Land Rover updates the Disco (2021)

The Land Rover Disco is the Land Rover for those who seek versatility. The previous engines offered are no more. You can only choose from a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 296hp and a 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Picking between the two of them depends upon what you desire the most. We reckon the six-cylinder is the way to go if you are willing to pay the premium for it. Everyone else will be satisfied with the four-cylinder which is our pick of the range. It’s smooth enough for daily tasks and doesn’t feel shortchanged when you’re on the highway. However, the Disco is by no means a sports saloon. You’ll forgive it though as the ride comfort is superb. Which is exactly what you’d want if you are planning to ferry seven-people around. Air-suspension is now standard-kit across the board here. It helps make the Disco feel planted when driving on narrow switchbacks, but most importantly is provides an elevation of comfort that we’ve come to expect from Land Rover. It really does feel like a luxury saloon. The only real difference is in the dynamics. It does show body-roll when you want to drive in a sporty fashion. However, you’ll have to settle for a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. Both are great choices, but none are as roomy or versatile as the Disco. The driving position is spot on good with excellent comfort and refinement. The infotainment is now a 11.4-inch and is much easier to navigate through than before. We love the simplicity of the interior although some may say that it is a bit plain. The second-row seats offer good headroom and legroom, although those in the third row won’t really want to stay back there for too long. It isn’t as versatile as the XC90 which does the three rows of passenger comfort well. Boot space with the seats in place is about class average, but when you fold that third-row seat down space opens up considerably. Fold the second-row seat down also and you’ve got yourself a cargo van. The electrically folding seats do take a while to fold and unfold. The driving position is spot on good with excellent comfort and refinement. The infotainment is now a 11.4-inch and is much easier to navigate through than before. We love the simplicity of the interior although some may say that it is a bit plain. The second-row seats offer good headroom and legroom, although those in the third row won’t really want to stay back there for too long. It isn’t as versatile as the XC90 which does the three rows of passenger comfort well. Boot space with the seats in place is about class average, but when you fold that third-row seat down space opens up considerably. Fold the second-row seat down also and you’ve got yourself a cargo van. The electrically folding seats do take a while to fold and unfold. Discover S comes with 20-inch alloy wheels standard. Along with rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights and rearview parking camera. You’ll have to step up to R-Dynamic trim to get the optional six-cylinder engine. With R-Dynamic HSE coming standard with 22-inch alloy wheels, automatic high beam assist and 3D Surround view camera. The Disco is the Land Rover that’s a real jack of all trade. Likes: The new engines are much more refined. The infotainment system has been drastically improved. Dislikes: No more diesel six-cylinder. The new turbo six-cylinder is limited to R-Dynamic. Our pick: The Disco S is the best compromise without having to pay Land Rover price tag.

Land Rover (short-drive) which one should we buy?

We're looking to replace our Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with something a bit more posh. The Land Rover Evoque we had wasn't the most reliable but it certainly wasn't that bad to own either. However, we do want to give Land Rover another go. The new Velar and Discovery are two strong considerations.



Land Rover Discovery Sport

Likes: It still lives up to Land Rover reputation for off-road capabilities. There's finally a more powerful engine option. Unique 5+2 seating configuration.

Dislikes: The auto gearbox often doesn't feel on the same page as the engine. We certainly wish there was a diesel engine option. Reliability is still iffy.

Overall: It's Land Rover's best selling model here for good reason.



Land Rover Velar

Likes: The most stylish Land Rover of the range. The interior is stunning to look at with very cool digital displays.

Dislikes: Finicky door handles and infotainment displays.

Overall: It's a home run from Land Rover.



Land Rover Evoque

Likes: A baby Land Rover that's still fully capable off-road. The convertible version is an oddball but we love it. More powerful engine option available.

Dislikes: The convertible is a bit pointless. Rear seat space is on the cramped side.

Overall: The Disco Sport is roomier and cheaper but a convertible SUV makes it even more intriguing.



Land Rover Discovery

Likes: It seats up to seven people. The electric folding seats are pretty cool. The diesel engine has the lowest running costs.

Dislikes: Reliability short-term and long-term still remain iffy.

Overall: It's quite literally our favorite Land Rover of the range.