Test Drive Land Rover Discovery LR4 since 2009 SUV

Third world

At the end of the summer, we collected together representatives of three schools of off-road automotive industry, three automotive powers - Germany, Great Britain and the United States. All of them? - Luxegen SUVs equipped with V8 gasoline engines and complex solid drive systems. Yes, and the price is similar. Find adventures We went to a large quarry near Moscow, well-known lovers of roads-free pokatushek. But first was asphalt:

Pedigree

Discovery third generation - other among SUVs. If only because it was born not as everything. Today, automakers, promoting the new luxury models of the SUV class, want to convince us that their product is indeed what is called. It is an SUV, "emphasizes Mercedes. This is true, an SUV, "assures BMW. Believe me, this car is true passing, "insist Volkswagen and Volvo. Before you full suite! - says Land Rover. Discovery generally could appear without this integrated frame and a cabriolet with a bodie - anyway, no one would have any doubts that he is an SUV. Proof of this is the legendary name. On the test, we took a not very common top version of HSE with a gasoline V8 of 4.4? Litra.

Grand Cherokee, like Discovery, belongs to the old off-road race. But he managed to become more famous in Russia in a troubled time. Along with Mercedesovsky G-Klasse. Recently, sales of the new, third generation of the car began. So recently, many dealers on the sites are still hanging the previous Grand? Cherokee. Our Grand was in the top configuration - Limited. And this means that under the hood he has a 5.7-liter V8 HEMI, well acquainted by Chrysler? 300c. Here it was defined from 340 to 326? LS. The front continuous bridge of the previous model gave way to an independent suspension, and the worm wheel mechanism is rush.

Touareg - a frequent guest on metropolitan streets. Debuting in the fall of 2002 years old, this car became the hit of sales volkswagen. Touareg can be found anywhere in the world, which contributes to a flexible configuration program. For example, only engines for it, the company offers as much six pieces. One of the most popular modifications is a model with 4.2-liter B8. Just such we took into rivals Jeep and Land? Rover. Well, it distinguishes it from standard relatives. Components of Individual, among the indisputable advantages of which is a magnificent two-color leather interior and 19-inch wheels.

In front of the mirror

Touareg is a true German. Stressed strict, without excess pathos. Harmonious. Perhaps, from the whole triple - the most finished car, his appearance will have to do with the maximum number of buyers. Moderate chrome quantity, slightly above view and accented exhausted exhaust system.

The new Grand is uniquely defined as Jeep. Branded chrome radiator grille with seven slots, dual round headlights, integrated wheel arches extends. But the hood was lengthened, the front racks became harder and moved back, the side was higher, and the side windows were already. Grand grumbled, pulled it up, a reasonable Tolik aggression appeared in the appearance. And he still goes black. By the way, on the site, except for basic colors, the for the sake of Hochma can be performed and special is one hundred percent dirt. Very realistic. While almost all Chrysler are built on Mercedes-Benz platforms, Jeep remains itself, nothing to do with G-, nor with the M-Class.

Land Rover loves cubic outlines. Metropolitan gloss and prestige - this is what lacked the previous models. Range Rover's older brother helped (he did not hold a manner to him) shared his properties with the entire line of new Land Rover. Thanks to the abundance of flat surfaces and perpendicular faces, Disco looks at the same time both stylish and most brutal in our triple. All his character is in the expression of the face. Bumper is visually absent, the vertical elements continue the falseradiator grille down. The blow is a stupid heavy item - that's what you feel when you look at Discovery Fear. He does not suffer objections. Unlike two other test participants, in the appearance of Disco - not a drop of posterity. The side moldings are not in principle, bumpers and lining on the wheeled arches are not painted in the body color, and left in plastic. In the entire exterior of Chrome only on the V8 HSE nameplate on the back door. And this is the most expensive performance, the prices of our version of Disco begin with $ 71? 000. Will everyone understand?

