DG wrote:

In a years time we will all be saying how it's grown on us ...then how it's actually a good motor....oh hang on how it's actually a fantastic motor.

Why because history tells us thats what we will do

DG wrote:

In a years time we will all be saying how it's grown on us ...then how it's actually a good motor....oh hang on how it's actually a fantastic motor.

Why because history tells us thats what we will do

If only that were reasonable. Unfortunately, while the sentiment seems logical, there are two big issues with it. Firstly, that every time the car changes, it moves into a different position on the scale - between practicality/utility and luxury/performance, if you like - and secondly, because never before has the true intention of the vehicle changed so much.

It is over simplifying to assume that every change of a vehicle works the same way when things are clearly different. The only real history to look at is the D2 to D3 change; a scenario where many people complained that it looked like a van. It's also now lost its wheel arch trims, chunky bumpers and practical upright shape. No doubt it is a lot lighter too. We may be looking at a return to coil springs from air as standard. We may be looking at a reduction in engine displacement for some models. None of these things have happened before.

Let's be realistic about what history really does tell us because in many ways we are stepping into new territory here. I have every reason to believe it is a great vehicle at it's core, and I'm sure it will be, but whether it will be suited to many of us as a direct replacement for the D3/4 is another matter.

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BLFarrar wrote:

but it shouldn't be at the expense of abandoning their existing customers...
....plush leather, heated steering wheels, bling & toys are far removed from vehicle capability & capacity.

....the whole idea is (or should be) to have a differentiated range with vehicle that cater for all who want them....with a differentiated range of prices.

If they are all premium, top of the range, out of the capabilities of a section of the buying public you leave some of the buying public behind.
J77 I suspect you have a Disco 3/4 & not a FFRR...I will surmise this is because the Disco represented a capable capacious vehicle at a cost you could afford...which explains the situation perfectly.

Jaguar have got it just right with the F-Pace specification & pricing...also with the XE

I agree with "adapt or die" as a theory - but the vacuum of not having an affordable Discovery as opposed to a high spec, less than capable in comparison to what we have right now...means other makers will fill that gap.

Have a real good look at other makers ranges...VW/AUDI...BMW...MERC....Toyota....KIA

I quite agree. I think that LR are being somewhat disingenious - they should be able to produce a vehicle that meets the growing market without losing the core utility end. It's the universal appeal that make the D3/4 so special - because it is every bit an alternative to both a white van and a Range Rover. This is LR's competitive advantage, and they are pretty much throwing it away. It's not clever to put all your eggs in one basket, and LR shouldn't have to.

 Current: Discovery 3 06MY (55 reg) HSE Auto Zambezi Silver Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
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DG wrote:

I disagree because people enjoy saying how crap they think something is and history eventually says otherwise ...because there were plenty of D2 owners who hated the D3 and yet went on to convert with permagrin abound

Yeah, but we aren't all saying how crap it is are we? We're just saying that the target market has changed and it's not for us any more.

 Current: Discovery 3 06MY (55 reg) HSE Auto Zambezi Silver Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
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Previous: FL2 56 reg SE Manual Black (written off )
Disco 3 06 reg B7S Manual Rimini Red
Disco 2 TD5 Y reg ES Manual Blue - Chipped
Several Discovery 300 TDis
 

Russell wrote:

dantheman wrote:

MHP wrote:

Well away in Mexico at the moment and have met a chap who is involved heavily in building the D5 and it's bloody stunning!

The build date he has given us is the same as i got 6 months ago. Building should start in mid May to early June of 2016.

Preproduction cars in camo have been about for a while but will become more obvious in the next months or two

Mark

Unfortunately Mark it would seem the guy you spoke too should have gone to specsavers "Stunning" is not a word that can describe the pictures we are seeing and he is abit out on the timings as well



Shame really as it could have been a ground breaking design again.

Think that is down to the individual view, I like it from what you can see so far. One thing I do not like is the stupid black wheel arch trims. Do not like them on the DS either.
As for build dates, not so sure as he is that far out. Looking at the latest picture it would appear that may be they have run a few down a line already as the latest picture looks very close to the finished article to me, and if they had not had the issues on the production line with panel gaps then it may well have been in full production by now.