Cloaking the exceptionally rigid chassis are aluminum body panels to keep weight down (the steel roof is the only panel not formed of aluminum). The Discovery?s strong steel box-section frame was not only treated to as special anti-corrosion process, but it was also designed to eliminate moister traps as well. This is one vehicle that should last at least 20 years - given, of course, the required build quality.

The Discovery is still built in a rather antiquated production line without such modern devices as robotics, so there?s some question whether it will show the long-term durability of its competitors that come out of newer plants.

Of course, that question has already been answered in part by the Discovery?s performance in the unbelievable demands of the annual Camel Trophy safaris and Land Rover?s long experience with off-road vehicles.

The discovery looks tall and ours was - more than 14 in. taller than the Grand Cherokee, although it?s about the same length. The bubble-top configuration not only provides ample headroom for front passengers - and placement of the driver?s seat a full 36 in. above the road for superior sight lines - it allows the rear seat to be elevated to a "stadium" position so passengers in the back can see over the heads of those in front.

The list of standard features points out the discovery?s luxurious character as well as its serious intentions as a utility vehicle. The integral Class III trailer-hitch receiver, for instance, allows maximum towing capacity of 7700 lb.

Because the Discovery was designed to tackle the outback as well as the inner city, it retains a typical off-road vehicle?s tall ride height, yet a low center of gravity prevents it from feeling tippy when snaking around a freeway on?ramp. A very neat option on our vehicle was hydraulically retractable rear bumper step, which swung up and out of the way of any road obstacles.