DCOTY 4WD category

it seems that 400mm diff, clearence mud tyres, 3ft wheel travel are no good off road!! thats why we have to put up with low profile tyres limited independent front ends ect because that is what works? not for me

I guess LR Aus signed the bigger advertising contract for this year?

Isn't it amazing how defensive people get about their favourite vehicles.

At the end of the day, these choices are made by human beings, Most of us are human in some way and we are inclined to let our emotions rule our thinking. Remember the Camira, the P38 (only half a car)

Anyhow I'm sure Toyota will get over it and landrover will take no notice of it.

This is what they actually said:
"The new Land Rover Discovery 4 has followed the back-to-back winning ways of its series 3 predecessor, and in the process sets a record for Australia’s Best Cars. It’s now five wins in a row for the Disco, with Subaru’s Forester the only other five-time winner (although not in consecutive years).

Discovery 4 brings a number of improvements, some incremental and others major, plus fresh looks inside and out. It was no real surprise therefore that it kicked mud in the faces of heavy-duty class finalists Toyota LandCruiser and Mitsubishi Pajero.

The new Disco proved more than ever that being engineered to tackle serious off-road treks doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort, refinement, performance and adept road manners. The previous series 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine always punched above its weight and continues in the series 4 base model. This winning model features a brilliant new 3.0-litre sequential twin-turbo diesel jointly developed with. Power is up 29% and torque 36% to a stump-pulling 600Nm. On or off road, this responsive engine impresses for its smooth, effortless performance. The new diesel also brings significant improvement to fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. It also gets special tweaks compared with the Jaguar version to better suit its duty as an off-roader. The petrol engine in the range is a naturally aspirated direct-injection 5.0-litre. As the premium version, it gains plenty of extra gear over the 3.0-litre diesel but adds nearly $45,000 to the pricetag.

Discovery’s already enviable scores for handling, ride and braking all get a boost this year thanks to revised steering and suspension and larger brakes. Ride and handling precision are far ahead of what would usually be expected of a large all-terrain vehicle.

Not so enviable are scores for running and repair costs and depreciation, while warranty and pricing hover near mid-field. But Discovery 4 TDV6 SE gives buyers a substantial standard equipment list and class-leading scores for safety and security. Like the series 3, it includes standard seating for seven with curtain head airbag protection also included for row-three passengers. The diesel mis-fuelling protection device fitted into the filler neck helps prevent expensive-to-rectify lapses of concentration at the fuel bowser.

Land Rover’s Terrain Response system with programs to suit virtually any terrain has been refined in the new model, improving off-road prowess. Height-adjustable air suspension and an improved hill-descent-control system aid off-road progress too.

Heavy hauling ability adds to the Land Rover’s appeal with a 3500kg (braked) towing capacity and the addition of a new towing aid, Trailer Stability Assist. When selected, the system can detect trailer sway and intervene to help bring towing back under control.

For its versatility and excellent blend of on-road sophistication with the ability to accomplish go-anywhere off-road adventures, it once again was impossible to go past the Land Rover Discovery TDV6 SE.

Finalists
Toyota Landcruiser GXL d
Mitsubishi Pajero GLS d "

Seems to me to be a fairly well reasoned decision.


teege

Oh, and I took it on the beach once. Does that count for anything? Credibility anyone..........

4wdOTY awards tell you how a vehicle rates after a weekend drive.

They tell you nothing about reliability, servicing, and whether it will fall apart in the desert. So if the Disco 4 is anything like the Disco 3, its a very nice capable vehicle, with lots of bells and whistles and heaps of buttons to press that help you drive up hills and down hills. And buttons that raise and lower the suspension make it pretty good offroad.

But I don't want that, so I don't take any notice.

Clarkson likes it:

Jeremy's review

I love this bit about murderers and this from the end:

"All you ever think in a Disco is: “God. I wish I had a Range Rover.” It’s like being on holiday in Port Grimaud. You’re in the same country as St Tropez. You’re on the same bay. You have the same weather and the same food. And you’ve paid less. But you’re not actually in St Tropez and that makes you feel constantly disappointed with your lot.

Of course, you can argue that you bought the Discovery because you need seven seats. But if you need seven seats, the Volvo XC90 is a more sensible, more practical, easier to use and less expensive solution.

So there we are. The Land Rover Discovery 4. It’s excellent. Don’t buy one.

Clarkson’s verdict

Brilliant. But not as good as a Range Rover"

Its good to see that I am not the only putting his foot in his mouth.

Chuckle.

give me a 4wd that will go anywhere & climb anything thats basic inside
befor a computer on wheels with leather seats 8 cup holders that will only go half way

Those guys wouldnt know poo from clay. I didnt see any actual offroad tests done? Which is essentially what a 4wd is made for is it not? These tests dont mean anything, sales numbers mean more. Landcruiser and Patrol have got that covered so i believe that tells the real story.Reliability, track record, parts availability, dealer network, accessory options, fuel range, wheel size, tyre size, service costs, fuel economy, low range ability, suspension flex, build quality. Nope none of that matters, we will only ever use it to go to work and to Yoga. I know what i would rather be driving outback, if something did go wrong bound to be a Toyota dealer nearby. Landrover maybe nearest city.These city turkeys dont really take this into account do they, more worried about where there can put there homo latte. Oh well though, there only doing what they were told to do.

http://www.newcars.com/toyota/landcruiser/reviews/landrover-rangerover.html