Just five years after its 2017 arrival in SA, Jaguar Land Rover has released a revised and refreshed version of its All-New Discovery, which is now available from local dealers.
The mid-life version of this premium seven-seater SUV has been given significant exterior and interior upgrades, plus a range of new engines.
The latest straight-six Ingenium engines come in two flavours. The petrol P360 powertrain is coupled with 48V Mild Hybrid technology for outputs of 265kW and 500Nm, while the D300 diesel is good for 221kW and 650Nm. These run the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 and 6.8 seconds respectively. The combined fuel index is 7.8 litres/100km for the diesel, and from 9.2 litres/100km for the mild hybrid petrol.
The previous V6 powertrains (the supercharged 250kW/450Nm Si6 petrol, and the turbocharged 190kW/600Nm SDV6 diesel) were both slightly slower out the blocks (7.1 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint) and less fuel efficient (11.5 litres/100kmfor the Si6 petrol and 7.8l/100km for the diesel).
Both new powertrains are still coupled to an eight-speed transmission, allied to the company’s ground-breaking Terrain Response electronic drive mode system, which now has an optional configurable mode so owners can change engine, throttle, steering and suspension settings as required. The primary platform remains permanent four-wheel drive, with electronically lockable centre, front and rear differentials. However, while a low-range transfer case is standard on the R360 petrol derivative, you have to tick the R8 200 Towing Pack option to get it on the D300 diesel. In the JLR stable, a proper mechanical locker is only available as an option on the Defender.
Air suspension still provides excellent ground clearance, with the ability to raise it from 207 mm to the full height of 287 mm at slow speeds. Adaptive Dynamics damper tech provides greater body control under a range of conditions.
The exteriors are now distinguished by new bumpers and grille, with different colours for the new R-Dynamic trim level, which sets it apart from the SE and HSE trims, plus new LED headlight patterns and low-set horizontal daytime running lights. A new taillight pattern and gloss black inset centre panel help redirect focus from the height of the rear. Classy new rim styles are in sizes from 19-inch to 22-inches.
Going inside, the biggest change is the new 11.4-inch high-def touch screen (previously 8-inches), equipped with JLR’s faster and more intuitive PiviPro infotainment software. From this, you can easily pair a smartphone, and control almost every function, from the surround view monitors to the seating configurations. The four-spoke steering wheel is new, as are the new metal gear shift paddles and gearshift controller. New two-tone seat trim options are now available, and the second-row seats have been reconfigured for more lateral support and great comfort.
The driver’s binnacle is an impressive 12.3-inch cluster offering 3D mapping and full-screen navigation when required, plus there is a full-colour head-up display option. Of course, there’s more to know about this vehicle with its impressive array of safety features and driver’s aids, available from the company’s website.
Prices:
Discovery D300 S R1,452,700
Discovery D300 SE R-Dynamic R1,561,200
Discovery D300 HSE R-Dynamic R1,675,900
Discovery P360 S R1,487,600
Discovery P360 SE R-Dynamic R1,596,100
Discovery P360 HSE R-Dynamic R1,710,900
* Prices include VAT but exclude CO2 tax
