Sporting the latest user-friendly technology, more efficient, electrified engines, a transformed interior, updated exterior, and refined capability the new Land Rover Discovery Sport is ready for adventures large and small …
Embracing the adventurous spirit that has defined the Discovery family for the past thirty years, the new Discovery Sport is a striking evolution of the original, demonstrating versatility in a finer form. Its spacious, more comfortable 5+2 interior has been transformed with the latest infotainment interface and connectivity system as found in its bigger siblings, and a more flexible seating arrangement.
Outside, trademark Discovery design cues such as the clamshell bonnet, rising beltline, and the tapered roof have been retained, but its proportions have been optimised with new LED lights and updated front grille and bumpers. Inside, the digital Touch Pro infotainment system and more premium materials throughout have transformed the cabin to create a practical, high-quality space.
New seats provide improved comfort and versatility and fold and slide functionality boost the possible number of seat combinations to 24. Versatility is further enhanced with improved small item stowage across all rows, loading space of 1,794 ℓ and a 20% increase in fuel tank capacity (up to 65 ℓ).
The latest Discovery Sport is also available with a ‘smart rear-view mirror’ and ‘invisible bonnet’ ClearSight Ground View technology (as found in the new Range Rover Evoque and Velar), wireless charging for compatible mobile devices, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and USB and 12-volt connectivity points on every row.
Drivetrains and trim
As all other Land Rover models the new Disco Sport will be available in Standard, S, R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE, and R-Dynamic HSE trim. The R-Dynamic variants mark themselves out with Shadow Atlas script on the bonnet and tailgate, and branded treadplates inside.
While electrified models are available overseas, only Ingenium diesel and petrol engine models, all paired with a ZF nine-speed transmission, will initially be offered locally. The 2.0-litre diesel, badged D180, offers 132 kW and 430 Nm and returns an average fuel consumption of 5.8 ℓ/100 km, according to Land Rover.
The P250 petrol delivers 183 kW and 365 Nm with an average consumption of 8.0 ℓ/100 km. An even more efficient P300e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version is scheduled to join the range in South Africa in 2020. It remains every inch a Land Rover, with Terrain Response 2 for assured all-terrain handling, a wading depth of 600 mm, All-Wheel Drive, and an Active Driveline system.
A reversing camera is standard on all models, alongside a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. The new Discovery Sport is scheduled for South African introduction near the end of this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the time.
Text: Paul van Gass / Images: Land Rover SA
