In 1994, Land Rover improved the Discovery range in both versions: the 3- and the 5-doors. It brought several modifications to comply with the new safety and emissions regulations.
Land Rover didn't have the habit of doing a facelift to its vehicles. Usually, they just named-it as a new series. That's why, on some markets, the 1994 Discovery was named Discovery II, even though it was just a mid-life cycle impulse that brought external and internal modifications.
Designed as a premium SUV, the Discovery offered an excellent mix between comfort, price, and off-road abilities. It was offered in both versions, with three or five doors, to make the car more appealing for those who tried to take them into serious off-road adventures but to pay lower taxes. Some versions were registered as utility vehicles in the U.K. since they had only two doors. The 1994 model featured bigger headlights with an angled upper inbound corner and two sets of taillights in the rear, but only one was functional.
Inside, Land Rover offered a good front room for the Discovery's occupants. The two-door Discovery 1 had short front doors that made access to its rear difficult, but once passengers were installed, they were granted enough room. Not to mention the pop-out windows for them, for a breath of fresh air.
Under the hood, Land Rover dropped the older engines and adopted a new, 2.5-liter, direct-injection and turbocharged diesel. The carmaker offered the car with a 3.9-liter V8 gasoline unit. Both versions were mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a low-range transfer box.