By Khulekani Dumisa

Land Rover has updated its iconic Discovery and it has gone on sale in Mzansi. Prices start from R1,452,700. Here are 5 things you need to know about the refreshed Disc

1. New engines

Powering the upgraded Discovery are two new 3.0-litre straight-six Ingenium engines petrol and diesel engines. The petrol version features 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology. This powerful P360 powertrain offers outputs of 265kW and 500Nm, and provides a 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds. The new D300 six-cylinder Ingenium diesel features lightweight aluminium construction and replaces the previous SD4 and SDV6 diesels. With hefty outputs of 221kW and 650Nm, the D300 can accelerate to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

2. New-look four-spoke steering wheel and interior

The interior of the new Discovery features a new-look four-spoke steering wheel, a completely redesigned centre console with larger 11.4-inch, full HD touchscreen with the new ClearSight Ground View technology, Pivi Pro infotainment system featuring Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, an HD 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display, and an optional full-colour Head-Up Display.

3. Wireless charging

The Discovery also offers wireless charging with signal boosting technology which is available as an option across the range. Connectivity is provided by dual-sim technology, with two LTE modems enabling the system to carry out multiple functions at the same time – such as streaming media and downloading Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates.

4. Intelligent Seat Fold

The Intelligent Seat Fold technology in the new Discovery allows customers to effortlessly configure the seating layout using the central touchscreen, while Remote app technology lets customers keep tabs on the fuel status and location of their vehicle and even unlock and lock the doors.

5. New R-Dynamic package

The new R-Dynamic package boasts a series of unique design elements, including Gloss Black and Shadow Atlas exterior accents on the exterior and two-tone leather and contrast seat stitching on the interior. R-Dynamic models also include Premium LED headlights which produce a colour of light that is closer to daylight, which Land Rover claims will help drivers distinguish objects more easily and help to reduce driver fatigue. Driving at night or in poor visibility is made easier by Auto High Beam Assist (AHBA) which automatically switches on and headlights and dip for oncoming traffic.

Pricing

The updated Land Rover Discovery is priced as follows:

Discovery D300 S – R1,452,700

Discovery D300 SE R-Dynamic – R1,561,200

Discovery D300 HSE R-Dynamic – R1,675,900

Discovery P360 S – R1,487,600

Discovery P360 SE R-Dynamic – R1,596,100

Discovery P360 HSE R-Dynamic – R1,710,900