After several teaser images and videos, Land Rover has unveiled its Discovery Sport model, replacing the current Freelander.
As the pictures show, this is a welcoming departure from the rather boxy design of the current Freelander. The exterior design, from the nose, along the side of the SUV and the rear, now features a close resemblance to that of the more expensive Range Rover as well as the compact Evoque. The Sport offers a 5+2 seating configuration, a setup which could be offered on the standard derivatives as well.
To sum it all up, Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s design director and chief creative officer said the following:
“Our challenge has been to combine premium design with exceptional versatility; the two attributes must work in harmony. 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.”
Apart from the importance of versatility, the need for more electronic devices once on the move is also catered for. There are four 12V power points and the vehicle can offer up to six USB charging sockets.
Land Rover’s aim to always offer a luxurious on-road experience as well as true off-road capability is evident in the new model. The Discovery Sport offers an approach, departure and breakover angle of 25, 31 and 21 degrees respectively. As before, the company’s Terrain Response system allows different settings for challenging off-road conditions while Land Rover claims a wading depth of up to 600 mm.
Safety features that Land Rover highlighted is a first-in-class pedestrian airbag while autonomous emergency braking is also offered.
In the UK two models will be launched, the eD4 and the SD4, both will only be available from early 2015. The SD4 uses a 2,2-litre, turbodiesel engine delivering 140 kW. This model will be available with both the 9-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The eD4 is aimed at offering the most frugal alternative. Land Rover claims only 119 g/km of CO2 for this model.
Expect the Discovery Sport to arrive in South Africa during the end of the first quarter of 2015 or early in the second quarter. Details and pricing of the local range will become available closer to the launch date.
Following a leak, Land Rover has opted to officially unveil its Freelander replacement.
Previewed by the Discovery Vision Concept, the Discovery Sport will take the place of the Freelander, slotting in below the larger Discovery.
Perhaps most surprisingly, the Disco Sport boasts a very sleek and urban exterior. The influence of vehicles such as the Range Rover Sport and Evoque are obvious. This is definitely more Range Rover than Defender, but were guessing that the vehicle will still boast an impressive amount of off-road ability. That said, were guessing that not too many buyers will take their vehicles off the beaten path. Land Rover states that it has 212mm of ground clearance, and can scale 45-degree inclines.
Unsurprisingly, the interior of the Disco Sport isn’t as plush and well equipped as that of the Evoque or Sport, but that doesn’t mean that it’s disappointing. The cabin looks good, offering a similar experience to that of the full-size Disco.
All the usual accouterments are present, including a large infotainment screen and steering-wheel controls. The Disco Sport even has a third row of seats, though these probably aren’t terribly roomy. Land Rover states that they are designed for “occasional usage”.
Two engine options were announced – a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.2 litre turbodiesel. The petrol mill will offer 179 kW, while the diesel will develop 139 kW. Both engines will be mated to either a six-speed manual or nine-speed auto transmission.
That’s about all the info that Land Rover has released, for now. We’ll have to wait to find out more technical details about the Disco Sport. We’ll also have to wait to find out exactly when, and in what form, the vehicle will be available in SA.
