s Freelander also features in the top five, along with Rover’s cosseting 75, Jaguar’s softly sprung S-Type and Citroen’s C5 family car.
WINNER OF CATEGORY - Practicality
If you gauge the appeal of your new car on how much you can fit inside, it’s essential you read our practicality chart. The winning car has the highest average rating in any of our judging categories. Land Rover’s latest Discovery scored a formidable 99.15 per cent. When it comes to carrying people and luggage, nothing else comes close. With seven occupants on board, there’s still room for 280 litres of luggage, while in two-seat form, the volume grows to an incredible 2,558 litres. Space efficiency counts for a lot, too, which is why Honda’s Jazz holds second place, thanks to its clever folding rear seats and a light and spacious interior. Both MkI and MkII MINIs are in the last five. It seems owners aren’t happy with the tight rear space and tiny boot.
WINNER OF CLASS - Off-Road/SUV
A second year of victory for the huge Discovery is great news for the mud-plugging firm. While demand for 4x4s in showrooms has stalled, those who do hold the keys couldn’t be happier – there are four SUVs in the overall top 10! With a near identical score to Lexus’ RX, the Disco’s unbeatable practicality and easy drive are enough to offset the steep running costs. Lexus will be more than satisfied with its second place for a model that’s due for replacement. In third, Land Rover’s more affordable Freelander is a great all-rounder. Two of its arch-rivals come fourth and fifth: both Toyota’s RAV4 and the latest Honda CR-V have received glowing reports from owners.
Ratings
Position in the Top 100 cars
Reliability: 69th
Build Quality: 9th
Running Costs: 81st
Performance: 44th
Braking: 19th
Ride Quality: 1st
Handling: 36th
Practicality: 1st
Comfort: 6th
Ease of Driving: 2nd
Your Quotes
“It’s the best car I have ever owned. The performance and fuel economy for a three-tonne seven-seater are excellent and its towing capabilities are outstanding.”
Russell Harrison, Lydd, Kent
Manufacturer Verdict (Position - 7th)
What a leap up the chart! You say the Discovery and Freelander are so good to own, they wipe out the bad memory of older models. Sales are struggling, yet Land Rover still has the support of customers.