Glitter and poverty

Finding into the interior Discovery, you feel a little deceived. Where is the skin? Only on the steering wheel and seats! Suppose. But where are other finish materials other than dark plastic? The geometric functional appearance let it be frightened by others, and in the cabin someone to suffer? Cube's motifs together with rustic devices and mischief of small one-piece buttons - this is clearly not the last word ergonomics. Somewhere below, in the center of the sheer console - a monochrome infertility display of the stereo system. The roughening looks like a large color touch screen, which allows you to use the already two menu items: navigating that requires the corresponding CD, and: screen settings. Hmm: Comfortable commander landing and space in the cabin compensate for some primary disappointment. The abundance of light and air inside is the merit of a high ceiling and a huge area of \u200b\u200bglazing. Hence the excellent visibility. Over the rear sofa, the roof makes a family step and becomes glass - transparent sections are over each of the three rows of seats located in the amphitheater. The main bodies of the complaints were not caused, even a pedal node, usually on the Land Rover displaced to the left, here is located, as it should. Inside the Grand Cherokee, despite the growing dimensions, there was no more spacious, the increase in the database is noticeable, except that the rear passengers - there are now worship, but the ceiling is like below. Behind it is better to sit together - the salon divides in half a massive tunnel. Front spacious.
Electrical seats adjustments together with large wheel movement ranges will allow you to accommodate anyone. But there is also an electrically regulating a pedal node in length - a useful and rare option. Ergonomics are good. Everything is in place, understandable and available. The interior reminds about Chrysler? 300c - inside strictly, many large clean surfaces and sharp faces. But grand? Cherokee Roughly, the materials on the touch are not so high-quality - plastic slippery and ringing. And pleasant details, such as chrome plated rings and buttons, and not at all. Asceticism on the verge of low cost. The visibility limit thick and highly dangled front racks, but some thanks to huge mirrors.

When you move from Jeep to Touareg, I want to pinch yourself, my eyes do not believe. As if you sit in an expensive representative sedan. The seats are comfortable, the two-color interior decoration looks expensive and noble. In general, in the Volkswagen salon more than all decisions, and if Disco deserves on the interior on the five-point system, the four, and Jeep is a troik with a plus, then Touareg unconditionally gets solid five. LCD and DVD player are attached to the ceiling. The quality of plastic may not arrange except the owner of Bentley. The central console is quenched with buttons, the picture complements another display, which all useful information is displayed. The tunnel between the front seats is separated by wood, to the services of the rear passengers a separate climate control. Even with the rugs worked - they are two-color, with red kart. The fifth door is smart, it is enough just to cover up - the lock will fit and closes it to the end alone. And in the thresholds, a metal strip with an inscription Individual is allowed.

As for the reserve of places for the rear passengers, here are the leadership for Land? Rover. In general, in this car can be spacious and comfortable seven! Touareg here is the second, Grand - the third.
And by the volume of the DISCO trunk ahead: in standard form - 1260? L, with folded seats - 2558 liters. Grand Cherokee -980/1910, Touareg - 555/1570. All cars provide the ability to fold the backs of the rear row in the proportion of 60/40 or completely, having received a smooth floor. There is also their raisins. In Disco is the third landing row. In Jeep - the inverted and locking plastic platform with sides in the middle of the trunk - for dirty dishes and separately rising glass fifth doors. In Touareg - a compact rate. It is inflated through a regular car pneumatic system, whose fitting is located under the front passenger seat. The kit also includes hose and pressure gauge. Two other participants are equipped with full-size spares.

Arsenal

Compared with the previous Grand Cherokee, new, thanks to independent suspension and rush control, is sharper and more stable in management. However, it is worth transferring to Touareg or Discovery, and immediately notice that Grand is strongly cubed in turns and pecks the nose when braking. But feedback on the steering wheel is distinct, and this is undoubtedly progress for the American SUV. And in general, his reactions are though tall, but quite predictable. In the smoothness of the course of the American - out of competition, tramway, hatches for him simply do not exist. The brakes seem insufficient for a two-ton car with a giant 326-strong V8, thanks to which he is really fast. A little more than 7 seconds before hundreds for such a car, this is a serious indicator. Nevertheless, to resist Discovery and Touareg in a dense stream on the Moscow streets was hard. It was a little very first personally managed only on free straight. But here another minus - at the maximum speeds, the car loses stability. The direct steering wheel is empty, and the reactions remain fairly sharp. So the threshold of a comfortable speed is 150-160 km / h. Although it is worth paying tribute to the motor - the reserve of traction is always present and everywhere until the limit speeds. Perhaps the picture portilate the all-season tires with a decent profile and can fix the situation with the installation of highway tires for 18-19 inch discs, as, by the way, we entered Discovery and Touareg.

