Though it may not be obvious to the casual observer, every body panel on the Discovery Series II is new. Land Rover took an evolutionary (rather than revolutionary) approach to the design of this second-generation Discovery because owners and potential buyers said they loved the looks of the first-generation. So the Discovery Series II still sports a distinctive, utilitarian appearance. It looks ready for an African safari.

A new front-end treatment includes a restyled hood and fenders, deeper grille, and one-piece bumper with integrated fog lamps. Wider, contoured rear quarter panels feature new high-mount taillamp clusters that provide a more modern look and can be seen more easily. Range Rover-style door handles have been added that are easier to open and the doors have been reshaped to incorporate Discovery's new rising beltline. A new, electrically released fuel filler door eliminates the annoyance of manually unlocking it with a key each time. The full-size spare tire has been mounted lower on the rear door for improved visibility out back. Efforts to improve Discovery's aerodynamics are evident all around: Body gaps have been reduced, glass fit is more flush, and trim pieces are more integrated. All this results in a quieter ride.

The all-aluminum 4.0-liter Rover V8 employs a new Bosch engine management system and Thor intake manifold that increase power, efficiency and driveability. Permanent four-wheel drive means there's nothing the driver needs to do before plunging off road. Discovery comes standard with a four-speed ZF automatic transmission. A transfer case provides a low range for extremely steep or slippery terrain.

New this year is a sophisticated traction control system that detects wheel slippage and applies brake pressure to the spinning wheel, thereby directing torque to the wheels with the best traction. The system is completely automatic and requires no action by the driver. The long-travel, live-axle suspension has been revised for 1999 and boasts a wider track and new steering geometry for better highway manners.

New technology is a big part of what makes the Discovery Series II great: Hill Descent Control, a Land Rover exclusive, maintains a controllable vehicle speed during steep off-road descents. The system works in low range at speeds below 34 mph. The driver engages the system by pressing a button and keeping his or her feet off the pedals. HDC automatically applies brake pressure and, combined with engine braking, provides maximum control of the vehicle down steep grades.

The four-channel anti-lock brake system uses Electronic Brake Distribution to provide quicker, safer stops. EBD, which is standard, transfers braking force front to rear to ensure optimum balance and stability.

Active Cornering Enhancement uses hydraulic actuators to reduce body lean in turns. ACE works like an active anti-roll bar and Land Rover claims it is a "world's first" in volume production of a sport-utility vehicle. ACE comes as part of a $2,900 Performance Package that includes 255/55HR18 tires mounted on 18-inch wheels. (The Discovery comes standard with 255/65HR16 tires on 16-inch alloy wheels.) Anyone who spends most of their time on the road will benefit from this package; without it, the Series II is still a vast improvement over the previous model.

A new Self-Leveling Suspension keeps the Discovery level when carrying heavy cargo and can even be used to manually raise or lower the vehicle for off-road situations or for easing the attachment of a trailer. A remote control is offered for adjusting the system from outside. This $750 option is worthwhile only for those who do a lot of towing or off-road driving, however.

The Discovery's body-on-frame design is sturdy and functional and an off-road mishap is less likely to compromise the structure. Side-impact beams are designed into all four doors, rather than just the front doors, as is the case for many other SUVs.

Front fog lights are useful in the backcountry, while rear fog lights improve safety in adverse conditions on the highway.