The unveiling of the latest Discovery marks the third new vehicle launch in a matter of months by Land Rover, part of the Premier Automotive Group of the Ford Motor Company. These include Freelander, which went on sale in December of last year, and the new Range Rover which premiered at the North American International Auto Show in January.

The interior features two new colours: "Alpaca" beige and "Land Rover Black." These new color themes give the interior a new ambience, enhancing the spacious feel of the Discovery interior, which can seat up to seven passengers. Improved noise-absorbing materials, body mounts and engine compartment seals improve the refinement of the latest Discovery. The revised profile of the new front bumper not only refreshes the styling of the 2003 Discovery but also improves its cross-country ability over rocky ground thanks to a better angle of approach.

The Discovery retains its four-wheel Electronic Traction Control (ETC) and the Hill Descent Control (HDC) system and also features a number of braking and chassis improvements to further enhance on-road handling. The front and rear disc brakes have improved pads and calipres, while the suspension has revised locations for greater refinement.

These improvements can be combined with Discovery's dynamic control systems of Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) and Self Leveling Suspension (SLS). The ACE system minimizes roll through bends while the air-sprung SLS system retains a level stance under all load combinations. This combination, allied with wide track axles and revised suspension set-up gives the Discovery handling and passenger comfort unrivalled in its class. Four-channel ABS braking with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is fitted as standard.

In launching the new 2003 Discovery, Bob Dover, Land Rover managing director said, "The changes made to the 2003 Discovery improve key aspects of the vehicle from its distinctive styling to its on- and off-road performance. The front end styling treatment provides an easily identified family resemblance to the new Range Rover while the new interior treatments complement its spacious packaging. With the chassis and powertrain improvements Land Rover has built on the Discovery's well-known strengths in on-road handling and off-road capability to re-assert the model's class-leading position in the 4x4 marketplace."