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Land Rover Discovery (2009-2016) review - does it still make for a great 4x4? - Design

The definitive 4x4 from Land Rover - if you can’t quite stretch to a Range Rover

Evo rating
RRP
from £41,600
  • Looks, prestige, utility and huge comfort regardless of what’s beneath the wheels
  • Beginning to feel its age despite many revisions, expensive to run and buy

Design

Fundamentally the same sheet metal from 2004 the Discovery has been kept fresh by continual tweaks to its design. It still presents a commanding face to the world, distinctive and familiar and ruggedly handsome all at the same time, the Discovery is unashamedly an off-road vehicle rather than a pseudo-SUV with some off-road ability. That’s a huge part of its appeal.

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That obviously utilitarian aspect is carried over to elements of the interior. It’s all easily operated; with the exception of the old-school touchscreen, the chunky knobs, dials and buttons are all Fisher-Price like in their ease, yet convincingly premium in their situation and material quality. 

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