For 2003, Land Rover has revamped the equipment packaging and Discovery model lineup. There are now three Discovery models: S ($34,350), SE ($38,350), and HSE ($40,350).
All three models use the new 217-horsepower aluminum 4.6-liter V8, with a sophisticated four-speed electronic transmission with Normal, Sport and Manual modes. Every Discovery uses a permanent (full-time) four-wheel-drive with a two-speed transfer case. It comes standard with traction control, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, and Hill Descent Control. Also standard are a power driver's seat; dual zone climate control; rear window washer, wiper and defroster; and rear fog lights.
Standard equipment with Discovery S includes seats covered with Duragrain, a tough, attractive vinyl-like material that comes in black or beige; an Alpine 100-watt AM/FM/cassette audio system with six speakers; and 16-inch alloy wheels.
SE and HSE come with black or beige leather seats and burled wood trim. Both offer six-disc CD changers, the SE using a 220-watt Phillips/Lear 12-speaker system, and the HSE using a 320-watt Harman Kardon system with 11 speakers. Both come with 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, dual power sunroofs, headlight washers, a cargo tonneau cover, and a Class III tow hitch.
HSE adds a GPS navigation system, power front passenger seat, rear park distance control (a convenient beeper that gauges relative distance to contact), and a self-leveling suspension with rear air springs, good for heavy loads.
Options for all models include a heated windshield and front seats, rear air conditioning, a third-row seat package consisting of two Duragrain jump seats and a hydraulic step for entry from the rear, and Java Black paint.
An optional Performance Package ($1700) for the SE and HSE includes Land Rover's Active Cornering Enhancement system. For 2003, a headliner-mounted DVD system is available.