Upgraded Discovery introduced to Ireland

10 July 2002: The Land Rover Discovery has entered the third phase of its 13-year history with a new look and a number of technical enhancements. It marks the second new vehicle launch in a matter of months by Land Rover, the British-based company now part of the Ford-owned Premier Automotive Group.

Like the all-new Range Rover, the new Discovery is recognisable by its new ‘face’, dominated by stylish twin ‘pocket’ headlamps and a revised front bumper assembly. There have been changes to the rear lights too, and a new alloy wheel collection.

There have been some 700 changes aimed at improving the vehicle‘s on-road driveability, refinement, quality, reliability and off-road ability. Enhancements to the chassis have improved the on-road ride and handling.

The vehicle is also quieter than before, thanks to changes to noise insulation and body mountings.

As always, the Discovery is a true full off-roader, with both high and low ratio permanent four-wheel drive system. It also has rear air suspension and the vehicle’s electronic control systems including Electronic Traction Control and Hill Descent Control. A locking centre differential is now available for use in extreme off-road conditions, such as over boulders or through shifting sand.

The latest Discovery continues to be available with Land Rover’s Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE), which electronically reduces body roll on the road but also improves wheel articulation off-road.

The 2003 Discovery in Ireland is powered in Ireland by a 2.5-litre 137 PS Td5 five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, while a 4-litre V8 will only be available in Ireland to special order. The Td5 engine produces up to 340 Nm of torque at under 2,000 rpm.

Land Rover Ireland MD David Harpur expects to sell between 500-600 units of the Discovery in a full year. There are three specification levels immediately available - S, SE and HSE - with prices ranging from 50,000-60,535 euros. A E entry-level version will be available from September. Two commercial versions will be available, from 33,825 euros.

David Harpur notes that the specification of all Discos sold here are to European rather than UK levels, which gives the Irish vehicles more items that would be an optional extra in the UK.

July 2002


'The specification of all Discos sold here are to European rather than UK levels, which gives the Irish vehicles more items that would be an optional extra in the UK'