Discovery Sport [Official] 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport
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The Land Rover Discovery Sport (internal code L550) is a compact luxury crossover SUV produced by Jaguar Land Rover since 2014, under their Land Rover marque, and since 2017 their best-selling model. Introduced in late 2014, it replaces the Freelander in a revised Land Rover range of vehicles, with Discovery joining Range Rover as a sub-brand. Contrary to its predecessor, the slightly larger car is also available in a seven seat layout.
marley71
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You can see that there is a bit of footwell cut-out space for the +2 guys.
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2014/11/2016-land-rover-discovery-sport-photo-gallery.html
Nice profile pic from LAAS
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2014/11/2016-land-rover-discovery-sport-photo-gallery.html
marley71
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marley71
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http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/land-rover-discovery-sport-review-2014-12-05
What is it?
Land Rover's replacement for the Freelander - and rival to the BMW X3, Audi Q5 et al - replete with shiny new nameplate and two more seats than before. Yes, within the Discovery Sport's 459cm length are squeezed no fewer than seven seats: the conventional five, plus a pair of evening-and-weekend efforts neatly stowed in the very back.
The hardware is a mixture of familiar and fresh. The Discovery Sport borrows its front-end structure from the Evoque (which itself draws upon the old Freelander), but the rear end is all new, incorporating a multi-link suspension set-up that, as well as promising better on- and off-road manners than the Freelander, also frees up the necessary space to incorporate those two extra seats.
How is it?
Impressively civilised on road, with barely a lick of wind or road noise even at motorway speed. In terms of refinement, this is a quantum leap forward from the Freelander, and a whole lot better to drive, too.
The steering is, for an SUV, surprisingly sharp around the straight-ahead, imbuing the Discovery Sport with an unexpectedly, well, sporty demeanour without the iron ride of some of its German rivals. Like the Evoque, the damping is taut without veering into crashy, the Sport staying composed in fast corners, feeling more car than seven-seat SUV. It's a satisfying thing to drive fast, if that's your soft-roader bent.
Probably more relevantly, the Discovery Sport is a comfortable cruiser, a car capable of polishing off big miles without taxing its driver. The interior is smartly appointed, with more than a hint of big-brother Range Rover Sport, the seats comfy and the driving position spot-on.
Can it do the off-road stuff?
It truly can. Yes, yes, we know most soft-roaders will never be pressed into off-road service more pressing than the odd gravel car-park or grassy verge, but the Discovery Sport, should you demand it, can manage a whole lot more than that.
We tested it on some truly hideous Scottish terrain - boulder tracks, one-in-one mud slopes, knee-deep bog - and the Disco Sport clambered through the lot without complaint. The four-wheel-drive system slickly apportions torque to find any grip available, while both front and rear overhangs are surprisingly stubby, allowing the Sport to safely bob in and out of ditches you're convinced will ground nose or tail. Land Rover's always done this stuff better than the competition, and the Discovery Sport remains true to form.
What about those rear seats?
We're not going to pretend you'd want to put a couple of prop forwards back there for a Lands End to John O'Groats epic, but honestly, they're better than you'd think. Fine for even full-size grown-ups for a quick run across town, not really appropriate if you regularly transport more than five. But they fold neatly into the boot floor with no apparent loss of space, though at the expense of a full-size spare tyre.
Fold those rearmost seats down, and the middle row slides backwards, offering vast legroom for second-seat passengers. That row can fold flat, too, offering cavernous bootspace. The Discovery Sport is one of those cars that - like the new Renault Twingo at rather the other end of the automotive spectrum - seems to carve more space inside than its road footprint would suggest.
Any downsides?
A few. First, that engine. The Disco Sport launches with just one engine option: Land Rover's venerable 2.2 diesel, churning out 187bhp through either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed ZF auto box. We tested the latter transmission, which was impeccable. (Though nine ratios is, in truth, several more than you'll ever need, especially with the box's dedication to slip into the highest gear possible left to its own devices. Decide to take manual control on, say, the way into a roundabout, and you find yourself having to hit the left-hand paddle five or six times to drop into a low enough gear.)