In any case, the car confidently gets up to 220 km / h along the speedometer and leaves the driver right to control himself. True, the price of certain efforts. To control the dynamics, it is also necessary to adapt. The engine has a tank torque, 90% of which are available in the range of 2400-5100 nm. Moreover, there is an electronic throttle control system, it seems that everything is still an old pedal and steel cable, and even without free. Grand moves jerks, jumps. Of course, sometimes it is a techite pride, but not in traffic jams and not in the parking lot. The machine is the same as the previous model, the five-speed, with manual mode. True, the desire to force the box did not arise - she coped with her work well. By the way, the manual switching algorithm is unusual - the lever must be swollen not up-down, as in Disco and Touareg, but left-right. Everything is true, kinship is affected with Mercedes-Benz. Most likely, manual mode will be useful on off-road. And the new Jeep is perfectly isolated not only from vibrations (thanks to the suspension), but also from external noise, and the cabin panels are silent.

Land Rover behaves on the asphalt noble. Big, with a convenient steering profile, when moving at the average speeds is loaded with a pleasant informative force. Perhaps for the city of Disco the best steering from three we have experienced. But on the highway, it is worth going for 120? Km / h, a suspicious emptiness requested in the okolonul zone, requiring small submarines. So to relax at high speed behind the wheel of the Land? Rover will not work. Having pleased the work of the pneumatic suspension. Being above everyone even in a regular position, Disco, however, it does not fall in turns - the rolls are quite moderate. However, a large outline mass and high gravity center affect. In a rapid turn, where Touareg, Land Rover was confidently rolled,, desperately creaking rubber, stubbornly climbed the muzzle. Tires are relatively high, and this, along with the suspension settings, it allows you to not pay attention to the Colds, even the borders can be stormed by one. The brakes also praise - they know their business.

According to Discovery dynamics - the most modest of the test participants. The 4,4-liter eight BMW has an excellent burden, but inferior to the rivals engines. Even the sports mode of the automaton does not help - the engine is pleasantly singing on elevated notes, but the square car is gradually lagging behind the main competitor - Touareg. And Jeep is already ahead of the housing ahead. Asphalt contests are still not the element of the Englishman. But he will recoup where there is no asphalt.

Touareg manners are the most passengers in the troika test. The car is well prescribed high-speed arcs and more convenient in the city stream. Shock absorbers have three modes of operation, the best is sporty. The suspension installed on 19-dum wide low-profile tires is designed for protracks on highways. But highways with good, high-quality asphalt. Alas, we are so far from everywhere. And where there is no it, the car begins to rush on a rut or scour from side to side with intensive braking. But the wheels are large and wide. Beautiful. And now about the annoying minus. The Germans unexpectedly turned out to be the most empty steering wheel. On the parking lot it can be twisted with one finger. There is a good. But do you find a lot of those who want to grope with one finger the trajectory in the high-speed turning? Unfortunately, it will still have to fasten it, because the feedback is minimal. There are complaints and the gearbox - the machine is used to be accused of thoughtful. Perhaps the Touareg is the slowest automatic transmission. But in standard modes, it slowly switches the transmission.

Habitat

Finally, asphalt kilometers remained behind. Cars go to the quarry, Discovery 3 - ahead. On off-road it has some advantage, which is called, in the gland. He is the only one who has survived the frame, even in some form. True, the suspension became independent. But in this company, the undiscriminated rear axle of Jeep looks like a dignity that is not exhibited, but a sticking rudiment. But at the bottom of the car from the back - powerful beams connecting the places of fastening the rear bumper to the body and the rear suspension. On them, as in the clamns, the car can break from the mountain, without damaging the bumper and the bottom.

From off-road toolkit, all three has a lowering series of transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. Differential locks - too. True, Touareg and Disco can clicter only central and rear interlets. And Grand Cherokee - everything! But Volkswagen and Land Rover can lift themselves like Münhhausen: the clien variation range at the first - 160-300 mm, in the second - 180-285 mm. England chief trump card is the Terrain Response intelligent system with a very friendly interface. In fact, the driver remains only to identify the type of terrain on which it is located, and report it a computer using a round system control knob: grass / gravel, sand, deep rut, rocks. Next Terrain Response will independently control the transmission on the corresponding algorithm. The driver remains only to steer and control the burden.

