The New Look Discovery retains the stability, assurance and comfort conferred by its dynamic control systems such as Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) and Self Levelling Suspension (SLS) and retains its iconic profile, but introduces other significant improvements:

• A new Land Rover 'family face' inspired by New Range Rover.
• Revised rear light clusters.
• Three all-new interior trim colours avail in cloth & leather.
• New equipment including rear Park Distance Control.
• Improved braking and suspension systems.
• Centre differential lock.

These new developments not only increase Discovery's remarkable off-road ability but also improve its on-road performance and refinement. The exterior changes provide a Land Rover family look to the well-known Discovery outline, while the interior revisions reflect contemporary themes and offer greater customer choice.

The New Look Discovery is powered either by the proven 4.0-litre 136 kW (184 bhp) V8 petrol engine or the 2.5-litre 101 kW (138 bhp) Td5 five-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The Td5 engine produces up to 340 Nm (250 lb ft) of torque at under 2,000 rpm for on-road driveability and off-road prowess.

The unveiling of the latest Discovery marks the second new vehicle launch in Australia in 2002 by Land Rover, part of the Premier Automotive Group of Ford Motor Company.

Like the all-new Range Rover, launched to considerable critical acclaim at the start of 2002, the New Look Discovery is instantly recognisable by its dynamic new Land Rover 'family face', dominated by twin pocket headlamps providing improved lighting as well as a distinctive look. A new grille and a new front bumper with round fog lamps complement the new headlamp arrangement. There are also visual changes at the rear with improved rear lights, the turn indicators having been relocated to the upper vertical light cluster to provide better visibility to following traffic. A new design of roof bars will be available for the New Look Discovery and a selection of new alloy wheel designs enhances its appearance.

The interior features three new trim colours: 'Tundra' green, 'Alpaca' beige and 'Land Rover Black'. These colour themes give the interior a new ambience, enhancing the spacious feel of the Discovery interior that can seat up to seven occupants in forward facing seats with 3-point safety belts.. Among other improvements, changes to noise insulation and body mountings improve the refinement of the latest Discovery.

The revised profile of the new front bumper not only refreshes the styling of the New Look Discovery but also improves its off-road capability with an improved step height. In line with customer feedback and demand, a locking centre differential is fitted as standard in all Australian spec vehicles; this further enhances its capability in extreme off-road conditions. The latest models retain four-wheel Electronic Traction Control (ETC) and the award-winning Hill Descent Control (HDC) system. These features, embodying more than 50 years of Land Rover 4x4 experience, give the Discovery supreme confidence in any off-road situation.

The New Look Discovery features a number of braking and chassis improvements. The front and rear disc brakes have been fitted with revised pads and callipers to improve response and feel while the suspension has revised locations to improve refinement. These improvements build on the Discovery's well-proven dynamic control systems of Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) and Self Levelling Suspension (SLS).

The ACE system minimises roll through bends while the air-sprung SLS system retains a level stance under all load conditions. This combination, allied with wide track axles and revised suspension set-up, gives the Discovery excellent handling and passenger comfort. Four-channel ABS braking with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is fitted as standard.

Launching the New Look Discovery at New York Auto show earlier this year, Bob Dover, Land Rover's managing director, said: 'The changes made to the New Look Discovery improve key aspects of the vehicle, from its distinctive silhouette to its on-and ff-road performance. The front-end styling provides an easily identified family resemblance to the new Range Rover while the interior treatments complement its spacious packaging. With the chassis and power train improvements, Land Rover has built on the Discovery's well-known strengths in off-road capability and on-road handling to re-assert the model's class-leading position in the 4x4 marketplace.'

For further information contact:
Lesa Horntvedt,
Public Affairs Manager,
Land Rover Australia
Phone: (02) 9685 5121
Mobile 0418 973 623
lhorntve@landrover.com