Land Rover has undertaken a multitude of changes to its 2010 models in NZ including the Discovery 4, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Vogue.

With new engines, upgraded interiors, improved brakes and suspension and refreshened looks, the latest Land Rover and Range Rover models have introduced more than 5000 changes in total.

Externally the cars have smoother, simpler surfaces, particularly at the front, with a new more aerodynamic bumper on the Discovery 4. The Range Rover Sport has a new two bar grille, side vents, front bumper and mudguards to create a more sporting stance. The top-spec Range Rover Vogue has a new bumper and grille and the interlocking circular design headlights now feature LED lights.

Inside the Range Rover Vogue has a new virtual instrument cluster with traditional dials replaced by a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen which is capable of presenting more information.

There is also a dual view screen option, which allows the driver and passengers to look at different things on the centrally mounted dashboard screen at the same time. This could include Sat.Nav. information being displayed to the driver, while the passengers watch a DVD.

The Discovery 4 has new fascias, doors, seats, consoles, instruments, switch gear and steering wheel.

The Range Rover Sport gets a more luxurious cabin, while retaining the sporty cockpit feel with new seats.

A revised suspension set-up on the Discovery 4 reduces body roll and improves ride quality. The Terrain ResponseTM 4WD system has been improved for all models and a “Sand Launch Control” programme added to prevent the wheels from digging in when starting off from a standstill in soft sand.

In terms of engine updates the 3.0-litre TDV6 and 5.0-litre V8’s now provide more power and torque and better economy with lower emissions. The 3.0-litre TDV6 replaces the 2.7 version and produces 180 kW and 600 Nm of torque, for 29 and 36 % improvements in power and torque respectively. But the engine is nine % more economical and has nine % less CO2 emissions.

The new V8 is available with fuel injection in the Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport with 276 kW and 510 Nm while the supercharged variant has 375 kW and 625 Nm and is available on the Range Rover Vogue and Range Rover Sport.

The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 replaces the 4.2-litre version with 29 % more power and 12 % more torque. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by seven % with the new engine.

With this increased performance, all models have larger braking systems, with a Brembo system helping out on the Supercharged models.

Pricing of the Discovery 4 starts from $89,990, while the Range Rover Sport begins at $134,990 and the Range Rover Vogue from $184,990.

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