Land Rover SA launches new Discovery Sport

The first member of the new Discovery family, Discovery Sport, features 5+2 seating in a footprint no larger than existing five-seat sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Discovery Sport’s progressive design approach defines the new family with optimised volume, proportions and stance.

Its design leadership combines with engineering integrity to result in a dynamic profile, the ultimate use of interior space and seating configuration.

“Our challenge has been to combine premium design with exceptional versatility – the two attributes must work in harmony,” says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director and chief creative officer.

“I’m proud to say we’ve achieved that: Discovery Sport’s dynamic design will resonate on an emotional level with consumers and this vehicle is more versatile than any other premium compact SUV on the market.”

The new Discovery Sport. Picture: Supplied.

This spirit of adventure is reflected in Discovery Sport’s interior, which features high-quality materials and a strong vertical centre console graphic to reflect the premium design of the exterior. The core Discovery value of versatility is evident everywhere.

Storage solutions are integrated into the cabin and up to four 12V power points and six USB charging sockets can be specified for all three rows of seating, allowing the luxury of multiple electronic devices to be charged simultaneously.

A host of innovations have allowed Land Rover to introduce the versatility of 5+2 seating into the premium compact SUV class for the first time. A new multilink rear axle not only provides engaging driving dynamics, but also provides ample cabin space behind the second row.

The new Discovery Sport. Picture: Supplied.

Coupled with supple long-travel suspension, the rear axle also ensures the Discovery Sport is comfortable, refined and rewarding to drive, while retaining the breadth of all-terrain capability for which Land Rover is renowned.

In fact, with approach, departure and breakover angles of 25°, 31° and 21° respectively, Terrain Response technology and the ability to wade to 600mm, it offers class-leading capability in all conditions.

As with every new Land Rover, safety has been a key priority, resulting in a first-in-class pedestrian airbag, autonomous emergency braking and a state-of-the-art bodyshell featuring ultra-high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium.

The new Discovery Sport. Picture: Supplied.

This represents a small portion of the advanced equipment available in Discovery Sport, which also includes a new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system and tilt-and-slide row-two seating for maximum interior configuration. The Discovery Sport is equipped with a range of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.

Both the all-alloy Si4 2.0-litre petrol engine and the 2.2-litre turbodiesel feature high-pressure direct injection, low-friction internal components and smart regenerative charging for outstanding performance and economy.

“Discovery Sport is the newest member of the expanding Discovery family, offering the practicality of 5+2 seating in a premium package,” said Richard Gouverneur, managing director, Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa.

The new Discovery Sport. Picture: Supplied.

“It is, without a doubt, the most accomplished vehicle in its segment.” Discovery Sport is produced at Land Rover’s award-winning manufacturing facility at Halewood, Liverpool, in England.