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STREET TEST

MOST OF us know that
Land Rovers have long been
used by explorers, rescue

., teams, and other high-

demand occupations to
cover some of the most
inhospitable land on earth.

But not many know the venera-
ble import has other high profile
uses. The Popemobile is made
from one. The Queen drives one.
And you’ ve seen the Princess of
Wales whisked away in one.

Now you can buy one of the
world’s best all-purpose vehicles,
for just under $43,000.

Discovery is the newest mem-
ber of the Land Rover family. And
although it costs $31,000 less the
its big brother, the Range Rover, it
shares many of the same design
features; aluminum body, a steel
ladder-type chassis, and a 3.9-litre
V-8. While most sport-utility own-
ers will never take their hardware
off road, Land Rover owners can
take pride in knowing that their
truck is top of the hil] — or at least
will get them to the top of the hill.

_ lf Thad to pick one vehicle to
get me through the elements, over
a mountain, across a river or up
the sea to sky highway to Whistler
for the weekend, it would be a
Land Rover. This is not to say that
other trucks don't do as good a
job, it’s just that the Land Rover
Discovery is designed as an off-
roader first and a grocery-getter
second.

Four-wheel drive heritage,
along with some snob appeal,
comes with the purchase of each
new Discovery. The full time all-

-« wheel drive system can run in high

gear for city and highway use and
low gear for towing, climbing and
off-road use.

1 had a chance to take this new
truck off road, and the power from
the throaty V-8 is more than
enough to climb large bumps, ruts
and hills. With the four-wheel-
drive system in low. mud pits
looked and felt less intimidating.
Off road, no problem.

On the open road, some other
sport utilities do a better job of
insulating the driver and passen-
gers from the outside world. Even
though my test truck came
equipped with optional leather
seats, two sunroofs (front and
back) and a four speed automatic,
it still felt more like a utility vehi-
cle than a luxury cruiser. [also
noticed a vibration from the drive
train and a loud whine at highway
speeds.

Along with side-impact protec-
tion and ABS, Discovery is the
first sport-utility truck to come
with two air bags as standard
equipment. The driver also has a
commanding view of the road
through the abundance of window
space and high driver's seat.

Seven passengers can be hauled
around, thanks to two small jump
seats in the rear loading area. The
tear passenger doors are narrow.

met

ZACK GIVES the 1995 Land
Rover Discovery four gears
out of a possible five.

And while this affords the kids
easy access to the cabin, bigger
people will find it a squeeze.

If your need for a sport-utility
truck consists of driving back and
forth to work and the occasional
trip to ski country, then there are
lots of trucks that can fill your dri-
veway for less money.

If, however, a serious four-
wheel-drive truck is what you're
after, then the new Discovery
allows you to not only go off-road-
ing with confidence but do it in the
same style as the royal and right-
eous.

Zack Spencer can be heard on
295.3 FM. He also hosts BCTV's
Street Test. -

AM EM tae

WHO TO CALL:
Auto Editor
A.P. McCredie

985-2131 (113)

MOTUS

Ate AMET NC

The real reason many CEOs are
unavailable for comment.

r
These days, more and more chief executives can't
be reached because they're behind closed doors.

The doors of the 1995 Range Rover County
LAB. to be exitec,

Beeause with its permanent four-wheel drive
and -6.2 Heer V>S engine, the Range Rover County
IW van easily cike people phices even cellular
phones can't reach.

Not to mention lesser yds.

And, in addition to such contidence-inspiring
features as electronic Craction control and anti-

lock brakes, it’s the first 4x4 to offer dual airbags,
to better proteet the corparat 1S,

This Range Rover also boasts a completely
redesigned and reengineered interior, offering a
level of contort and polish impressive even to
owners of carlier Range Rovers.

So why not come in for atest driver

And start climbing something besides the
corporate tadder.

<> RANGE ROVER

MCL MOTOR CARS (1992) Inc.

Burrard Street, Vancouver

an

738-5377

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Photos submitted