Land Rover

By Craig Cheetham

October 2004

If there's one criticism that can be levelled at the Land Rover Discovery, it's that it doesn't represent great value for money. With lowlier models costing close to ΂£30,000, the newcomer isn't cheap - and in range-topping V8 HSE form, the Disco is in danger of treading on the Range Rover's toes.

The ΂£46,995 flagship, then, is not a car for those on a budget, especially when you consider it returns 18.8mpg. If anything, it takes up where the previous-generation Range Rover left off, as the current flagship has ascended into the realms of super-luxury territory.

Viewed in this context, the Discovery V8 HSE is an impressive car. It shares the diesel's excellent road manners and off-road ability, while the Jaguar-sourced 4.4-litre engine is a cracker, producing a remarkable 427Nm of torque.

The Disco also offers great comfort and equipment levels, as well as the genuine seven-seat versatility of the oil-burning models. All of which makes the newcomer an impressive machine. It's a thoroughly good drive, is brilliantly designed and has an image that rivals can only dream of matching. Whether that's enough to justify the expense, though, is a different question altogether.

Although we're not convinced, it appears that the majority of buyers are - the UK's allocation of V8 models is sold out well into next year. So, if you feel the need to take the plunge, you'll have to join the waiting list.

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