DISCOVERY SPORT 2020: WADING THROUGH ADVENTURE, WITH POISE
Discovery Sport has always claimed to be right at home in the wilderness. Now, the SUV adds even more capabilities
Land Rover has driven in the allnew Discovery Sport in India at a starting price of `57.06 lakh (ex showroom). First launched in 2014, the car, which found many takers in ensuing years and its latest edition, promises to keep the fan following intact.While the second-generation Discovery Sport made its global debut in 2019, it comes to India now and in two variants — S and R-Dynamic SE.
Built on the Evoque Transverse Architecture which makes it ready for a shift to electric power in future, the new Discovery Sport comes with a BS 6-compliant 2.0-litre diesel Ingenium engine. A petrol sibling is expected later in the year. The diesel variant has peak power of 177bhp and max torque of 430Nm. A nine-speed automatic unit handles transmission duties inside the Discovery Sport 2020 and AWD comes as standard.What is of special note is that it comes with 48V mild hybrid option, which allows the Discovery Sport to cruise at speeds under 18 kmph with the engine off.
The new Discovery Sport stands 4,600mm in length, 2,173mm in width (including side mirrors), a height of 1,724mm and has a wheelbase of 2,741mm. The boot space has been bumped up courtesy less intrusion. The chassis has been strengthened which, Land Rover says, helps improve NVH levels. The car also has a wading depth of 600mm which is best in class.
The Discovery Sport gets redesigned bumpers with vertical air intakes, fresh headlights with LED lights. The wheel arches are now in body colour and a new alloy accentuates the looks. Inside, the dashboard has been reworked to make it more driver oriented while a multi-function steering wheel and 10-inch infotainment screen are a standard. The seating arrangement remains in the five + two set up.
For the first time, the Discovery Sport gets 4G WiFi hotspot connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Compatible phones can also be charged wirelessly. There is also an all-new app for diagnostics report, locking and unlocking the car and the vehicle can also be cooled before entering.
Not known to cut corners on the safety front, Land Rover has equipped the new Discovery Sport with lane assist system, adaptive cruise control, hill descent control, autonomous emergency braking, roll stability control and driver condition monitor, among others.