In a tacit admission that the Discovery 4 is beginning to price itself out of its target market - and as a first step into Defender country ahead of that model's demise in 2015 - Land Rover has introduced a new entry-level Disco, minus some of the bells and whistles, aimed straight at the overland adventure market.
The Discovery 4 XS, to give it its official title, comes with Land Rover's 155kW three-litre TDV6 turbodiesel and, as with other models in the range, it has an eight-speed paddle-shift transmission with drive select, hill descent control, low range and Jaguar-style rotary shifter.
KEEPING IT COOL
What it doesn't have is Land Rover's complex and sometimes vulnerable air suspension - straightforward steel coil springs do the job. Also gone is the sunroof, electronic seat adjustment, leather trim and privacy glass - although the latter two are available as options.
What it does have is a standard-issue tow bar with trailer stability assist, as well as 18” alloy rims, automatic climate control, cruise control and a cooled storage compartment under the centre armrest - strange what Land Rover considers essential equipment for an African adventure, although we can't disagree with the beer cooler!
The Disco XS is only available in five-seat configuration and costs R598 000. Like all Discovery 4 models it comes standard with a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan.