MOTORING NEWS - I was closely involved in the marketing and launch of the very first Land Rover Discovery in South Africa and internationally so the launch of a new Discovery Sport was highly anticipated. With the creation of the unique Discovery 25 years ago, Land Rover proceeded to shoulder a new niche into the leisure market where others soon followed and the segment grew exponentially.
With the new Discovery Sport cited as the "world's most versatile and capable premium compact SUV" expectations on my side were really high and I am glad to say that the vehicle exceeded expectations in terms of luxury, refinement and rugged ability on some highly demanding terrain during two days of the launch.
Regarding its first impression, the SUV makes immediate sense in terms of its looks. It has a fairly aggressive appeal and while it is clearly a relation to the Range Rover Evoque, the Discovery Sport soon showed that it is a Land Rover right to its backbone during the first part of the launch drive over the Montagu Pass.
But this was early days, with the real test for off-road capability getting harder the second day.
"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 of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. "It is, without a doubt, the most accomplished vehicle in its segment."
A spirit of adventure is reflected in the Discovery Sport's interior, which is highly refined and well designed without being fussy or too busy.
The layout is practical with all the off-road driving assistance buttons grouped together and clear information on the large touch screen in the centre of the console. Driving information on the visible driver's console was likewise clearly visible and arranged logically.
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 multiple electronic devices to be charged simultaneously.
A host of innovations have allowed Discovery Sport to introduce the versatility of 5+2 seating into the premium compact SUV class for the first time. An all-new multi-link rear axle provides engaging driving dynamics but it also provides ample and flexible cabin space behind the second row.
Land Rover tells us 200 prototypes were built which undertook a combined total of 6 800 test weeks in a punishing schedule. This ensured exceptional reliability, off-road capability and on-road dynamics.
Extremes of altitude, temperature and terrain all formed part of the rigorous testing regime, which spanned the globe and included the US, Dubai, Spain, Morocco, Germany, Sweden, the UK and Austria.
The approach, departure and breakover angles are 25°, 31° and 21° respectively. Thanks to Terrain Response technology, and the ability to wade to 600mm, Discovery Sport offers class-leading capability here.
Land Rover's Terrain Response system features on all derivatives, allowing drivers to tailor responses to the prevailing conditions. Up to five settings are available: general, grass, gravel, snow, mud and ruts, and sand. A dynamic mode is optionally available and heightens on-road performance and driver feedback.
Discovery Sport's full suite of all-terrain technologies includes: hill descent control (HDC)
gradient release control (GRC), roll stability control (RSC), dynamic stability control (DSC), electronic traction control (ETC) and engine drag torque control (EDC).
These were amply demonstrated on the second day of the launch with a mini slalom course and then fast gravel driving and braking to be controlled within a fixed space. The SUV performed well universally at the hands of motoring journalists all keen to see how the Discovery Sport would live up to its billing.
The safety features include a first-in-class pedestrian airbag, autonomous emergency braking and a state-of-the-art bodyshell featuring both ultra-high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium.
Other available driver-assistance technologies include:
- Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS)
- Park Assist
- Automatic High-Beam Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Trailer Stability Assist
- Tow Assist and Tow Hitch Assist
- HD Surround Camera System
- Extended satellite navigation system
- Automatic headlamps
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Parking sensors
The entry-level S models are available with a mix of Resolve and Tofino cloth trim, while all other derivatives feature leather upholstery, from grained leather on SE models through to luxurious Windsor leather on the range-topping HSE Luxury.
Six interior colourways are available: Ebony, Cirrus, Glacier, Ivory, Almond and Tan.
The advanced equipment available in Discovery Sport also includes an all-new 8" touch screen infotainment system and tilt-and-slide row-two seating.
Discovery Sport is available with up to four 12V power points, while up to six USB charging sockets can be specified for all three rows for multiple electronic devices.
Storage areas have been designed to be deep and accommodating, which fits the vehicle's profile as off-roader. The door speaker housings provide the maximum space for stowage. At 13,8-litres, Discovery Sport's front and rear door housings offer more than double the stowage space of some rivals.
An effective convenience hook allows loose items to be secured in the passenger footwell. Passengers in the third row have a storage shelf and load-space rails are available for further versatility.
Discovery Sport customers can choose from two air-conditioning systems: a manual interface is fitted to entry-level models, or dual-zone climate control with an LCD interface for the driver and front-seat passenger. For dual-zone systems, the air vents for row-two occupants are mounted mid-way up the B-pillar for more effective cold-air distribution.
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.
A state-of-the-art nine-speed automatic transmission is available and four-wheel drive is standard across the range as befits the Land Rover marque.
The 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine is available in two specifications. TD4 provides 110kW and as little as 159g/km CO² (164g/km CO²; 5+2 seating); SD4 increases performance to 140kW with an impressive 161g/km (166g/km; 5+2 seating).
Fitted with the advanced nine-speed automatic gearbox, the SD4 can accelerate from 0 to 100km in just 8,9sec and reach 188km/h where conditions allow.
Both derivatives produce a highly flexible 420Nm from just 1 700rpm, ensuring a broad torque curve for effortless overtaking ability, off-road performance and towing capability.
The latest version of this advanced four-cylinder engine features high-pressure common-rail fuel injection with piezoelectric injectors for precise and efficient metering of fuel; a new Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system for lower particulates; faster glow-plug operation and a variable nozzle turbine (VNT) water-cooled turbocharger.
The Si4 2,0-litre petrol engine features an advanced low-inertia turbocharger, high-pressure direct fuel injection and variable valve timing to deliver exceptional driveability throughout the rev range. This produces a potent 177kW at 5 500rpm and 340Nm from just 1 800 to
4 000rpm, together with 6,5-litres per 100km and 191g/km CO² (197g/km CO²; 5+2 seating).
The Si4 engine is said to be typically 20% more fuel efficient than larger engines producing equivalent power.
Prices of the new Land Rover Discovery start at R541 000 for the DT4 up to R731 400 for the top of the range Si HSE Luxury. These include VAT, but not the CO² tax.
Instruments and the touch screen are all arranged optimally for good visibility and are logically placed.
A most technical rock course at the Kamanassie Dam was also successfully negotiated by the editor thanks to the Discovery Sport's willing ability.
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