Thread: Disappointed in the D5 / waiting for the Defender

Originally Posted by Arapiles

By the way, the D5's CD is 0.33 vs 0.40 for the D4, but the frontal area of the D5 could actually be larger than the D4's.

Thanks Arapiles, how about real world fuel consumption? Any D5 owners with figures to compare with D4?

Originally Posted by rammypluge

The D5 looks okay, but is soft and feminine, and forgettable. Looks like a Discovery Sport. With some macho accessories it would gain distinction...

Haha its supposed to look like a bigger disco sport. And similar to a range rover. Thats the whole point of their similar exterior design

Anyways. I can't afford one anyway. I agree with you on the D3 looking good though. I just washed mine and after 2 years of ownership i still look back at it when walking away

The most important facet of a vehicle for aerodynamics is the rear, thats why the patrol and many newer cars are rounded there. The D5 takes it a step further with that taper.

However, when loading a Perentie to cross the Simpson Desert, we put a hungry board behind the rear seat and loaded it to the ceiling, and the square rear was perfect for swallowing a heap of stuff.

The only way to have space and aerodynamics is to have a bigger vehicle.

Originally Posted by Zeros

Yes, but has it actually made any difference?

Since fuel economy is affected by a multitude of factors, such as engine efficiency, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, drivetrain friction, etc, no one factor can create a quantum leap. But they seem to be tackling it on numerous fronts.

Originally Posted by rammypluge

Since fuel economy is affected by a multitude of factors, such as engine efficiency, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, drivetrain friction, etc, no one factor can create a quantum leap. But they seem to be tackling it on numerous fronts.

Yes but I'm trying to get to the bottom of whether all the reasons for the D5's new shape (other than aesthetic) are actually making any difference? Otherwise it's just spin and the new shape is all about attracting a different market segment from that of the D4 IMO.

Originally Posted by rammypluge

The most important facet of a vehicle for aerodynamics is the rear, thats why the patrol and many newer cars are rounded there. The D5 takes it a step further with that taper.

Exactly right, we were driving behind a D5 in the city last week and my wife commented on how inwards-tapered the rear of the D5 is.

Originally Posted by Zeros

Thanks Arapiles, how about real world fuel consumption? Any D5 owners with figures to compare with D4?

I'll see if I can track down the CdA (which is CD times frontal area).

Real world consumption should be better, you'd hope ....

Originally Posted by Zeros

Thanks John, yes I know that's another reason often given. But where does that leave vehicles such as the new G Professional, Toyota 70 series and trucks for that matter? I suppose I'm not convinced. I think it's primarily a styling thing.

I'm not entirely sure what I'm trying to convince you of, but here's a little light reading on the subject of pedestrian safety:

Taking the Hit: How Pedestrian-Protection Regs Make Cars Fatter - Feature - Car and Driver

European Pedestrian Crash Standards Will Make Global Changes in Car Design Inevitable | Safety Research & Strategies, Inc.

If you want some heavy reading, here's the legislation:

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-conte...LEX:32009R0078

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-conte...LEX:32009R0631

The legislation basically only applies to light vehicles, both passenger and cargo. The 70 series cruisers are no longer sold in Europe and the G Wagon has been modified to meet the legislation.

Originally Posted by Zeros

Yes but I'm trying to get to the bottom of whether all the reasons for the D5's new shape (other than aesthetic) are actually making any difference? Otherwise it's just spin and the new shape is all about attracting a different market segment from that of the D4 IMO.

The styling has been changed for a whole range of reasons, pedestrian safety, aerodynamics, weight saving, fuel economy and to bring it in to line with their current corporate style.

I'd suggest it's not so much about attracting a different market segment as narrowing that segment down. It's not all that long ago that Land Rover only had 3 models and Discovery had to fill the very large gap between Defender and Range Rover. Now with the increasing model range it can be more closely targeted to a market segment.

Where Discovery has previously sat in relation to most of our expectations will be filled with the new Defender range - and yes it is coming. I also doubt this will be the last model we see with a Discovery badge on it, so there may well be another Discovery that is more aligned to our expectations as well.

Cheers,
Jon