The ol' turbodiesel isn't quite so irreproachable. It's far from offensive, and despite emitting a fair chunter at start-up in the cold, offers a broad spread of torque and acceptably lively performance. But there's no question it feels last-gen against the latest German offerings, and vital stats of 44.8mpg and 166g/km of CO2 are hardly class leading.
Salvation is at hand. Some time in 2015, the Discovery Sport will receive JLR's latest swathe of modular ‘Ingenium' engines, which will bring with it a 2.0-litre turbodiesel hopefully capable of sticking it to - or at least matching - the German competition.
A question mark hangs over the tech, too. We tested a late prototype fitted with Land Rover's clunking old nav and infotainment system, so we can't pass judgment on the new software that'll grace the Discovery Sport. Here's hoping it's a whole lot better, as the old set-up is veritably pensionable. We'll find out when we test a final production version next week.
Maybe the biggest potential sticking point is price. Though the Discovery Sport starts at a smidge over £32,000 - with a slightly cheaper front-driven version to follow - our loaded-to-the-brim test car tipped the scales at (ready for this?) just over £48,000. Forty-eight. That's a lot of money for a small soft-roader. Of course Audi, BMW and Mercedes will give you equal opportunity to spec your SUV to a dizzying price point, but the point still stands: a budget offering the Discovery Sport is not.
So should I buy one?
To describe a car as ‘pleasant' often sounds like damning with faint praise. But pleasant is exactly what the Discovery Sport is, in the nicest possible way, feeling more... organic, less austere than the business-suit offerings of BMW and Audi. It's pleasant to drive slow, it's pleasant to drive fast, and - to these eyes at least - looks smart inside and out. The two extra seats are a handy bonus, as are the Discovery Sport's off-road smarts.
In truth, we'd be tempted to hang on until the new engine range arrives next year. If you can't wait that long, we wouldn't dissuade you from embracing the Discovery Sport, but we would say this: option wisely, dear buyer.
What is it?
Land Rover's replacement for the Freelander - and rival to the BMW X3, Audi Q5 et al - replete with shiny new nameplate and two more seats than before. Yes, within the Discovery Sport's 459cm length are squeezed no fewer than seven seats: the conventional five, plus a pair of evening-and-weekend efforts neatly stowed in the very back.
The hardware is a mixture of familiar and fresh. The Discovery Sport borrows its front-end structure from the Evoque (which itself draws upon the old Freelander), but the rear end is all new, incorporating a multi-link suspension set-up that, as well as promising better on- and off-road manners than the Freelander, also frees up the necessary space to incorporate those two extra seats.
How is it?
Impressively civilised on road, with barely a lick of wind or road noise even at motorway speed. In terms of refinement, this is a quantum leap forward from the Freelander, and a whole lot better to drive, too.
The steering is, for an SUV, surprisingly sharp around the straight-ahead, imbuing the Discovery Sport with an unexpectedly, well, sporty demeanour without the iron ride of some of its German rivals. Like the Evoque, the damping is taut without veering into crashy, the Sport staying composed in fast corners, feeling more car than seven-seat SUV. It's a satisfying thing to drive fast, if that's your soft-roader bent.
Probably more relevantly, the Discovery Sport is a comfortable cruiser, a car capable of polishing off big miles without taxing its driver. The interior is smartly appointed, with more than a hint of big-brother Range Rover Sport, the seats comfy and the driving position spot-on.
Can it do the off-road stuff?
It truly can. Yes, yes, we know most soft-roaders will never be pressed into off-road service more pressing than the odd gravel car-park or grassy verge, but the Discovery Sport, should you demand it, can manage a whole lot more than that.