Changing the moments of switching gear, degree and torque of differentials - all this happens unnoticed for the driver. The difference between the modes is felt only in gas operation reactions: in the sand pedal sharp, responsive; In rocks - on the contrary, stupid, designed. The logic is clear. I also liked Hill Descent Control, which helps to descend from the mountain. The crack brakes and locks, Land? Rover slightly slides from almost the sheer slopes.

In the Volkswagen interface is no less friendly. On the central console there are two clearing control of the work of the box, full drive and body position. All you need to do is put a car for neutral and turn the handle to the desired position. Thus, you betray the electronics command to block differentials and enable a reduced transmission series. The car will start solving the tasks for the driver. Feeling the slip of the wheels, Touareg will make the necessary lock, and it will climb and climb forward until they allow the hook properties of the tires, or until it does not sit on the belly. There was alarmed that when driving irregularities in the highest possible position of the body, the suspension VW knocked, choosing shock absorbers. Fault? As the technical workers explained to us - congenital bug. Would believe, let the worm of doubt. Does the company's engineers allowed the car into a series, knowing about such a shortcoming? Maybe just our Touareg hurt the efforts of previous testes?

Cherokee has no various modes of operation of pneumatic suspension and transmission, buttons with cunning pictograms and indicators. Non-thin spring design, a downstream row and a full drive system are activated by one button. Here is the second generation of the Quadra-Drive system. It consists of three electronically controlled differentials - the inter-axis and two intercoles. First of all, the system is adapted to the big torque of the new HEMI, so the Grand is seriously armed. And on the off-road track, he showed himself on equals with Touareg and Discovery, although the soil dug desperate rivals - pumped up HEMI tried to express himself including and constant slipping of all the wheels. Quadra-Drive did not save on diagonal hanging (carrying a body demonstrated in this case its rigidity - the doors opened and closed without a hint at the skew). The suspension with her big moves with ease copes with its duties and without pneumatics.

With such an exhaustive set of locks, the car will climb forward, even if the contact with the surface is only one wheel. In general, Grand Cherokee on off-road inspire confidence in you, and thanks to not only electronics, but also a simple, oak design. It is not afraid to allow breakdown, something to tear or break. The rivals are careful and reasonable, in front of the obstacle, they will stop, they will hurt with electronics, play with a pneumatic suspension and slowly move, and Yankees, snapping, takes him from the go, Nakhp. The main thing is to get involved in a fight, and there will figure it out! By the way, only Jeep allows you to turn off all the electronics and plenty, in childish, to navigate the crossing by the tail.

In general, both Grand Cherokee, and Touareg, and Discovery fully own the skill of the conquest of off-road and willingly demonstrate it. Only they have different approaches. If they have a mountain on the way, Volkswagen will say: see how neatly, on tiptoe, nothing is ass, I will move it. And Jeep will say: ha, yes, I only felt better, and I'm already on the other side! Sorry, and where, you said, this mountain? - Wrapped, asked later Land Rover:

Location of seats

In Grand Cherokee, American is still recognized. He sat down on the stern, dies the nose during acceleration, it is characterized by a nose when braking, it is fairly cubed, and on soft and slippery seats, it is necessary to join the steering wheel. It is a big, still an iron car, a huge gasoline V8 with their bass-jammed voice forces to shuddered the entire body when Peregovzka, gives Grand magnificent overclocking. American to bone brain, lifestyle attribute. Charismatic and brutal, it is still in price. However, in the company with more advanced models from the Old World Grand? Cherokee can only claim the third place.

Discovery is able to cope with any difficulties. Smart systems, long-legged suspension, mighty motor - you just need to click on the accelerator and wait. Be sure to pull out. Perhaps the off-road DISCO potential has become modest compared to the previous generation - the mater jeepers were deprived of direct, mechanical communication with transmission. But the new Discovery is already designed not only for them. Most of his buyers for the eyes are enough of what he is capable of. Enough so that, not blurring shoes, let it be not real taste, but a distinct taste of the off-road buzz. Be from the Englishman more exquisite interior and more noble asphalt manners, he would certainly conversely for the first place, and so - silver.

Touareg is the Golden Middle. On weekdays, it easily fits into urban conditions, a luxurious salon, high comfort. Plus, a well-promoted dear brand, which is also important. Well, and on weekends Touareg will no problem take away the owner away for the city, in nature, in really hard to reach places. This car is truly universal. Despite some disadvantages, it is he who owns the upper step of the pedestal on the results of our test.

