Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport gets a nip and a tuck for 2024. Oh, and a price cut. Enough to make it that much more compelling now?
THE RANGE ROVER DISCOVERY Sport is the entry point into the Land Rover range, and it just got an update. The changes are in line with what we’ve seen with other Landies / Rangies over the last few months. If you haven’t been keeping track, no sweat, we’ve got you. Updates include tweaks to the interiors and the dash to keep it looking fresh for 2024, while continuing with the diesel and petrol drivetrains.
On the styling front, it is the usual facelift business with a fresh take on the headlights and taillights, and a new design for the 19-inch alloy wheels. The Discovery has always had a strong face and that continues with this update — the chunky bumpers, short overhangs and wide stance adding to that effect. It is a handsome looking car — one that flies under the radar but has a purposeful stance to it. On the inside is where the big changes are. The new 11.4-inch Pivi Pro screen dominates the dash. It negates the need for any sort of buttons, pushing all of the controls into the touchscreen. This isn’t to everyone’s taste but as far as in-car touchscreens go, this is one of the better ones out there. Commonly used features have a permanent fixture on the screen — drive modes, volume, temperature, for example. And other features can be accessed in two taps or less. There’s plenty inside including the controls for the air purifier that this SUV comes packing. This solution makes the dash look rather minimal and clean, and frees up space for a little cubby hole right under the screen which houses the wireless phone charger. Storage areas are actually very well done in here and you’ve got useful door pockets, and a massive bin under the armrest.
The Discovery Sport might look rather compact on the outside but it actually features three rows. The third row isn’t the easiest to access and space is limited, so I’d recommend using it only in a pinch. That said, space is good in the second row and it has plenty of modularity — you can slide and fold individual seats in the second row to either make space for people or luggage in the back.
The engine under the hood here is a 2-litre Ingenium diesel with mild hybrid tech — putting out 201bhp and 430Nm. The Discovery Sport is also available with a petrol engine that makes 245bhp and 365Nm.
Performance is good, as is refinement. You can pick up the pace comfortably in the Discovery Sport without feeling like it needs more grunt, the mild hybrid no doubt helping here. Being a Landie, AWD is obviously standard. What stands out the most about the Disco Sport, though, is how well it rides. It deals with bad roads phenomenally well — even better than some bigger, fancier SUVs. Very little in terms of rutted and broken roads phases it. It soaks them up like a boss, keeping you comfortable in the cabin. Out on the highway, body control and the way it deals with speed is impressive as well. The chassis certainly is one of the highlights on the Discovery Sport, particularly in our conditions.
Top: Dash gets minimalist layout with the Pivi Pro screen. Above, left to right: Easy-to-read cluster; palm shifter falls easily to hand; refreshed taillights
What stands out the most about the Disco Sport, though, is how well it rides
The Discovery Sport is priced at `67.9 lakh (ex-showroom), which is actually a bit more affordable than it was before and that makes it a compelling buy compared to more expensive rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3. It has the practicality and versatility to seat seven, plus is rather well suited to our terrible roads. We like it! ⌧
Engine 1998cc, inline-four Power 201bhp @ 3750rpm Torque 430Nm @ 1750-2500rpm Weight 1949kg 0-100kmph 8.6sec (claimed) Top speed 209kmph (claimed) Price `67.9 lakh + Ride quality, refinement, price - No more physical buttons on the dash evo rating ★★★★⭐