124 MOTORING ROAD TESTS BY NICK FLETCHER
OUR MOTORING COLUMN, BY THE EXPERIENCED AND AWARD WINNING LOCAL MOTORING JOURNALIST NICK FLETCHER HELPS OUR READERS CHOOSE THE BEST OF THE LATEST CARS.
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
THE LAND ROVER DISCOVERY IS AN ICONIC MODEL, VISUALLY UNMISTAKABLE, REFINED ON-ROAD AND UNRIVALLED OFF-ROAD. THERE ARE IMPRESSIVE RIVALS IN ITS SECTOR INCLUDING THE AUDI A7, VOLVO XC90 AND MERCEDES GLE, YET THERE IS SUCH MYSTIQUE ABOUT THE DISCOVERY IT IS ARGUABLY IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN. There are around a dozen versions of Discovery with
petrol and diesel choices, starting from around £45,895 for the featured car, the entry-level S version. It is quite well equipped with features including touch-screen infotainment, air-con, cruise contol, powered tailgate, 19-inch alloys, air suspension and safety kit including lane departure warning and auto emergency braking. The popular choice 4-cylinder twin-
turbo 2.0 litre diesel offers a hefty 237 hp, delivering 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds, top speed of 121 mph and respectable fuel- economy of 43.4 mpg combined. Emission figure is 171 g/km. The exterior styling is cool and classy, the cabin has
DISCOVERY GETS TOP MARKS FOR PRACTICALITY
while there is some body-roll on tight corners, the car still feels planted and assured. While permanent four-wheel drive is standard you can, at the turn of a dial, tailor the response to suit mud, snow or even sand. Most of the time, the Discovery will be on
the tarmac but should the terrain get tough, it can certainly cope. I’ve driven one up a Scottish mountain in deep snow and it never
faltered! Discovery gets top marks for practicality - even the
more wow-factor than any other in the sector and when you start driving, it is surprising how quick and agile the car is, partly due to being around 480 kg lighter than previous models. The diesel unit is impressively smooth and quiet, the 8 -speed auto box seamless. The ride quality is refined, and
third-row seats at the back can take adults in comfort and there is still boot space of 258 litres. With all seats folded down, there is a van-like 2,400 litres available. Overall, Discovery S is a great package at an attractive
price for a premium seven-seater with all wheel drive and plenty of style and image.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ESTATE
the boxes of those seeking space, day-to-day practicality and dependability. One of VW’s best-selling and award-winning models,
the Passat estate is priced from £23,630. Lighter and more spacious than previous versions, the latest Passat estate is a refined cruiser and load-lugger which can also be neat and nimble in urban use. There are petrol and diesel options and my test model
THE CHOICE OF ESTATE CARS IS NOT AS PLENTIFUL AS IT ONCE WAS BUT THERE ARE STILL STRONG CONTENDERS IN A SECTOR WHICH RETAINS A LOYAL FOLLOWING. At the head of the list is the Volkswagen Passat Estate.
Beautifully styled, robustly built and with a more upmar- ket and luxury feel than main rivals, the Passat will tick all
was a 2.0 litre 148 hp diesel in Business SE trim. Priced at £30,115, it was fitted with smooth-shifting 7-speed auto transmission. Standard kit is extensive. Among the highlights: pre- and post-crash safety features, keyless start, front and rear parking sensors, 3-zone air-con, adaptive cruise control, auto lights and wipers, DAB radio/CD, sat-nav, internet access and smart-phone connectivity, alloy wheels, roof rails and variable boot floor. Boot space is a substantial
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