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April 3, 2008 http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/land-rover_discovery-series-ii_1999

  Sue Mead
EditorSue Mead

Land Rover’s dramatically upgraded Discovery is truly magical — not because it’s a great remake of this popular and capable British-built sport-utility vehicle, but because its refinement could be classified as a demonstration of "smoke and mirrors." What you see is not what you get: In this case, you get much more.

At first glance, the "Disco" still retains its traditional boxy, chunky appearance. Also, it still stands tall and looks ready for an African safari or tour through the Australian outback. As far as exterior changes go — namely, a modest face-lift and a stretched tail — they are barely noticeable even to the Land Rover faithful.

New stuff 'stuffed' inside

However, the interior upgrades are another story. The inside is stuffed with a host of new safety, comfort and convenience features, though they are somewhat understated, in typical British fashion.

And since folks aren’t given to immediately poking under the hood, they won’t actually see the laudable improvements to the engine and transmission, along with a collection of cutting-edge technology features. These upgrades do become apparent, however, once you get in and go for a ride. That’s when it becomes crystal clear that it's no illusion — Land Rover has made magic with its ‘99 Discovery.

While probably not evident to the naked eye, the Discovery (now called the Series II) is actually 85 percent new and shares no body panels with the original model. For starters, it's 6 inches longer (providing improved rear-seat area and comfort, plus greater cargo-carrying capacity), 4 inches wider (giving increased roominess everywhere) and a half inch lower (for easier entry and exit). Despite these changes, this compact SUV maintains the same 100-inch wheelbase and high ground clearances that it was born with. That translates into 8.2 inches at the front axle, 8.3 inches at the rear, and 10 inches under the frame.

Land Rover’s dramatically upgraded Discovery is truly magical — not because it’s a great remake of this popular and capable British-built sport-utility vehicle, but because its refinement could be classified as a demonstration of "smoke and mirrors." What you see is not what you get: In this case, you get much more. At first glance, the "Disco" still retains its traditional boxy, chunky appearance. Also, it still stands tall and looks ready for an African safari or tour through the Australian outback. As far as exterior changes go — namely, a modest face-lift and a stretched tail — they are barely noticeable even to the Land Rover faithful. New stuff 'stuffed' inside However, the interior upgrades are another story. The inside is stuffed with a host of new safety, comfort and convenience features, though they are somewhat understated, in typical British fashion. And since folks aren’t given to immediately poking under the hood, they won’t actually see the laudable improvements to the engine and transmission, along with a collection of cutting-edge technology features. These upgrades do become apparent, however, once you get in and go for a ride. That’s when it becomes crystal clear that it's no illusion — Land Rover has made magic with its ‘99 Discovery. While probably not evident to the naked eye, the Discovery (now called the Series II) is actually 85 percent new and shares no body panels with the original model. For starters, it's 6 inches longer (providing improved rear-seat area and comfort, plus greater cargo-carrying capacity), 4 inches wider (giving increased roominess everywhere) and a half inch lower (for easier entry and exit). Despite these changes, this compact SUV maintains the same 100-inch wheelbase and high ground clearances that it was born with. That translates into 8.2 inches at the front axle, 8.3 inches at the rear, and 10 inches under the frame. Land Rover’s dramatically upgraded Discovery is truly magical — not because it’s a great remake of this popular and capable British-built sport-utility vehicle, but because its refinement could be classified as a demonstration of "smoke and mirrors." What you see is not what you get: In ...