hood. It's understated and very British. It stands tall, a boxy design made up of aluminum panels with minimal

concessions to aerodynamic efficiency. It's a design built for function and practicality and that appeals to its

buyers. Discovery buyers say they don't want a cookie-cutter sport-utility-they want something different.

And the Discovery is different. The rear of its roof panel is raised to increase headroom for rear-seat

passengers. Small, distinctive alpine windows wrap around the top edges of the elevated roof to let in light

and increase visibility in the mountains.

Efficiency on the outside is matched by strength underneath. A stout ladder chassis rides on live axles with

coil springs. A proven all-aluminum V8 engine drives all four wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.

The all-wheel-drive system works full time for sure traction in all conditions. When it gets slippery, the center

differential can be locked. When it gets steep, the two-speed transfer case can be shifted into low range.

Two trim levels are offered for 1998, LS and LSE. Both are well-equipped, with heated eight-way power front

seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, dual sunroofs, air conditioning and one-touch down front windows. From

the outside, the LSE is differentiated by its chrome bumpers and body colored grille, bumper end caps and mirrors.

The Discovery is capable of towing 5500 pounds and a nicely designed class III trailer hitch receiver is

integrated into the frame. A HomeLink system opens garage doors and gates or turns on house lighting at the touch

of a button. In the event of an accident, an inertia switch stops fuel flow, unlocks all the doors and turns on the hazard lights.