Two decades of Discovery

Nov 16 2009 Maurice Glover

Two decades of Discovery

BRITAIN'S car for all reasons is all set to drive into its third decade.

The Land Rover Discovery, the model range filler that became one of the pacesetters in go-anywhere family motoring, has reached its 20th birthday.

Developed to fill the gap between the rugged Defender and swish Range Rover models, the mid-market car has helped consolidate the UK specialist 4x4 manufacturer's market position across 91 countries.

More than 900,000 examples have been sold and the car has become the world's best-loved sport utility vehicle, claims Land Rover managing director Phil Popham.

'The Discovery legend has been built on innovative design and advanced technology. From the introduction of high-efficiency direct-injection diesel technology into the 4x4 market in 1989 to pioneering occupant safety with the adoption of twin airbags in 1998, Discovery has led the way,' he said.

From this year, the fourth generation of the car has been known as Discovery L/LR4. Fitted with the new three-litre LR-TDV6 twin turbo diesel engine, it delivers nine per cent improved economy, 10 per cent lower exhaust emissions and 29 per cent higher power than the 2.7-litre version.