Land Rover has unveiled the updated 2023 Discovery Sport, showcasing a redesigned cabin and an array of technological enhancements. The most prominent change in the new SUV is the completely revamped dashboard, which eliminates physical controls and introduces a larger touchscreen, reminiscent of the latest Range Rover models.
In the previous Discovery Sport model, there was a haptic climate control panel beneath the dashboard, featuring rotary dials for adjusting temperature and fan speed. However, this panel has been removed to create a spacious central storage cubby that now incorporates a wireless phone charger. All essential functions are now integrated into the 11,4-inch curved touchscreen, featuring the latest iteration of Jaguar Land Rover’s Pivi Pro interface.
To facilitate easy access while on the move, the new Discovery Sport provides permanently accessible sidebars, ensuring quick navigation to commonly used functions, media controls, navigation, and volume settings. According to Jaguar Land Rover, users can accomplish “up to 90% of tasks within two taps from the home screen.” The SUV also comes equipped with voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, which are now included as standard for optimal connectivity. Additionally, the instrument cluster has been upgraded to a digital display across the entire lineup.
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The cabin of the Discovery Sport offers up to seven seats and showcases a high level of craftsmanship, employing premium materials that exude a tactile quality. The interior boasts a bright, spacious, and airy ambience, with stadium-style seating in all three rows for excellent visibility.
View all Land Rover Discovery Sport models listed on CARmag here.
The updated model features a new gear shifter surrounded by a dark anodized aluminium trim finisher, along with an elegant three-spoke multi-function steering wheel. Dynamic SE models offer DuoLeather interiors with a choice of up to three colour options. For those who prefer non-leather alternatives, Suedecloth paired with the luxuriously soft Luxtec, made from recycled polyester microfiber, is available.
On the exterior, the new Discovery Sport showcases subtle upgrades. Dynamic models feature a contrast roof and exterior accents, such as the Discovery script, grille, lower body sills, and lower bumpers, all finished in Gloss Black. The bumpers and wheel arches include Gloss Black front claw detailing, emphasizing the vehicle’s confident stance.
The new Land Rover Discovery Sport is available for purchase with prices starting at R1 305 400.
The three-line signature design of the front air intakes remains a distinctive trademark of the Discovery range. The SUV also offers bold optional alloy wheel designs, including a Gloss Black 21-inch wheel and a 19-inch wheel available in either Gloss Black or Diamond Turned finish. Varesine Blue has been added to the curated exterior paint options.
In terms of powertrain options, the new Discovery Sport continues to offer efficient plug-in electric hybrid and mild hybrid electric powertrains, ensuring a balance between performance and efficiency. The updated P300e model features an improved real-world electric range of up to 47 km, sufficient for 90% of average daily journeys in electric mode.
Charging the electric hybrid is quick and straightforward, with a 0-80% charge possible in as little as 30 minutes using standard DC charging. The electric hybrid configuration combines a turbocharged three-cylinder Ingenium 1,5-litre engine, an electric motor, and a 14,9 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing seamless progress and a WLTP-certified electric range of up to 61 km. The lineup is further complemented by the inclusion of the D200 Ingenium diesel variant.
