Land Rover Discovery 2 2.5Td5 Diesel

Better interior and more modern styling than Disco 1.  V8 thirsty, but wonderfull to drive and getting quite cheap.  High-spec Td5s still dear.

Dimensions H1980mm; W2190mm; L4705mm

Max Load Capacity 1.7 cubic metres  Insurance Group 12-15

The Series II Discovery debuted in 1998. The interior and exterior was re-worked to be less utilitarian, but it was still very similar to the Series I. However, every body panel was new (and incompatible) except the rear door outer skin. The rear body was extended to improve load space but at the expense of added rear overhang, which adversely impacted off-road ability. However, overall off-road ability remains impressive and in practical terms, choice of tyres is far more relevant. Changes to the diesel engined models saw the 2495cc Td5 (in-line direct-injected 5 cylinder) engine introduced, in line with the updated Defender models. This electronically managed engine was smoother, producing more usable torque at lower revs than its 300 Tdi predecessor. The Td5 engine is commonly attributed to BMW but the engine was derived from the Rover L-series passenger car engine and developed by Land Rover. The V8 petrol version was increased to 4.0 litres at the same time. ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement, an electronically controlled hydraulic anti-roll bar system) was fitted to some versions, which reduced cornering roll to insignificant proportions. Self-levelling air springs were fitted to some models and European type-approval for 7-seat vehicles was only given for air-sprung cars.

Facelifted Land Rover Discovery Series IIThe locking centre differential was still fitted, although the linkage to operate it was not attached, as Land Rover believed that the traction control and newly-developed Hill Descent Control would render it redundant. In 2002, US models saw the mechanism itself finally removed. At this time the mechanism was removed on European 02 Model Year vehicles and remained fully deleted until the face-lifted model was introduced later in that year. Customer demand saw the mechanism and controls fully reinstated as a cost option only (standard on top of range HSE/ES vehicles) on UK/Irish models. The "face-lift" models are easily identified by new "pocketed" headlamps which matched the Range Rover and face-lifted Freelander models. As with earlier models, however, this can be deceptive since kits are available to modify 1998 - 2002 vehicles with the newer lights.

A small number of Discovery II Commercial models were produced by Land Rover Special Vehicles, this time based on the five-door bodyshell but with the windows rendered opaque to give van-like appearance and security. Normal vehicles were exported to Republic of Ireland, where the rear side windows were smashed and rear seats were destroyed in the presence of a Revenue official, to offer a model that avoided the usurious Vehicle Registration Tax (saving approximately 40%).