Land Rover Discovery (new)
Overall Average Rating - 89.34%
Position in the Top 100 cars - 2nd
In a Rocky-style comeback, Land Rover has punched its way from the bottom to the top! While the old-shape Discovery sits in a lowly 92nd, outclassed in every way by its rivals, the new model shoots straight into second place. Take the hefty running costs out of the equation – understandable given its weight and thirst for fuel – and the Discovery could have taken the top spot. It’s an incredible performance, and one that shows Land Rover’s total re-engineering of the Disco has paid off.
You love its well laid out cabin and high driving position, the huge boot and seven-seat layout, while the air-suspension system ensures an untouchable ride and solid handling for such a large car. Build quality has taken a huge leap forward, and so has reliability. Congratulations to Land Rover.
WINNER OF CATEGORY - Ride Quality
There’s more to a smooth ride than soft suspension. The most competent cars in this class can glide over broken concrete motorways and smooth out city-centre potholes with ease. You placed Land Rover’s latest Discovery first. Where the old model wallowed, the new one’s air-suspension gives luxury-car cushioning in all conditions – even off-road! To match its runner-up position in the comfort rank, Rover’s 75 picks up another silver medal here. It’s clear the springs and dampers aren’t suffering with age. Mercedes and Jaguar executive cruisers take up the next two places, closely followed by Citroen’s C5. It will come as no surprise to see a SEAT at the bottom of the ride rank. The Ibiza’s firm set-up is wearing thin with drivers.
WINNER OF CATEGORY - Ease of Driving
Who says big 4x4s are unwieldy and intimidating? According to you, the easiest car to drive in the UK is also one of the largest SUVs on sale – the latest Land Rover Discovery. A commanding driving position, smooth diesels and mainly auto boxes mean taking the wheel of the Discovery should hold no fear. Second place goes to Toyota’s Prius hybrid. The Japanese hatch is as straightforward to pilot as possible – all models have CVT boxes and light steering. The top five is completed by two lazy executive saloons from Mercedes and Jaguar, and a fine finish for Honda’s nimble Jazz. Bottom place goes to Peugeot. Its 206 has long been a learner favourite, but awkward pedals and feisty cornering habits earn it the dunce’s hat here.
WINNER OF CLASS - Off-Road/SUV
Who says full-sized 4x4s are falling out of favour? If your scores are anything to go by, the pull of a rugged off-roader is as strong as ever. At the top of the class is one of the biggest 4x4s of the lot – Land Rover’s capable Discovery 3. Scooping second place in the Top 100, it is comfortably ahead of its little brother, the Freelander. There’s plenty for Land Rover to celebrate here, as there’s then a big step down to the third-placed model: Honda’s easy-to-live-with CR-V is a decent all-rounder. Nissan’s previous-generation X-Trail takes a credible fourth, but the old-shape Discovery is fifth by default. The handful of 4x4s in the Top 100 lets the 92nd placed model sneak into the top five.
Ratings
Position in the Top 100 cars
Reliability: 39th
Build Quality: 8th
Running Costs: 86th
Performance: 37th
Braking: 12th
Ride Quality: 1st
Handling: 28th
Practicality: 2nd
Comfort: 3rd
Ease of Driving: 1st
Your Quotes
“My Discovery is comfortable, practical and gives me the confidence in its ability to go anywhere. What’s more, the kids love its chunky looks!”
Ken Webster, Newbridge, Edinburgh
“Very refined and a joy to own. Running costs are a little high, but the reliability problems I’ve had with previous Land Rovers seem to have been resolved.”
David Hay, Stevenage, Herts
Manufacturer Verdict (Position - 15th)
A new Freelander and more reliable Discovery mean a huge jump for Land Rover. The firm got top marks for comfort, ride quality and practicality, but running costs and reliability are poor.
