D4 Christened

Hi Ron,

Well, I had a started in a Datsun Sunny & 120Y(neck breaking 69hp under the bonnet), went to Corollas, Mazda 3, 97 triton then an '04 rodeo but wanted some luxury and went for the '07 VE Calais (black with black leather). I had looked at an SE D3 but was just too much money at the time, but as soon as i got the Calais i missed the 4x4.

As good as the Calais was for zipping into traffic, the D4 handles itself better on the road at to be honest surpasses the calais in almost all areas. The engine isn't as responsive from a standing start but once you learn to compensate for the Turbo lag it isn't a problem. The Disco feels more composed and in control around corners than the Calais ever did. In fact following my brother in his 09 RRS, I was unable to keep up in the Calais as it just didn't feel safe. Maybe it was the Calais tires, who knows. Being above the traffic again is fantastic. The kids love the Disco as they can now see out of the windows again. I can fit as much in the boot & roof pod as I could in my Rodeo with a canopy. The D4 gearbox compared to the Calais is like night and day. The D4 always seems to be in the right gear and in manual mode changes are swift. The D4 is quiet, ride is smooth, offroading is excellent and, well, I just feel proud when i'm driving the Disco, (colourbond moment coming)

Would I go back to a sedan again.......no. There are just too many positives to the Land Rover. Plus now that my youngest is 3 we will be doing a lot more camping and as DiscoWeb said, you get to drive a luxury tourer to get you to and from your destination, but have a capable 4X4 once you get their. I think I had said in a previous thread that even with the D4 completely loaded with all our camping gear, the discovery drove like it was empty.

Sorry for the long winded answer..my wife says i never shut up

brad