2004 Land Rover Discovery Landmark TD5 review from UK and Ireland

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I have been a car fanatic for the last 20 years of my driving life and have owned many types of cars. One type of vehicle that has never really appealed to me was the SUV 4X4. Too big, too slow, too agricultural, unless it was a Range Rover or BMW X5.

It was with little hope of being impressed that I decided to test drive a TD5 Discovery the other week. As the new Discovery is due later this year, there are some attractive deals to be had on the current model. My only motivation was the prospect of a bargain!

Well, what a revelation! The TD5 manual drove extremely smoothly and handled corners without any roll. And this is from someone who is used to "borrowing" his wifes mini cooper! The vehicle I drove didn't have the ACE suspension system fitted - I can only presume ACE sharpens things up even more.

As for the engine, it suited the car perfectly. It cruises smoothly, and is no doubt powerful enough to up root a tree. Its no traffic light racer, but the car exudes far too much dignity for that sort of carry on!

As for the interior, it is extremely, spacious, airy and roomy. Twin sunroofs are fab, and the folding third row seats a real hit with my two kids. With leather trim, the interior looks and feels top class.

So, whatever you may have read about the Disco, it looks like 2002 models on-wards have really been improved with the BMW and Ford influence. Put any pre conceived ideas aside and try one.

As for me? Well, I bought one!

In summary, a characterful "feel good" motor that is half the price of a Range Rover, but still full of class.Be surprised!