JLR South Africa – this Heritage Month – is running a really cool campaign called “Discover the South Africa You Love”. Essentially it was about encouraging South Africans, especially those who drive JLR products like Land Rovers and Range Rovers, to go out there, explore and discover places, people that inspire and remind them of the country they love so much. Fortunately my family and I joined up in this super campaign and we were presented with the Land Rover Discovery Gemini as our steed.
Discovery, currently in its 5th generation (hence the nickname Disco 5), is a moniker that many of us grew up around. For us, it would have been our first introduction to the Land Rover world, following the iconic Defender. Built to almost match the legacy Defender’s off-road capability, but with added daily practicality, the Discovery opened up a new world to Land Rover customers. And our Gemini model was no different.
Gemini has special additions to it by the way. Yes you still get the Discovery look, but with some differences. For example, our Sedona Red unit with a black roof was adorned with 22-inch black wheels to match the black lower front grille and dark privacy windows. Being a Land Rover means the suspension can be lowered down to almost sedan height, or raised to 285mm, giving it a 900mm water wading depth. My 11 year old daughter preferred this level, although ingress meant she had to stretch really long to access the Discovery Gemini. That’s off-road height, and the car does level down once road speeds are attained.
The other favourite feature of my daughter’s are the seven seats. Under normal circumstances she’s only allowed to sit in the rear middle seat, flanked by her two older siblings. However, in the Discovery, she could rest by herself on the third row, unbothered. Those leather/ suede seats are pretty plush. And that is how she would travel to the marvelous wonder that is Gold Reef City in the south of Johannesburg one Saturday September morning.
Gold Reef City is Mzansi’s premier theme park, with the most exhilarating rides on the African continent. Because the Discovery is a family adventure vehicle, I wanted to align it to the theme park as a dual vehicle; comfortable in the city, superb off-road. The commonalities don’t end there of course. Turns out Golf Reef City tickets are now available online, with purchases that only require some digits to retrieve at the park itself. No need to print anything. Current tech at play.
The Discovery drips with tech. Besides the off-road tech like the 3D surround camera system and Advanced Tow Assist, there’s also ClearSight Ground View, which helps driver virtually see through the bonnet for front-lying obstacles. Everyday connected features like Android Auto with live Google Maps are accessed through the 29cm Pivi Pro touch screen. I’m a radio lover, through and through, so the 700W, 14-speaker Meridian Surround Sound system came in really handy.
Speaking of power, Discovery Gemini is equipped with plenty under the bonnet. That 3.0-litre turbo diesel Ingenium motor is good for some 257kW of serious power, accompanied by a thumping 700Nm of pulling torque, both sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Obviously Johannesburg is not a rural city with much off-roading to do, so we take some detours for that kind of drive. A facility like Gerotek also comes in handy. Under normal driving, the Discovery is at home traversing tar roads like the N1, M1 and suburban streets. Comfort is not under question at all, with unevenness absorbed with ease. That Ingenium engine and transmission powertrain is smooth, flying through gears without a care. Gemini’s 89 litre diesel tank emptied out after about 900km of discovery, which means one can drive between Joburg and Durban without needing to refuel along the way.
Gold Reef City is physically demanding. Perhaps it is my advancing age profile. Having said that, my companions were no better off either. We kicked off our morning at the Golden Loop, a fast topless train that literally blasts off on a straight line, loops on a rail in a matter of seconds and comes to a standstill in the midst of terrified screams, prayers and shrills. My wife loved it. My children though? Not so much. Regardless, the adrenaline is indescribable. It reminded me of the one time I launched Discovery Gemini: left foot on the brake pedal, right one on the accelerator, the back crouches slightly, let go of the brake and the thing takes off like a potato launcher.
The ride on the Ferris Wheel is always calm, almost sedated. Views are awesome, going far and wide in all Jozi directions. Similar to the views provided when Discovery Gemini is riding on its highest heels, tackling the bundu tracks.
Congo Queen, an unassuming large boat whose job is to rock you up and down like a lullaby. Apparently the thrill is that she goes up pretty high before returning back down, swinging along joyfully as she passes by. I saw the parallel with the Discovery in the laid back stance, hiding hidden talents until called upon.
And that is really the beauty and the strength of the car. While others, including siblings, peacock around all day all, Discovery takes the back seat, waiting its opportunity. When it knocks, all the pieces are together. All the talent is unleashed. It may well be the most complete vehicle in the range.
