| Land
Rover Discovery: 20 years of hard-work, adaptability
By Moses Akaigwe [igwemos@sunnewsonline]
Friday, November
20, 2009
 |
•Land
Rover Discovery
Photo:Sun News Publishing |
| |
Workhorse, tow car, law enforcer, status symbol, people carrier,
mud plugger; few cars can claim to fulfil any of these duties
with genuine conviction. Yet, since 16 November 1989 –
20 years ago this week – one car has consistently met
all the challenges and more, earning itself iconic status
as the ultimate all-purpose vehicle. That car is the Land
Rover Discovery.
Designed originally to plug the gap between the utilitarian
attributes of the iconic Land Rover Defender and the more
luxurious characteristics of the flagship Range Rover, Discovery
soon became the perfect niche vehicle for the growing demands
of the family 4x4 market.
“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,” says Phil
Popham, Managing Director. “It is truly the best loved
SUV the world over. Today, we sell the Discovery in 91 countries
and sales to date have hit over and above 900,000,”
he adds.
Having revolutionised the mid-sized 4x4 sector in 1989, it’s
no surprise that the Discovery evolved to reflect the needs
and tastes of its increasingly urbane and discerning buyers.
By 1994, range-topping Discovery models featured leather upholstery
and wood veneer trim, and when the Series II Discovery was
introduced in 1998, it added a sophisticated new heating,
air-conditioning and ventilation system for increased comfort
in all climates. Today’s Discovery 4 continues that
ethos of evolution to winning effect: Its strikingly architectural
interior design, clear-yet-stylish dashboard, user-friendly
features and luxurious interior creating an attractive, well-appointed
and practical environment for driver and passengers alike.
The Discovery will be forever reknowned for its legendary
exterior shape which to this day still continues the stepped
roof and asymmetric rear glass theme, giving all occupants
a clear view of the journey ahead. To provide a contemporary
edge to the interior design, Land Rover turned to the Conran
Design Studio who for many years have been held in high regard
for influencing ‘modern day living’.
While go-anywhere ability is synonymous with any Land Rover
product, the Discovery’s enduring success comes from
a combination of all-terrain capability and all-important
practicality for the demands of family life. Like its predecessors,
Discovery 4 comes with seven seats – the rearmost pair
now offering legroom for full-sized adults, providing a versatile
space for family and friends.
Increased style and comfort have never come at the expense
of the Discovery’s dynamic ability. Indeed, generations
of horse riders, caravaners, boat owners and car racers can
all testify to the Discovery’s towing prowess. It’s
a tradition Discovery 4 proudly upholds with Tow Assist, which
helps the driver perform otherwise tricky towing manoeuvres,
and Trailer Stability Assist, which reduces engine torque
and uses programmed braking applications to regain control
over a snaking trailer.
The evolutionary Discovery 4 looks set to follow on from the
enormous success of its predecessor. Since its launch back
in 2004, the Discovery 3 has achieved global acclaim winning
a staggering 111 awards worldwide, including the honour of
SUV of the year from countries as diverse as Mexico, Russia
and Greece.
In 2004, the Discovery 3 introduced another significant first:
Terrain ResponseTM. This patented system allows the driver
to actively tune the car’s systems (including engine,
suspension and traction control settings) to optimise their
vehicle for virtually any driving situation, from urban jungle
to gnarly wilderness. Terrain Response has since been recognised
in the Queen’s Awards For Enterprise for Innovation.
Land Rover previously received this prestigious award for
its patented Hill Descent Control and an enhanced version
of this technology remains key to the dynamic capabilities
of the new Discovery 4 with the addition of Gradient Release
Control.
Land Rover vehicles are marketed exclusively IN Nigeria by
Coscharis Motors Limited.
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