Prices and equipment Volkswagen Touareg

VW Touareg comes with R5 TDI (174 hp), 3.2 liters V6 (241 hp), 4.2 liters V8 (310 hp) and 5 liters V10 TDI (313 hp .)

Standard equipment for V6 and TDI versions includes: R17 alloy wheels, fabric interior trim, frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, ESP, ABS, EDS and ASR, curtain pillows to protect the driver's head and passengers, side pillows on the front seats, Mirrors with electrically regulating and heating, electric drives of all windows, steering column, adjustable in height and departure, audio system with a CD player and 10 speakers, power steering, central locking with Du.

Standard package V8: external decorative lining on the second and third racks, chrome elements in the body finish, interior decoration with natural veneer, 4-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel, leather interior, alarm system with internal volume sensors, lilac and towing protection, double-zone climates Control, rain sensor, lighting sensor, front seats with electrically regulatory.

The standard bundle of V10 TDI, unlike the above, additionally includes: alloy wheels R18, bi-xenon headlamp headlights, pneumatic suspension, shock absorbers stiffery control system (CDC), central locking with testable Keyless Access access, audio system with 8-channel amplifier and 11 speakers.

The price of VW Touareg with a 5-cylinder turbodiesel and a 6-speed manual transmission starts from $ 47 288. The gasoline 3.2-liter aggregate with a six-speed machine will cost already from $ 55,628. Prices for cars with 4.2 liters V8 begin with $ 77,095. The V10 TDI will cost at least $ 91,737.

Prices and equipment Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with three motors: Turbodiesel 3.0 L CRD (218 hp) and gasoline V8 - 4.7 liters (231 hp) and 5.7 liters (326 hp).
Basic package includes: Boston Acoustics Acoustic System, Roof Railings, Side Pillow For Front and Rear Passengers, On-Board Information Center, Rain Sensor, Alloy wheels R17, Rear spoiler, Immobilizer, separate double-zone climate control, Cruise control, leather trim And controlling music on the steering wheel, a leather interior trim, front fog lights, driver and front passenger cushions, TCS anti-test system, a route minicomputer, ESP, tire pressure control system, Quadra Drive? II, Parktronic, Central Castle with Du.

In addition, a package P1 is offered, which includes the SKID GROUP protective package, heated front seats, security alarm, AM / FM radio, MP3, RDS with CD-changer on 6 disks, bus 245/65R17.
Package P2 is even richer: additionally - information and entertainment system with DVD, glass toning, roof trunk.
For all packages, the following options are provided: an electric hatch, Entertainment (Navigation Plus DVD for rear passengers), a package for a warm climate. The prices for the diesel version begin with 43 900. The same amount is the version with 4.7 liters v8. This amount will have to give for the initial set of Laredo. More luxurious Limited will cost already from 50 900, and the top version - with a 5.7 liter motor will cost 58,300. Package P2 raises the price of the car for 1600.

Prices and equipment Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery is supplied to the Russian market with 2.7 liters diesel V6 (195 hp) and 4.4 liters of gasoline V8 (295 hp). Power options Three: S, SE and HSE (for DISCO 4.4 l - only SE and HSE).

Gasoline Discovery SE in the standard is equipped with a 6-speed automaton, 19-inch cast discs, pneumatic suspension, front and side security pillows (side - for front and rear seats), electronic DSC stabilization system (as well as EBD, ABS, ETC, HDC), Terrain Response system, climate control, parking sensors, bi-xenon, rain sensor and audio system.

HSE equipment expands the equipment at the expense of cruise control, leather cabin, HARMAN / KARDON audio systems (8 speakers + subwoofer), etc. For both complete sets, an extensive list of options for surcharge is available (including the electrolyuk, a transparent roof, a navigation system, swivel lights, wood trim). Prices - from $ 66,900 per DISCO 4.4 L SE and from $ 71,900 - for 4.4 liters HSE. Diesel Discovery in SE and HSE equipment have similar, but more modest levels of equipment. Diesel Disco S is also available - with 6-speed mechanics and spring suspension. Prices for diesel cars - from $ 52 900 (S), $ 56 900 (SE) and $ 71 900 (HSE).

Text: Leonty Tyteleev
 

A source: Motor magazine [№10 / 2005]