2001 Land Rover Discovery Series II Land Rover Discovery Series II 2001 Land Rover Discovery Series II SE Sport Utility Wagon AWD Solihul, UK Land Rover introduces three new trim levels to the Discovery Series II lineup -- SD, LE and SE. New paint options are Oslo Blue and Bonatti Gray. Off-road ability, unique design, advanced handling features. Difficult entry and egress, quirky ergonomics, not much cargo space, poor gas mileage from underpowered V8. Like the Land Rovers of yesteryear, the current Discovery Series II exhibits excellent off-road prowess and distinctive, hardy styling. But it also utilizes advanced performance features that promise a more capable on-road driving experience. The success of Lincoln's Navigator and Lexus' LX 470 has convinced Land Rover to create a kinder, gentler SUV. Land Rover's Discovery was originally created to fill the niche Land Rover saw between the rugged, utilitarian Land Rover Defender and the plush yet thoroughly capable Land Rover Range Rover. It has been Land Rover's best-selling model in the United States, a trend that should continue for 2001. Land Rover has improved the Discovery Series II range for 2001 by introducing three new trim levels to the model lineup -- SD, LE and SE. The trims are similar, with differences based mainly on the type of interior materials used. SE models get a standard 220-watt, 10-channel premium audio system, HomeLink and an Integral Class III trailer tow hitch receiver. All models can be had with the optional rear-seat package that adds forward-facing third-row seats, a Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS) and a hydraulic rear step. The SE is the only Discovery Series II model that can be equipped with Active Cornering Enhancement, a hydraulic system that reduces vehicle body lean during cornering. All models come with Hill Descent Control, a driver-activated feature which supplements traditional braking when descending steep, slippery slopes in extreme conditions. Other features include a self-leveling suspension, traction control and electronic brake distribution. Land Rover products are known for their rugged nature, and the Discovery Series II is no exception. Taken off the beaten path, the Disco takes on difficult terrain with ease. Every model features permanent four-wheel drive and a standard adaptive automatic transmission that adjusts to different driving styles. Beneath the vehicle's hood is a 4.0-liter V8 engine that makes 188 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque. We'd appreciate more power, especially since new 240-horsepower V6-equipped models like the Nissan Pathfinder and Acura MDX put the Land Rover's eight cylinders to shame. Inside the Series II, both front and backseat passengers sit high for a superior view. Headroom and legroom aren't an issue (cavernous doesn't begin to describe the overhead space), but hip and shoulder room are very tight. Entry and exit is also problematic. The quality of interior materials is quite good, though better build quality can be found on other high-end SUVs like the BMW X5. Legendary off-road capabilities and a high level of luxury are the Discovery Series II's best points. If Land Rover could iron out the ergonomic and build quality issues, plus give the Discovery Series II some more shoulder room, wider door openings, and increased horsepower, they'd have a candidate for best small SUV status. Until then, the Discovery is an expensive and quirky SUV with an interior design that falls short of its exterior demeanor and overall capabilities. BMW X5 Infiniti QX4 Lexus RX 300 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 450,000 450,000 450,000 6Unlimited NA NA NA 8 4 liters V8 188 hp @ 4750 rpm 250 ft-lbs. @ 2600 rpm 63 cu.ft. 1488 lbs. 5500 lbs. 185.2 in. 74.4 in. 76.4 in. 4576 lbs. 100 in. 39 ft. 8.2 in. 40.4 in. 40.1 in. NA NA NA NA 42.3 in. 37.3 in. 5 Standard Standard Not Available Not Available Not Available Standard Optional Rating = Not Tested Rating = Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested 24.6 gal. 13 mpg / 17 mpg 320 mi. / 418 mi. Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not. $32,350 $36,350 7.35% $625 N/A No Holdback SERIES II SD (4A): 4L V8 OHV SMPI 16-valve engine (requires premium unleaded fuel); 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up converter; 590-amp battery; engine oil cooler, HD radiator, HD starter; 130-amp alternator; driver's selectable multi-mode transmission oil cooler; full-time 4 wheel drive, permanent locking hub control and electronic shift, traction control, 3.54 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; HD suspension, front non-independent suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rigid rear axle trailing link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; recirculating-ball power steering; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 24.6 gal. capacity fuel tank; rear mud flaps, side impact bars; conventional rear cargo door; roof rack; front and rear black bumpers with black rub strip, front tow hooks, rear step bumper; rocker panel extensions, black fender flares; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps with delay-off feature; driver's andpassenger's power remote black heated folding outside mirrors; 16" x 8" silver alloy wheels, P255/65HR16 BSW M/S tires; full-size alloy spare wheel; dual-zone front air conditioning with climate control, rear heat ducts; premium AM/FM stereo, seek-scan feature, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, 6 premium speakers, amplifier, window grid antenna, steering wheel radio and cruise controls; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, power remote fuel door release; 3 power accessory outlets, front lighter element, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, compass, exterior temp, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition, brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable, security system; deep tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's andpassenger's 1-touch down function, fixed 1/4 vent windows; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, variable-speed intermittent rear wiper, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest, driver's and passenger's seats include 8-way power adjustment, 2-way power lumbar support; 60/40 folding rear split-bench seat with adjustable headrests and center armrest; front seatbelts with pretensioners; vinyl seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full color-keyed carpet floor covering, chrome interior accents; interior lights include dome light with fade, front reading lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel covered bin, dashboard storage, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger'sdoor bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo net, cargo tie downs, cargo light; black grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles. SERIES II LE (4A) (in addition to or instead of SERIES II SD (4A) equipment): Front body-colored bumper with black rub strip, rear black bumper, aero-composite halogen headlamps with washer and delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; cloth-leather seats, genuine wood dashboard insert, leather-wrapped gearshift knob and chrome interior accents. SERIES II SE (4A) (in addition to or instead of SERIES II LE (4A) equipment): Class III trailer hitch; front and rear express-open sliding and tilting glass sunroof; 6-disc CD changer, 12 premium speakers, premium amplifier, automatic equalizer; garage door opener, leather seats, leatherette door trim insert, genuine wood door panel insert; cargo cover. -- California Emissions $100 $100 697 Paint: Java Black $267 $300 CCP Cold Climate Package $445 $500 LJ Paint: Lightstone $445 $500 PPK Performance Package $2,581 $2,900 RAC Rear Air Conditioning $668 $750 RSP 7 Passenger Seating $1,560 $1,750 SLS Self Leveling Rear Suspension $668 $750