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Thread: Disappointed in the D5 / waiting for the Defender

  1. #1
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    Disappointed in the D5 / waiting for the Defender

    Hi all,
    Gotta say after having a good look over a D5 today I'm disappointed in it.
    Yes it may go much better than the D4 due to the loss of nearly 500kg but other factors leave me cold:

    The tailgate - not impressed, even with the inner dropdown section.

    The battery being moved to inside one of the rear panels - yes there is space for one up front for a 2nd battery though.

    The front bumper hangs way down and underbody bash panels way too thin for my liking.

    The fuel tank and exhaust are like the D3/D4 and will be too easily damaged / dented, I've had both replaced in my D3.

    The fitting of a spare wheel carrier will be an issue with that wide clamshell tailgate too.
    So fitting a long range tank will also be an issue.

    Sad

    I'm now going to hang out for what I hope is a more practical defender, I just hope they fir some specs with the air suspension.

    Cheers Rich
    2014 SDV6 HSE - LLAMS, Custom Drawer storage system https://www.box.com/s/jem0ilac3cner2mexq64

  2. #2
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    I think there a few of us that see things that way Rich...... fingers crossed hey.
    Mark

    Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most

    2015 TDV6 D4.... the latest project... Llams, Traxide, Icom 455, Tuffant Kimberleys and Mofos.... so far.
    2012 SDV6 SE D4 with some stuff... gone...
    2003 D2a TD5...gone...
    2000 D2 V8...gone...
    https://bymark.photography


  3. #3
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    Oh and the second and third row seats don't fold flat, they are on an incline going upwards towards the front seats.
    2014 SDV6 HSE - LLAMS, Custom Drawer storage system https://www.box.com/s/jem0ilac3cner2mexq64

  4. #4
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    Crap. Didn't realise that about the rear seats. That counts me out for when the time comes to upgrade. Will see what the Defender horizon brings forth....

  5. #5
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    Yep, huge shame they decided on this path, though like others i'm hoping the new defender is amazing. The D5 reminds me of the Nissan X-trail progression - the current model is round and boring, the previous model has a big boxy shape still considered more practical. The new version may drive a lot nicer, but when you load these types of cars up with camping gear and hit the bush who cares how nice it is on the freeway!

    No idea if it's possible, and probably a fairly minor benefit for massive mechanical complexity, but would love to see central air on the new Deefer. Imagine this, when combined with terrain response - you could dial up sand, and have the car automatically select low range, sand driving characteristics (throttle response, launch control etc), off road height, AND drop tyres to 16psi! Re selecting 'normal' mode would bring a notice up on a screen somewhere asking to confirm required pressures (for example, for when you don't need sand mode and it's associated fuel consumption, but are still on the beach)

    One thing is certain - the majority of current disco owners that go offroad are placing a lot of hope in the new Deefer, or preparing their current machines for very long-term ownership!
    2010 TDV6 3.0L Discovery 4 SE, Alaska White, GME XRS-330c, IIDTool BT, Traxide D3-DU Dual Battery Kit, Apple CarPlay, Power and Heated Seat retrofit, Rhino Rack Batwing Awning (Part time install), BFG KO2 for play

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by veebs View Post
    Yep, huge shame they decided on this path, though like others i'm hoping the new defender is amazing. The D5 reminds me of the Nissan X-trail progression - the current model is round and borning, the previousl model has a big boxy shape still considered more practical. The new version may drive a lot nicer, but when you load these types of cars up with camping gear and hit the bush who cares how nice it is on the freeway!

    No idea if it's possible, and probably a fairly minor benefit for massive mechanical complexity, but would love to see central air on the new Deefer. Imagine this, when combined with terrain response - you could dial up sand, and have the car automatically select low range, sand driving characteristics (throttle response, launch control etc), off road height, AND drop tyres to 16psi! Re selecting 'normal' mode would bring a notice up on a screen somewhere asking to confirm required pressures (for example, for when you don't need sand mode and it's associated fuel consumption, but are still on the beach)

    One thing is certain - the majority of current disco owners that go offroad are placing a lot of hope in the new Deefer, or preparing their current machines for very long-term ownership!
    Or,unfortunately, will move to another brand...
    Paul

    D2,D2,D2a,D4,'09 Defender 110(sons), all moved on.

    '56 S1,been in the family since...'56
    Comes out of hibernation every few months for a run

  7. #7
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    I'm with you Rich.

    I could learn to live with the looks from the front but the side profile and rear end leave me cold. For me the tailgate arrangement is a big loser on many fronts. I understand why they did it but still......

    I'm not saying 100% no to a D5 but I am going to wait for the 2018 Touareg which I think may be better value (albeit no low range), assuming it sticks with the 3L motor. The Defender dual cab and Merc X will be worth a look later next year but maybe cost prohibitive once optioned up.

    Dare I say it..............a Jeep GC Trailhawk which I read as Ford's version of a D4 SDV6 and 20K cheaper than the comparable D5

    If I was buying right now it'd be a Amorak V6 Highline with a canopy.
    Touareg CR 210TDI 2022
    Disco 5 SD4 HSE 2018
    Disco 4 3.0 SDV6 2014
    Disco 4 2.7 2011
    Disco 3 V6 SE 2007

  8. #8
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    Damn, you guys are depressing. I'm new to this scene and have been so inspired by all the stories, the mods and methods, the sense of community especially around the Disco and Defender. Now you're making me fear it's the end of the era.

    I hope we see lots of innovation and positive stories about getting the most out of the Discovery 5. And I'm withholding judgement on the future of the LR brand until the next Defender comes out. There's a sense from the interviews with LR management that those cars could possibly be pitched right at this market of off road enthusiasts and outback tourers.

    Fingers firmly crossed.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by TB View Post
    Damn, you guys are depressing. I'm new to this scene and have been so inspired by all the stories, the mods and methods, the sense of community especially around the Disco and Defender. Now you're making me fear it's the end of the era.

    I hope we see lots of innovation and positive stories about getting the most out of the Discovery 5. And I'm withholding judgement on the future of the LR brand until the next Defender comes out. There's a sense from the interviews with LR management that those cars could possibly be pitched right at this market of off road enthusiasts and outback tourers.

    Fingers firmly crossed.
    I'm not saying the D5 is not a fantastic improvement over its predecessor, just for my intended purpose of long range remote touring and local 4wding it leaves some areas comprised. For the majority of people it will be fine.
    2014 SDV6 HSE - LLAMS, Custom Drawer storage system https://www.box.com/s/jem0ilac3cner2mexq64

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by TB View Post
    Damn, you guys are depressing. I'm new to this scene and have been so inspired by all the stories, the mods and methods, the sense of community especially around the Disco and Defender. Now you're making me fear it's the end of the era.

    I hope we see lots of innovation and positive stories about getting the most out of the Discovery 5. And I'm withholding judgement on the future of the LR brand until the next Defender comes out. There's a sense from the interviews with LR management that those cars could possibly be pitched right at this market of off road enthusiasts and outback tourers.

    Fingers firmly crossed.

    same thing happened when the D4 was released

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