Efficient new engines, advanced technologies and a powerful new Black edition strengthen the Discovery Sport range
THE New Discovery Sport, Land Rover’s familyfriendly premium compact SUV, has been enhanced with efficient next-generation mildhybrid Ingenium diesel engines, the latest infotainment and a 286 hp Discovery Sport Black special edition. Available in two power outputs, the new four-cylinder diesel engines include the D165 (161 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque) and D200 (201 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque), which deliver enhanced efficiency, smoother power and superior refinement, with CO2 from 163 g/km. Both use Land Rover’s latest mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology when paired with AWD, featuring a battery to harvest energy lost under deceleration. The result is a smoother stop-start operation and optimised fuel economy.
Based on the R-dynamic S spec and only available with the powerful new P290 Ingenium petrol engine, the Discovery Sport Black is offered in five colour choices: Namib Orange, Carpathian Grey, Firenze Red, Yulong White and new Hakuba Silver. A suite of black exterior upgrades complement the Discovery Sport’s bold look, including the Black Pack with contrast roof in black or grey (depending on exterior colour), 20 inch alloys in Gloss Black or Diamond-turned finish and red brake calipers.
Discovery Sport Black also features a panoramic roof, premium LED headlights, keyless entry and a powered tailgate. Inside, the cabin benefits from a choice of Luxtec Suedecloth trim or grained leather, titanium mesh finishers and a leather steering wheel. Configurable Dynamics and Interactive Driver Display are also fitted as standard to allow the driver to hone the vehicle’s characteristics to their personal tastes – from the way it drives to the way information appears on the display.
The 2.0-litre Ingenium engine produces 295 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for a smooth, responsive drive. It is capable of powering the compact family lugger from 0-60 mph in 7 seconds, and is equipped with Active Driveline technology, which switches between two- and four-wheel drive as conditions dictate for improved agility, as well as fuel-saving benefits.
The digital experience has been transformed inside the new Discovery Sport with the introduction of Land Rover’s most advanced system, standard Pivi and Pivi Pro (from S specification). The system is underpinned by a new Electrical Vehicle Architecture first introduced on the new Defender and is ready to go as soon as it’s switched on (thanks to a separate data plan and battery), meaning it’s faster and more responsive.
A dual-modem embedded SIM allows scheduled vehicle software updates over the air at no cost, meaning customers always have the latest maps, apps and vehicle features downloaded, with updates scheduled at a time to suit. Just as with the new Range Rover Evoque Autobiography (see below), Bluetooth connectivity for two phones is available, together with wireless device charging and Spotify. The new second-generation Activity Key is also available, allowing customers to unlock any door, lock or even start the vehicle just by being nearby – with no need for a traditional key fob.
The customisable home screen is at the heart of the system and it can be set up according to the driver’s preferences, for example providing key information such as traffic updates and when to take the next turn. An easy-to-follow intuitive menu structure ensures customers can carry out everyday tasks in two taps at most across phone, media and navigation systems – helping to significantly reduce driver distraction. Impressively, the easily customised layouts reduce the number of steps by an average of 50 per cent versus previous systems.
Pivi Pro will personalise the driver’s experience based on habits and preferences learned over time. The new navigation system uses self-learning algorithms to optimise routing, while the Smart Voice Guidance even knows to remain quiet when the driver is travelling on regular routes, to minimise interruptions (wish this would extend to your partner, too!). Smart Settings allows users to set a profile, storing personal vehicle (and media) settings such as seat and mirror position and heat preferences. The vehicle will identify who is driving the car through the key fob and connected smartphone, learning and automating their preferences over time, so the vehicle is just as they like it when they open the door and sit down.
For customers with the new plug-in hybrid P300e powertrain, Pivi Pro makes it easier to use public charging networks; showing where charging stations are, if they’re available and what they cost to use. Using the new Park and Pay app, drivers can pay for parking using the vehicle touchscreen without having the correct change or even retrieving their smartphone.
Customers can now even check the quality of the air in the cabin via the touchscreen by activating the smart all-new Cabin Air Filtration system to filter out harmful fine particulate matter often found in cities. Other technology updates include the same comprehensive suite of new Advanced Driver Assistance features as the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography (which complements Clearsight Ground View and Clearsight Rear View Mirror).
Styling-wise, the new Discovery Sport features revised front and rear bumpers, grille design and LED lights, with 12 paint colours and the option of a black contrast roof. All S, SE and HSE models feature Silver Atlas detailing on the grille, tailgate finisher and badging scripts, while R-dynamic vehicles feature Shadow Atlas exterior accents, contrast stitching on the steering wheel and branded tread plates inside.
Inside, premium materials have been responsibly sourced throughout and the seats have been redesigned to improve comfort (even offering massage functionality in the front for the first time on Discovery Sport). Owners can personalise their vehicle with the option of Land Rover’s Black Pack, available on both core and R-dynamic models (featuring additional Narvik detailing on the grille and arch vents, which extends to the bonnet and tailgate lettering) and 21 inch wheels – another first for the model.
Small item storage has been increased by 25 per cent (48 litres), thanks in part to a larger central cubby box and redesigned door bins, while new cup holders and re-positioned storage spaces for third-row passengers mean there is now a place for everything. Two-zone climate control is also now standard.
Helping to make everyday life a bit easier, the new Discovery Sport has a 20 per cent larger fuel tank, now 65 litres, in addition to a 40 per cent increase in the UREA (Adblue/diesel Exhaust Fluid) tank’s capacity.