Land Rover Discovery (98-04) - Review

The 184bhp V8i is well suited to Discovery's heavy body and doesn't disappoint in performance terms. But it's very thirsty with a Combined fuel consumption figure of 17mpg. Nine-out-of-ten buyers go for the 137bhpTd5. It's 4.7 seconds slower to 60mph than the petrol, but at least it'll give around 30mpg. Ride is excellent even on the roughest of roads.

It's fitted with Active Control Enhancement (ACE) suspension (standard on XS and ES, optional on others) and it gives stable body control. Drivers used to something a bit smaller will find it a bit cumbersome for parking and manoeuvering. Gives a good balance between off-road ability and on-road refinement.