Embracing the adventurous spirit has defined the Discovery family for the past 30 years, writes Trish Whelan. The Discovery Sport has been a real sales success for Land Rover, leading the way for the past three years and selling almost half a million models to date.
During that time, it has won a number of awards and introduced a big number of new, younger families into the brand.
The new LR Discovery Sport is a true Land Rover with its versatility and go-anywhere ethos. JLR says it can wade rivers, climb mountains and explore places other SUVs can’t reach.
This latest version has been updated with the latest user-friendly technology and more efficient, electrified engines while being every inch a Land Rover combining its all-terrain handling with all-weather capability including a wading depth of 600mm, All-Wheel Drive and a second-generation Active Driveline system. Terrain Response 2 automatically detects the surface and adjusts the torque delivery to best suit the conditions. It can tow up to 2,500kg and that the Advanced Tow Assist makes reversing with a trailer safer than ever.
The premium cabin of this compact 5+2 SUV is now even more plush with its levels of craftsmanship and comfort.
It is also bigger inside with more room for everyone and offers increased small and large stowage spaces, up to 1,794 litres.
New seats across each of the three rows provide more comfort and versatility thanks to the second row 40:20:40 split fold and slide functionality allowing a possible 24 seat combinations. Those seated in the second and third row get individual heating and ventilation controls.
The fuel tank can now take up to 65 litres, a 20 per cent increase in capacity.
The Discovery Sport is built on Land Rover’s latest Premium Transverse Architecture that ‘revolutionises comfort and handling and supports electrification with its advanced Mild and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle powertrains’.
Available across the range of four-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, the mild hybrid delivers C02 emissions from 144g/km C02 (NEDC equivalent) and fuel economy up to 6.9 L/100kms (40.0mpg). A more efficient plug-in hybrid electric vehicle model and three-cylinder petrol Ingenium engine will arrive later this year.
The most efficient Discovery Sport model will be the Front-Wheel Drive 150hp diesel with manual transmission with emissions from 140g/km C02 and fuel economy from 5.9 L/100kms (47.8mpg).
Trims are S, SE and HSE in addition to the R-Dynamic variant that marks itself out with Shadow Atlas script on the bonnet and tailgate. Standard features on all models include a reversing camera as well as a suite of advanced driver assistance systems including Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and a Driver Condition Monitor.
This vehicle has been designed to meet the digital demands of a modern family. While on the go, the Touch Pro infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and 4G WiFi hotspot keep you and your family and friends connected, informed and entertained everywhere.
It is available with a ‘smart rear view mirror’ that transforms into a video screen at the flick of a switch to display what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. Offering a wider field of vision and superior visibility in low light conditions from a camera mounted above the rear window, the mirror ensures rear visibility isn’t compromised by a second row passenger or by bulky items in the boot.
Ground View technology helps drivers navigate high city centre kerbs or tackle rough terrain by projecting camera images that offer a virtual 180-degree view beneath the car onto the touchscreen - effectively making the bonnet invisible.
This 'go anywhere' premium compact SUV will be available to order from June when Irish pricing will be announced.
