Farewell to Discovery; Land Rover Discovery 4 takes a last bow

As the new one looms, we take a final drive in the Land Rover Discovery 4

The trusty Land Rover Discovery 4 has had a good innings. Soon to be replaced by the glitzy all-new Discovery, which was revealed at the Paris Motor Show, the new model makes the old one look instantly vintage. But despite its age, it can still put in a decent performance in action: we took a final drive in a Discovery 4 to find out what traits the new Discovery must inherit in order to make the grade.

We decide to drive the entire 230-mile length of the Fosse Way, from Exeter to Lincoln. The Discovery 4 isn’t quite as old as this arrow-straight Roman road, but you get the analogy – besides, it’s one of the country’s most challenging stretches, perfect for assessing where the old-timer’s strengths and weaknesses lie.

The fact the Fosse Way has had bypasses built over the years adds to the challenge. Because we’re planning to drive the original route – or at least, as much of it as is still passable. We’ll only drive round the bits that are now private land. The Discovery 4 is billed as a proper off-roader and we will challenge that assertion.

The first section in Devon is lovely. It feels classy within the glassy cabin, and the high seats give a commanding view. Hours behind the wheel prove its wonderful comfort, with a loping air-sprung ride and light, easygoing steering. It’s only the 27mpg average economy, and the associated fuel stops, that spoils the tranquillity. Oh, and the super-dated infotainment system which is from a bygone era.

Most owners use their Discoverys off-road, says Land Rover. Genuinely tough stuff too, rather than just driving through muddy fields. Our first off-road drive comes after Shepton Mallet and the Discovery takes the tight, uphill, authentic-looking stone trail in its stride. The biggest challenge was squeezing the big Disco through the overgrown brambles.

After getting lost in Bath and getting bored on the M4, we pick up the original route again. Again, the Discovery aces it. The only thing that stops it is the fence at Kemble’s Cotswold Airport. Years ago, they’d escort you across the runway. Today, no chance. So we turn back and head to Cirencester for the night.

Next day, there’s less off-roading, but more of the on-road challenges served up by the Fosse Way. The road is undulating, tenacious, of dubious quality in places and generally always up for making the Discovery 4 work for its supper. It still cuts it. You can cover ground surprisingly quickly in it, despite its immense weight, and it steers precisely, with control, despite the ever-cushioned ride.

We eventually reach the end of the road in Lincoln, for the inevitable photoshoot and final thoughts on the Discovery 4. Over the two days, it’s convinced us that it may be ancient but it remains as relevant and desirable today as it ever was. A principled, upstanding machine, it certainly still appeals, even after all these years. The new one needs to be very good indeed…

AUTOCAR