We tested it on some truly hideous Scottish terrain - boulder tracks, one-in-one mud slopes, knee-deep bog - and the Disco Sport clambered through the lot without complaint. The four-wheel-drive system slickly apportions torque to find any grip available, while both front and rear overhangs are surprisingly stubby, allowing the Sport to safely bob in and out of ditches you're convinced will ground nose or tail. Land Rover's always done this stuff better than the competition, and the Discovery Sport remains true to form.
What about those rear seats?
We're not going to pretend you'd want to put a couple of prop forwards back there for a Lands End to John O'Groats epic, but honestly, they're better than you'd think. Fine for even full-size grown-ups for a quick run across town, not really appropriate if you regularly transport more than five. But they fold neatly into the boot floor with no apparent loss of space, though at the expense of a full-size spare tyre.
Fold those rearmost seats down, and the middle row slides backwards, offering vast legroom for second-seat passengers. That row can fold flat, too, offering cavernous bootspace. The Discovery Sport is one of those cars that - like the new Renault Twingo at rather the other end of the automotive spectrum - seems to carve more space inside than its road footprint would suggest.
Any downsides?
A few. First, that engine. The Disco Sport launches with just one engine option: Land Rover's venerable 2.2 diesel, churning out 187bhp through either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed ZF auto box. We tested the latter transmission, which was impeccable. (Though nine ratios is, in truth, several more than you'll ever need, especially with the box's dedication to slip into the highest gear possible left to its own devices. Decide to take manual control on, say, the way into a roundabout, and you find yourself having to hit the left-hand paddle five or six times to drop into a low enough gear.)
The ol' turbodiesel isn't quite so irreproachable. It's far from offensive, and despite emitting a fair chunter at start-up in the cold, offers a broad spread of torque and acceptably lively performance. But there's no question it feels last-gen against the latest German offerings, and vital stats of 44.8mpg and 166g/km of CO2 are hardly class leading.
Salvation is at hand. Some time in 2015, the Discovery Sport will receive JLR's latest swathe of modular ‘Ingenium' engines, which will bring with it a 2.0-litre turbodiesel hopefully capable of sticking it to - or at least matching - the German competition.
A question mark hangs over the tech, too. We tested a late prototype fitted with Land Rover's clunking old nav and infotainment system, so we can't pass judgment on the new software that'll grace the Discovery Sport. Here's hoping it's a whole lot better, as the old set-up is veritably pensionable. We'll find out when we test a final production version next week.
Maybe the biggest potential sticking point is price. Though the Discovery Sport starts at a smidge over £32,000 - with a slightly cheaper front-driven version to follow - our loaded-to-the-brim test car tipped the scales at (ready for this?) just over £48,000. Forty-eight. That's a lot of money for a small soft-roader. Of course Audi, BMW and Mercedes will give you equal opportunity to spec your SUV to a dizzying price point, but the point still stands: a budget offering the Discovery Sport is not.
So should I buy one?
To describe a car as ‘pleasant' often sounds like damning with faint praise. But pleasant is exactly what the Discovery Sport is, in the nicest possible way, feeling more... organic, less austere than the business-suit offerings of BMW and Audi. It's pleasant to drive slow, it's pleasant to drive fast, and - to these eyes at least - looks smart inside and out. The two extra seats are a handy bonus, as are the Discovery Sport's off-road smarts.
In truth, we'd be tempted to hang on until the new engine range arrives next year. If you can't wait that long, we wouldn't dissuade you from embracing the Discovery Sport, but we would say this: option wisely, dear buyer.
