New LR's Make the old ones dated

[BobD]

I am buying a Discovery Sport for my every day city driving to take the pressure of my aging D4. Even before the release of the D5 any visit to a LR dealer was interesting with all the new modern looking cars next to the new D4's.


As stated in the long thread, the D4 looks like a dinosaur next to the new cars and I commented to my wife on that a couple of months ago. It is quite strange, because compared to any other 4WD the D4 looks modern and up to date!


Anyway, we will probably all get used to the new look soon and grow to like it.

[VladTepes]

Clearly you aren't a Defender guy....

[BobD]

I won't answer that on the grounds that what I have to say would inflame the war!! However, the observation was not that all of the new LR's look tough or classic or even good looking but that they look like a car built for the 21st century, even against the relatively modern looking D4.

[guthrie]

the observation was not that all of the new LR's look tough or classic

Agree with that. Wish the D5 was a bit squarer. To me it just looks like a slightly bigger Disco Sport.

[BobD]

Or the Disco Sport is a slightly smaller Discovery, which would be the intention I would think. To me the RRS looks like an enlarged Evoque and the Discovery Sport looks like a smaller Discovery 5, which would make marketing sense.


Just because the DS was released first doesn't mean that the D5 was a copy or an afterthought.

[LandyAndy]

Bob.
Did you look at the Jaguar version now Southerns sell Jags????
3.0 supercharged petrol V6:twisted::twisted::twisted::twisted::twisted:
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

Here you go Bob.
A diesel version.They share a LOT with the D4/D5/new RRS.
I like them,will see if Southerns have one when I collect my D4.
Jaguar F-PACE - Specifications - Jaguar Australia (http://www.jaguar.com.au/jaguar-range/f-pace/specifications/index.html)
Andrew

[ozscott]

The D4 like the D2 will still look good in 20 years time. D5...dont reckon. The D4 looks (and is) purposeful compared to D5.

Cheers

[BobD]

Andy,


I was having a look at the Jags while we were there signing up. They were raving over the Ingenium engine in the Jag.


I also saw the beautiful red D4. One of the best looking D4's I've ever seen, as you also commented a little while ago.

[TerryO]

Each to their own but I prefer a Land Rover that actually looks like a Land Rover, meaning standing out from the crowd with its own unique design as every previous Disco (and Defender) since day one has ever had rather than copying the generic common soft roader look of the moment that nearly every other vanilla awd on the market right now has.

Mind you maybe I'm completely wrong after looking at the attached photo and it is Saab that inspired their latest design and not Kia.

[LandyAndy]

I had a Disco Sport for a loaner for a day.I liked it.Very comparable size wise to a Territory.It rode with class and style.Territorys just don't have that!!!!!
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

Jags.I like them,always have.My dad had a Daimler double 6,a bucket of snot XJS V12(rust bucket/mechanical pig import) then an XJ12.
The highlight of going to Albanys Around the Houses this year was getting taken for a few hot laps at lunchtime in RockDrs 6.0l V12 XJ12,man that thing went:):):):)
Andrew

[BobD]

Each to their own but I prefer a Land Rover that actually looks like a Land Rover, meaning standing out from the crowd with its own unique design as every previous Disco (and Defender) since day one has ever had rather than copying the generic common soft roader look of the moment that nearly every other vanilla awd on the market right now has.

Mind you maybe I'm completely wrong after looking at the attached photo and it is Saab that inspired their latest design and not Kia.



Hey Terry, maybe the Discovery 5 should have been a sedan to satisfy you!! The only similarity with all of the cars you have mentioned is that they are some sort of wagon. I wonder how you can make a wagon not look like a wagon when it is one.

[SBD4]

Hey Terry, maybe the Discovery 5 should have been a sedan to satisfy you!! The only similarity with all of the cars you have mentioned is that they are some sort of wagon. I wonder how you can make a wagon not look like a wagon when it is one.
...not true Bob, you missed one other thing they have in common, they both have 4 wheels.:D

[TerryO]

Hey Terry, maybe the Discovery 5 should have been a sedan to satisfy you!! The only similarity with all of the cars you have mentioned is that they are some sort of wagon. I wonder how you can make a wagon not look like a wagon when it is one.

Bob Im not sure why a I have to explain this but every Discovery since day one has been recognisable as a Discovery from D1 to D4, no other wagon ever came close.

I am not the only one to have noticed this, in fact the vast majority of comments on the internet even by many journo's are nearly all making the same comparison and more often then not in a negative way towards the D5. So I am not the only one saying what I am. If you like it the new look that's great but up to now few others are standing up and saying they do. However each to their own.

[pauloarg]

I have always followed and admired the LR product Lineups. Especially with the disco offering and meeting all our needs for my family - a boxy looking large spacious 7 seater vehicle we can take for drives out of town into the country camping. I have recently been faced with the decision to either wait for disco5 vs purchasing a disco4.

No regrets with my decision purchasing the current disco graphite. Yes it does need a refresh I believe especially it's audio system/nav. But it all prob depends on each circumstances. For me disco4 ticks all boxes.

114719



MY16.5 tdv6 Discovery Graphite

[TerryO]

Welcome to the forum Paul.

[BobD]

Bob Im not sure why a I have to explain this but every Discovery since day one has been recognisable as a Discovery from D1 to D4, no other wagon ever came close.

Terry, of course you don't have to explain yourself. My comment was a joke and obviously not serious. I know exactly what you mean but now the LR distinctive shape has moved on to a new era which we will have to accept or go Toyota, Territory, Kia or Saab I guess.


