Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE

Discovery 4 SDV6 SE Review

Jaguar Land Rover, the fully owned subsidiary of the Tata Motors India has officially launched the 2014 version of its premium SUV Land Rover Discovery 4 in the Indian auto bazaar. The manufacturer has updated the exteriors of this new entrant by re-treating the headlight cluster. This SUV is available in two trim levels namely, SE and HSE among which, the Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE is the entry level variant. The company has not made any changes to the features or technical specifications of this vehicle and has retained the same old 3.0-litre, SDV6 diesel power plant. This latest trim comes with several exciting features including an advanced communication and entertainment system, an automatic climate control system, heated windscreen, rear view camera and much more. By launching this updated version of Discovery 4, the car maker will look to bolster its sales in the lucrative Indian automobile market.

Exteriors:

This newly introduced Land Rover Discovery 4 series comes with minor cosmetic updates, especially on its frontage. The company has updated the headlight cluster by incorporating LED daytime running lamps that gives an aristocratic look to the front facade. In addition to this, the size of radiator grille is increased and it comes decorated with a prominent company insignia on it. The remaining overall design of the frontage remains to be the same as the outgoing version. The front bumper has a bold design with a smooth surface and it comes fitted with a chin guard under it. The bumper has been fitted with a pair of round shaped fog lamps. There are no updates given to the side or the rear profile of this SUV. The wheel arches are well molded and they are fitted with a set of 19 inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels , which are further covered with radial tubeless tyres. At present, the manufacturer is offering this latest version in fifteen exterior pain options for the customers to choose from. Some of which include a Santorini Black, an Orkney Grey, Firenze Red, Barolo Black and many other striking options.

Interiors:

The manufacturer has not made any changes to the insides of this latest version and has kept the Veneer-Meteor color scheme inside. This trim has high quality scratch resistance materials inside the cabin along with premium leather upholstery for giving a premium look. The cockpit comes with a classy dashboard with an advanced central console. The dashboard is equipped with features like an automatic AC unit with climate control, an advanced infotainment system, storage compartment, stylish instrument cluster and a four spoke multi-functional steering wheel with mounted controls and so on. The front central console comes incorporated with two cup holders and the gearshift console along with an arm rest. The seats are very comfortable, well cushioned and have been covered with premium leather upholstery. These seats come with electrically adjustable function with memory settings. You can find number of utility based features inside the cabin such as a spacious storage compartment, power sockets, push button start, interior mood lighting, premium front, rear floor carpets along with quite a number of other such aspects.

Engine and Performance:

This trim comes equipped with an advanced 3.0-litre, V6, diesel power plant that generates a displacement capacity of 2993cc . This engine is integrated with 6-cylinders, 24-valves and further incorporated it with an intercooled turbocharger. This allows the motor to produce a peak power output of 244.6Bhp at 4000rpm, while delivering a peak torque of 600Nm at just 2000rpm. This commanding torque output is distributed to all the four wheels through an advanced 8-speed manual transmission gearbox in the 4WD layout. This luxury SUV can return a peak mileage of about 10.2 Kmpl, which is satisfying considering its caliber. On the other hand, the manufacturer claims that the vehicle can accelerate towards 100 Kmph speed mark in just about 9.8 seconds and it can obtain a maximum speed of about 180 Kmph, which is rather good.

Braking and Handling:

This advanced SUV comes with a sophisticated braking mechanism that determines the handling aspects. The company has assembled both the front and rear wheels of this SUV with a set of proficient ventilated disc brakes with high performance brake calipers. This disc braking system gets assistance from the advanced anti lock braking system and emergency brake assist . In order to improve the braking mechanism, the company has installed advanced programs such as dynamic stability control, roll stability control, electronic traction control and center electronic locking differential system. This vehicle also comes equipped with an terrain response system that assists the driver during off-road driving.

Comfort Features:

The Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE is the entry level trim in its model series, but it still comes with several advanced comfort features. The best part about this vehicle is its luxurious seating arrangement with 2+3+2 combination. This trim comes with quite a lot of features that includes an advanced automatic climate control system, a proficient power steering system with tilt and telescopic function, power windows with one touch operation, interior mood lighting system, interior rear view mirror with auto dipping, storage compartment, cup holders, glove box unit and many other such features . Also, it comes with a cruise control system that assist the driver to maintain the speed levels of the vehicle. In addition to these, the company has installed an advanced information, communication and entertainment system with Bluetooth phone connectivity and Meridian audio system (380W) that offers entertainment in high definition.

Safety Features:

The car maker has not compromised on the safety and security aspects of this luxury SUV. This entry level trim comes equipped with advanced safety aspects such as a volumetric alarm, center electronic locking differential , hill start assist, roll stability control, ABS, electric parking brake, emergency brake assist, air bags and many other such advanced features. The company is also offering this particular trim with dynamic stability control and electronic traction control programs as well.

Pros:

Luxuriously done up interiors

Very comfortable and excellent driving quality.

Cons:

Fuel economy can be made better.

High cost of maintenance.