By Mike Torpey on 2015-12-13 - Driving Force news editor and responsible for organising our daily output. He was staff motoring editor of the Liverpool Echo for 20 years.
Land Rover Discovery
Landmark - Review
LAND Rover has reached a new landmark in terms of value for money luxury.
And when the aptly named new Discovery Landmark edition hits UK streets in January it will not only give buyers a unique look but also a more premium feel.
The newcomer is based on the Disco's top spec HSE Luxury derivative but comes at the £3,975 cheaper price of £55,995.
Outside, the car's upgrade sees the addition of full length roof rails in a bright finish that highlight the Discovery's familiar stepped roof design.
Distinctive black fender vents, grille and mirror caps complement silver bonnet and tailgate badges, alongside Landmark badging to the side and rear.
That's in addition to 20-inch five-split spoke alloy wheels.
While this milestone model can be snapped up in a limited range of five body colours, one of them - Zanzibar - has been exclusively reserved for the Landmark edition. The other four are Waitomo Grey (the finish on the car we drove), Santorini Black, Yulong White and Indus Silver.
But it's the interior enhancements that make all the difference - as a comprehensive drive around the Berkshire countryside confirmed.
While the Landmark's engine and dynamics are identical to the rest of the Disco line-up the feelgood factor that comes from the model's styling can't be underestimated.
Stuff like Windsor leather seats, and an Extended Leather Pack throughout, furnishes the dashboard, door casings and fascia, while the cabin is deliberately limited to the three colours of ebony, almond and tan.
The latter is offered for the first time in a Discovery, with tan Windsor leather seats plus ebony door casings and facia and a straight grained walnut veneer trim finisher.
Customers can opt for either the Grand Black Lacquer, which adorned this variant, or a straight grained walnut wood and leather steering wheel with two other variants fitted as standard to blend with the choice of veneer.
Otherwise, the optional Land Rover InControl Apps works with the Disco's existing infotainment system so the driver can find parking spaces, stream music or locate the nearest hotel.
Beneath the bonnet is a 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine delivering 256ps and capable of returning a Combined 36.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 203g/km.
The Landmark is also a full seven-seater with stadium seating and a stowage capacity of more than 2,500 litres, a split tailgate and adjustable air suspension.
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