Discovery takes on the look of off-road family

Land Rover boasts that 76 per cent of the four-wheel-drives it has made since 1948 are still at work.

The four-wheel-drive specialist gets the most out of its many aluminium-bodied vehicles.

There are a few original Series I models about and the Series II and III are often seen.

The Range Rover is in its third-generation after 30 years but many of the original Classic models are still in service.

The Discovery doesn't go back as far but it appears as popular as ever, despite irritable build quality and electrical problems.

It was launched in 1989 and has undergone a number of changes since.

The latest model, with its more than 700 changes, was released here a few months ago and features a new look, echoing the front of the Range Rover and aimed at conveying a Land Rover family look to the Discovery outline.

It is the last in the current shape. An all-new Discovery is being tested in Britain and is expected in 2005. It will come with owner Ford components, including bigger petrol and diesel engines.

Ford is testing reaction to bigger, more powerful engines with the current American model Discovery.

It is running a 4.6-litre V8 from the previous model Range Rover. The test vehicle in Britain is running a 5-litre Ford unit.

The latest Discovery retains one of its best innovations, active cornering control, an electronic system that prevents body roll in corners.

The front and rear disc brakes have been fitted with revised pads and callipers to improve response and feel while the suspension has revised body locations to improve refinement.

The Discovery is powered by either by the 4.0-litre 136kW (184bhp) V8 petrol engine or the 2.5-litre 101kW (138bhp) Td5 five-cylinder turbodiesel engine.

The Td5 engine produces 340Nm of torque at 1950rpm and is far more frugal than the petrol unit. The Discovery starts in price at just over $69,000.