marley71
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WHAT Car? Group Test
http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/lan...t-vs-bmw-x3-vs-lexus-nx-vs-volvo-xc60/1325109
2nd - Land Rover Discovery Sport
For Seating for seven; smart and practical cabin; resale values
Against Slow-witted gearbox; gruff engine; poor efficiency
Verdict Practical and stylish, let down slightly by its efficiency
http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/lan...t-vs-bmw-x3-vs-lexus-nx-vs-volvo-xc60/1325109
2nd - Land Rover Discovery Sport
For Seating for seven; smart and practical cabin; resale values
Against Slow-witted gearbox; gruff engine; poor efficiency
Verdict Practical and stylish, let down slightly by its efficiency
marley71
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http://www.autocarindia.com/auto-reviews/land-rover-discovery-sport-review-test-drive-392032,0.aspx
People will tell you that the new Land Rover Discovery Sport is a replacement for the Freelander, but there’s far more to it than that. It is certainly another Halewood-built Land Rover SUV, and a rival for the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, but Land Rover has made it longer, fitted five-plus-two seating to its more spacious cabin, borrowed the styling heavily from the Evoque and redefined it as a member of the emerging Discovery family, which stresses its versatility and practicality. Even Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s design boss and the chief architect of the new model’s sleek new shape, agrees. “Others have great design,” he says, “But Land Rovers need class-leading functionality."
There’s an interesting back story about the Sport’s arrival. Land Rover’s range of 4x4s has come to be dominated by the Evoque, whose annual sales of 120,000 a year are more than double the originally planned volume. The Freelander, closely related to the Evoque under the skin, was in danger of being glossed over, not least because its name has little cachet in the US or China. The company also needed a more modern-looking model that could fight and beat the X3 and XC60 while continuing to use existing manufacturing processes and share common components. Enter the Discovery Sport.....
People will tell you that the new Land Rover Discovery Sport is a replacement for the Freelander, but there’s far more to it than that. It is certainly another Halewood-built Land Rover SUV, and a rival for the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, but Land Rover has made it longer, fitted five-plus-two seating to its more spacious cabin, borrowed the styling heavily from the Evoque and redefined it as a member of the emerging Discovery family, which stresses its versatility and practicality. Even Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s design boss and the chief architect of the new model’s sleek new shape, agrees. “Others have great design,” he says, “But Land Rovers need class-leading functionality."
There’s an interesting back story about the Sport’s arrival. Land Rover’s range of 4x4s has come to be dominated by the Evoque, whose annual sales of 120,000 a year are more than double the originally planned volume. The Freelander, closely related to the Evoque under the skin, was in danger of being glossed over, not least because its name has little cachet in the US or China. The company also needed a more modern-looking model that could fight and beat the X3 and XC60 while continuing to use existing manufacturing processes and share common components. Enter the Discovery Sport.....
marley71
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Autocar.co.uk preview "When ordinary is special"
http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/new-cars/land-rover-discovery-sport-when-ordinary-special
Car Magazine
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives...rives/Land-Rover-Discovery-Sport-2015-review/
Verdict
It’s hard to envisage any reasons why the Land Rover Discovery Sport won’t sell well. Yes, styling may be slightly generic for some and some users may still balk at the launch engine’s mid-ranking CO2 (166g/km) and economy (44.8mpg) claims beaten by the Germans. But on first impressions the Disco Sport is an incredibly well rounded package.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/new-cars/land-rover-discovery-sport-when-ordinary-special
Car Magazine
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives...rives/Land-Rover-Discovery-Sport-2015-review/
Verdict
It’s hard to envisage any reasons why the Land Rover Discovery Sport won’t sell well. Yes, styling may be slightly generic for some and some users may still balk at the launch engine’s mid-ranking CO2 (166g/km) and economy (44.8mpg) claims beaten by the Germans. But on first impressions the Disco Sport is an incredibly well rounded package.
marley71
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http://www.motoringresearch.com/car...very-sport-2015-first-drive-review-1210958635
Why buy a Discovery Sport instead of a Q5, X3 or XC60?
The seven seats may swing it for many but even with five seats the Discovery Sport makes a compelling choice. With the Evoque already a dominant force at the luxury end of the spectrum, this smallest Discovery can afford to be a touch more functional. Yet Land Rover has pushed its new model closer to the Evoque than it might have dared. There’s a real quality feel and a touch of class too.
