Best all terrain 4WD

In 2012, the ‘Disco’ yet again clinched the title of best all-terrain 4WD, taking its tally to a remarkable eight wins in a row.

Comfort levels are first-class, whether it be the first, second or third row; ditto the driving ergonomics, all-round visibility and (thanks to the air suspension) ride quality.

The importance of curtain airbag protection that extends to protect occupants in the standard third row of seats (these fold away into the floor when not needed) cannot be overstated.

Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre, sequential twin-turbo diesel engine, pumping out a bullish 600 Nm of torque and 180 kW of power. Fuel economy of 9.3 litres/100 km is competitive for class.

By Australia’s Best Cars’ awards definition, ‘all-terrain’ means being able to cover just that and here Discovery 4 walks the talk, thanks to an accomplished Terrain Response system that alters suspension travel, traction control and throttle mapping to allow the ‘Disco’ to go practically anywhere.

Towing capability is also a stand-out, with the Discovery 4 boasting a braked maximum towing capacity of 3500 kg and Land Rover’s trailer stability assist, a system that helps control trailer sway.