What Car? Car of the Year 2006 - Best large 4x4

Land Rover Discovery TDV6 SE auto
Price: £38,490
Target Price: £36,466

One year on, the Land Rover Discovery TDV6 – our 2005 Car of the Year – remains a brilliant achievement and the best large 4x4 around.

It's the Disco's sheer depth of talent that has sealed its second victory. None of the Discovery's key rivals can match its no-nonsense image or ability in the rough, yet it's also as classy and refined as an executive saloon and as practical as an MPV.

The Discovery will go where many of its competitors won't, and it's easy to make the most of its abilities. Underneath, an array of hardware and electronics keep you going over all manner of terrain, but all you need to worry about is turning a switch to choose the appropriate 4x4 setting. Clever stuff.

What's impressive is that the Discovery combines this with sophistication on the road. Thanks to its standard air suspension, it glides effortlessly over all surfaces, yet doesn't feel ungainly.

It's refined too; although there is some wind noise. Road and suspension noise are well muted and the 2.7-litre turbodiesel engine is smooth and quiet. Performance isn't as lively as some, but the optional six-speed auto shifts sweetly and the Disco can hold its own.

As a practical family car, the Discovery has no equal in this class. There's enough room for seven adults, but you can move the rear seats around quickly and easily to convert it into a five-seater with a huge boot, or a two-seat removals van. The rock-solid build and materials don't just look good – the Disco feels like it's constructed to withstand the hard life it's likely to lead.

Inevitably, running costs are steep and, at £38,490, our favourite model isn't cheap. Dealer discounts will knock around £2000 off that, however, while residual values are among the highest around. You also get an awful lot for your money, though – SE trim including things that cost extra on some similarly priced rivals. Leather upholstery, electric front seats, satellite-navigation and rear parking sensors are all standard.

www.landrover.co.uk

Highly recommended
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