To find out if Land Rover's stripped out Discovery Commercial can compete against its more utilitarian pick-up rivals, we put the latest model to the test. Geoff Ashcroft reports.
Vans, or commercial vehicles, offer a generous kick-back for VAT-registered businesses. But the downsides for a predominantly off-road based farming sector are plenty.
Towing, traction, ground clearance and refinement are among the compromises, but Land Rover has attempted to offset those frustrations with a commercial version of its Discovery SUV. At least, perhaps, until the latest incarnation of its venerable Defender arrives.
What starts life as a fully-fledged passenger carrying version is unceremoniously stripped of its giblets. This leaves two front seats in combination with a sturdy, load-carrying platform filling the space behind.
A full-height bulkhead with a steel lower and a mesh upper, maintains the view through the load area while keeping front seat occupants protected. This leaves a little bit of space behind the front seats for small items, while a full-width storage cubby sits beneath the load platform, accessed by opening the rear doors. Panels block the rear side windows, and rear window controls have been isolated too.
This is a very much a niche solution, with a price tag to match - what starts at £45,000 quickly escalates to nearly £60,000 with options and VAT.
It does combine a useful mix of storage with proven off-road credibility. However, while 1,856 litres of load space provides just 653kg of payload, unlike the more generous double-cab pickup truck alternatives, it is all undercover and can be securely locked out of sight. It is a payload matched by many other commercial SUV's.
For a two-litre, its 240hp makes it easy to overlook the V6, for those happy to compromise on power and refinement. And while those two extra cylinders might bring 700Nm of torque and 306hp, they also add a hefty £3,300 to the price.
S and HSE specifications are also available, and all versions get electronic air suspension and an eight-speed auto-box. Both play handsomely when it comes to refinement.
But this is never going to be a big seller, and it does offer a completely different proposition for those seeking a comfortable and capable all-wheel drive van. The biggest stumbling block for many will be the Discovery Commercial's price.
Need to know
- Model tested: Land Rover Discovery Commercial SD4 SE
- Price: £45,637+vat (£49,112+vat as tested)
- Engine: 2.0-litre Ingenium SD4, 240hp @ 4,000rpm, 430Nm @ 1,400rpm
- Transmission: Eight-speed auto, Terrain Response 2 permanent 4wd
- Performance: 121mph, 8.3 sec, 30.4-33.7mpg, 194g/km CO2 emissions
- Towing capacity: 3,500kgs
Verdict
Big and bold load carrier with plenty of flair, the Land Rover Discovery Commercial provides plenty of space for assorted loads and muddy dogs, and a super-comfortable drive from diesel-auto drivetrain and air-suspension that can be jacked up when heading off road.