There is a good photo on one of the Land Rover web sites which shows a line up of all five models. The D5 certainly breaks the mold as you say. However, to me it is instantly recognizable as one of the latest family of LR vehicles, not a Kia or whatever else we like to dream up.


Anyway, I suppose I must like the shape since I ordered a Discovery Sport a couple of months ago, which I now like to think looks like a scaled down D5. In a couple of years I will probably replace the D4 with a D5, once the D4 is completely worn out from travelling this vast land.

[BMKal]

I guess it's up to every individual's preferences. ;)

Personally, I quite like the look of the new D5 back as far as the "C" pillar. From there back - you can take it or leave it - I'd rather leave it. Looks like any number of other common vehicles on the road these days from Korea or Japan or elsewhere - no longer the distinctive look of a Land Rover. Also having owned wagons over the years with single lift-up tailgates, single side opening doors, double side opening doors and split upper / lower tailgates, the D4 tailgate design is by far the most practical.

From what I have read, the D5 definitely comes with some significant improvements and will no doubt perform better in some applications. It also comes with a lot of what I would call "yuppie garbage" though, which only add to the cost of the vehicle and appeal to the "look at me" wannabe's. I mean - who really wants a vehicle that allows you to adjust the seating configuration with your mobile phone (other than Bear Grills). :p

One thing that I have always believed and have found to be true on many occasions is that a vehicle with a ladder frame chassis or similar is stronger than a vehicle with only monocoque construction. The D3 / D4 having both was the best of both worlds, though at the expense of weight. I have never considered a Pajero a serious contender in the large 4WD market because of its monocoque only construction, and I'm afraid the new D5 drops out of contention for me for the same reason.

I have already read one post by TerryO where "A D4 owner on another forum has mentioned that he recently did a LR factory tour and they had a new model RRS there with a bent sub chassis from being snatched. Suppoesedly the person doing the tour told them that you shouldn't snatch the new aluminium bodied LR's or you risk chassis damage. He recommended that when stuck you need to pull them out slowly without snatching."

Terry goes on to say "If correct then the new aluminium LR's are no longer serious off roaders." On this point, I agree with Terry completely. ;)

[SimmAus]

I think the looks of the vehicle will grow on most people over time. I'm not too adverse to them. Therefore the title of this thread appears quite accurate in this regard.

I am initially disappointed at the appearance of functional setup for a "disco". It appears targeted at city drivers, and the occasional sports person.

I will be waiting for 2 years at least before thinking of changing from my D4 (a new model needs time to iron out issues IMHO)...and in this time frame (dare I say this?) the new defender will be released..

Another option will be to pick up a recently used D4 shopping trolley from a school mum who has to drive the latest version else be banished from the school run.;-)

[Graeme]

I'm sure that I read that the new Disco has reinforced steel sub-frames.

[SBD4]

I read that too Graeme.

[PAT303]

Considering aircraft,bridges,tunnels etc all use variations of monocoque construction for their strength,I'd wouldn't question the strength of it in a vehicle.Adding to this LR use hydra forming instead of bending and welding. Pat

[Nicky]

Hey Terry, maybe the Discovery 5 should have been a sedan to satisfy you!! The only similarity with all of the cars you have mentioned is that they are some sort of wagon. I wonder how you can make a wagon not look like a wagon when it is one.

I wonder how many updates the D5 will need to make it really functional and relatively trouble-free.
If you consider the D4 evolved slowly and thoughtfully from the D3, to what it is now, a very capable and reliable all-rounder, the D5 has a long evolution ahead, stay away for a few updates at least!

[Geedublya]

Considering the D5 is an evolution from the D4 and the L494 RRS I expect it to be well sorted on arrival. I haven't heard of anything going wrong with the L494.
The days of Landrover developing cars in the market would seem to be over now they have a decent budget and modern facilities.

If I think back to the D3 it was mainly the customers and repairers becoming knowledgeable about the car rather than the car developing. Sure there were improvements to the terrain response along the way but the D3 TR was very effective from the start and the improvements were incremental.

[Nicky]

Considering the D5 is an evolution from the D4 and the L494 RRS I expect it to be well sorted on arrival. I haven't heard of anything going wrong with the L494.
The days of Landrover developing cars in the market would seem to be over now they have a decent budget and modern facilities.

If I think back to the D3 it was mainly the customers and repairers becoming knowledgeable about the car rather than the car developing. Sure there were improvements to the terrain response along the way but the D3 TR was very effective from the start and the improvements were incremental.

Sounds like you've ordered one. Incremental or not, improvements always are necessary and implemented, good luck with your purchase.

[Geedublya]

No, I haven't ordered one but I did own a 2005 D3 and now a 2010 D4. The D4 has a nicer interior but other than that there aren't a lot of differences.

It happens that my end of lease is 2018 so the D5 will be of interest to me.

[Nicky]

No, I haven't ordered one but I did own a 2005 D3 and now a 2010 D4. The D4 has a nicer interior but other than that there aren't a lot of differences.
It happens that my end of lease is 2018 so the D5 will be of interest to me.

Well, the 2005 D3 had a 2.7 litre diesel and 6 speed tranny, and surprisingly so did the 2010 D4, no great difference for your experience, but a better turning circle.
However 2011 saw the petrol V8, then 2012 3 litre diesel with 8 speed auto. 2013 introduced the paddle shift, really handy off-road. 2014 saw the exit of the V8 petrol replaced by a V6 petrol, maintaining the 3 litre diesel also. 2015 saw little tweaks and special packaging through 2016, for the run-out and prep for the D5.
Upgrades aplenty throughout it's life, and all were enhancements. Hard to expect none in the D5.