High Five, Discovery
Drive Out|July 2017

Drive Out was the first local publication to test drive the new, fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery. Jaco Kirsten gives his impressions.

Jaco Kirsten
High Five, Discovery

When Land Rover launched the Discovery Series I in 1989 it had one unintentional result: What would they call the Land Rover henceforth? Because up until the Discovery’s launch the company had only two vehicles: the Range Rover and the Land Rover – renamed the Defender. 

The Discovery was a huge success, and as of 1 January this year, 1.2 million of them have been sold. The Discovery II was a development of the I, just like how the Discovery 4 was actually a development of the 3. But the fifth generation is something completely new. 

At first glance you recognise the design language that Land Rover with the Discovery Sport – which is actually the replacement for the Freelander – started with the new Discovery. The lines are similar, but the Discovery is bigger and more luxurious. To be honest, it’s not that dissimilar to a Range Rover Sport.

Under the surface 

But it’s not just a new look. The chassis and mechanics are also new. Where the Discovery 3 and 4’s bodywork was a combination of a monocoque and a ladder-frame chassis called Integrated Body Frame, the new Discovery only has a monocoque chassis. And because this time they used mostly aluminium, the engineers succeeded in creating a vehicle that is a whopping 480 kg lighter than its predecessor. Yes, almost half a ton. 

And believe me, when you put your foot down you can feel the difference. Sure, the model we tested had a 3.0 TD6 diesel engine that develops 190 kW and 600 Nm, but half a ton is still half a ton. 

Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Drive Out.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Drive Out.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA DRIVE OUTSe alt
The pinch of the pump
Go! Drive & Camp

The pinch of the pump

In a time where every penny counts, you should be cautious about where to spend it, says Neels van Heerden.

time-read
2 mins  |
October/November 2023
Is the Jimny suitable for overlanding?
Go! Drive & Camp

Is the Jimny suitable for overlanding?

He has a theory on whether the Suzuki Jimny is suitable for overlanding, but he is also about to find out for himself, says Mic van Zyl.

time-read
3 mins  |
October/November 2023
Klein-Kariba chronicles
Go! Drive & Camp

Klein-Kariba chronicles

His family has camped so often at ATKV Klein-Kariba that they now consider this popular resort their holiday home, says Roelof van Eeden of Witbank.

time-read
2 mins  |
October/November 2023
So ugly it's cute
Go! Drive & Camp

So ugly it's cute

Longing for the good old days when vehicles took inspiration from aircraft? Citroën has the compact mobile home just for you.

time-read
2 mins  |
October/November 2023
WHO'S THE BAKKIE KING?
Go! Drive & Camp

WHO'S THE BAKKIE KING?

Eight brands, seven categories... and one overall winner. We find out which double-cab bakkie performs best when towing a caravan and off-roading.

time-read
10+ mins  |
October/November 2023
Viva, Amarokoroko!
Go! Drive & Camp

Viva, Amarokoroko!

We take a spin through the Western Cape's Cederberg to See if the Ford-built Volkswagen Amarok retains its poshness.

time-read
3 mins  |
October/November 2023
Hook, line and tune
Go! Drive & Camp

Hook, line and tune

That exhilarating rush you feel when something tugs at your hook and races away with your line is what perpetually draws him back to the angler's paradise, says singer Bok van Blerk.

time-read
2 mins  |
October/November 2023
Discover Dinokeng: beyond the Big Five
Go! Drive & Camp

Discover Dinokeng: beyond the Big Five

The Dinokeng Big Five Reserve is a favourite for weekend getaways, but just past its borders lies an untapped haven waiting to be explored.

time-read
5 mins  |
October/November 2023
Life's a farm in Bonnievale!
Go! Drive & Camp

Life's a farm in Bonnievale!

Bonnievale presents a unique setting where kids, camping and church come together for a unique family holiday.

time-read
10+ mins  |
October/November 2023
Into the heart of the Cederberg
Go! Drive & Camp

Into the heart of the Cederberg

From Duiwelsgat to Heuningvlei, from Wupperthal to the Biedouw Valley. Drive through a world where poet Boerneef's mountain goose sheds a feather and author Jan Rabie's dreamland begins.

time-read
10+ mins  |
October/November 2023