That’s not to say it’s perfect. There’s still the irritating satnav screen that requires too much messing about to do things like change the scale of the map. You can opt for an InControl app interface, and run mapping and other functions from your smartphone, but like every other car we’ve tried in 2014, these systems are in their infancy and in a couple of years we’ll look back and laugh at how clunky they are today.
But back to basics and you won’t knock the comfort levels in the Discovery Sport. The leather seats in the HSE models are an impressive blend of softness and support. The climate control system is powerful, there’s a massive glass roof, a reversing camera and the Sport will even park itself if you pick the right option.
Why buy a Discovery Sport instead of a Q5, X3 or XC60?
The seven seats may swing it for many but even with five seats the Discovery Sport makes a compelling choice. With the Evoque already a dominant force at the luxury end of the spectrum, this smallest Discovery can afford to be a touch more functional. Yet Land Rover has pushed its new model closer to the Evoque than it might have dared. There’s a real quality feel and a touch of class too.
That’s not to say it’s perfect. There’s still the irritating satnav screen that requires too much messing about to do things like change the scale of the map. You can opt for an InControl app interface, and run mapping and other functions from your smartphone, but like every other car we’ve tried in 2014, these systems are in their infancy and in a couple of years we’ll look back and laugh at how clunky they are today.
But back to basics and you won’t knock the comfort levels in the Discovery Sport. The leather seats in the HSE models are an impressive blend of softness and support. The climate control system is powerful, there’s a massive glass roof, a reversing camera and the Sport will even park itself if you pick the right option.
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- Giannis
Because, due to JLR's clever marketing, nobody will understand that the Discovery Sport is just a Freelander, and nothing near a Discovery. To your neighbor, you don't have that crappy entry level LR, just for the badge. You have a Discovery now. Only, you haven't.
That's why.
marley71
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I didn't disagree with you, I found your cynicism funny, but I'm interested in it because it's a good looking vehicle. It opens up the greenhouse, which was one of my criticisms of the Evoque. The 5+2 seating is a bonus, and it will be as good as if not better than the Evoque off-road, not that that's a great accomplishment. Also the pricing as I've optioned it so far is pretty reasonable.
I look forward to having a chance to check it out at my local dealer. I know the engines are a bit of a downer, and I hope the digital interface isn't too antiquated. But for what it is, it's not bad. There is definitely something attractive about the Land Rover badge, but if it was named Freelander, rather than Discovery I would still be looking forward to it.
Better looking
More flexible seating
More capable offroad
Land Rover badge
Gianclaudio
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Nice Ford Explorer!
marley71
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Beautiful Explorer.
It's funny to me. There are a host of people trying to find attractive angles in the Mercedes GLE thread, coming up with every excuse for it's ungainly angles and uncomfortable resolutions. Looking at a bulbous mass of menacing metal and proclaiming it Van Gogh's finest. Yet not an ounce of affection for this smart exercise in taste and restraint. There is indeed no accounting for taste.
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No question, it's a good looking vehicle but one can't help but view this model as mutton dressed up as lamb.
JLR had an absolute masterstroke in securing ZF supply of transmissions. Without this, their products wouldn't have been nearly as competitive.
JLR had an absolute masterstroke in securing ZF supply of transmissions. Without this, their products wouldn't have been nearly as competitive.
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Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC is the holding company for
Jaguar Land Rover Limited, also known as JLR, a British
multinational manufacturer of luxury and sports utility vehicles.
JLR, headquartered in Whitley, Coventry, UK, is a subsidiary of
Tata Motors. Jaguar and Land Rover, with histories dating to
the 1920s and 1940s, merged in 1968 under British Leyland.
They later became independent and were subsidiaries of BMW and
Ford. In 2000, BMW dissolved the Rover Group, selling Land
Rover to Ford. Since 2008, Tata Motors has owned Jaguar Land
Rover.
Official website: JLR
Official website: JLR
