Discovery Sport (DS) is targeted squarely at the premium compact SUV big names like Audi Q3 and BMW X3. Designed as a seven-seater (5+2), the entry, five-seat-only 2.2 TD4 'S' comes in at an impressive €37,100 – that's some €3,000 cheaper than the Freelander it replaces. A two-wheel drive-only version coming later this year will be even cheaper.
DS is a striking machine with a very distinctive and good-looking front end. DS is longer overall and has a longer wheel-base, lower roof and is slightly narrower. The front is chunky while the side view is pretty conventional-looking. The curvy rear displays its name in bold letters and is very much in keeping with Land Rover's latest design language.
Inside, the cabin reflects the premium aspirations of the Tata-owned brand. Five-seat versions will be the most affordable, but the additional carrying capacity of two pop-up seats in third row is great news for budget-conscious Land Rover customers. The centre row also slides (spec dependent) to make the machine very versatile. The driving position is good and the stadium-tiered seating offers great views for all the family of the terrain outside.
Bucket-loads of options are available and our test cars were filled to the 'gills' with kit. While TV screens in the head restraints, up to seven USB sockets and even an electrically deployable tow hitch are all impressive, the heated seats were the most appreciated option on this particular global launch - we went to Iceland to put the new machine through its paces.
Discovery Sport is clearly not a Defender, Discovery or a full-fat Range Rover, but it still has impressive off-road ability. Land Rover's 'Terrain Response Technology' is at Discovery Sport's heart. This electronic four-wheel drive controller allows the driver select the type of ground being traversed (via a dash switch) and the car then sorts out the rest!
Approach and departure angles aren't critical on most school runs, but just in case you need to stray off-road we found the DS to be very good. We had Arctic-like conditions to get through on the first day. With visibility at times down to less than a metre in front of the car due to driving snow, we could barely make out the road! Thanks to road marker poles we were able to keep up momentum - this is the key to driving in tough conditions.
Overcoming inertia is the trickiest thing in slippy conditions so it is best to avoid coming to a full stop. We managed to keep moving and got through to our mountainous destination. Others were less fortunate and had to abandon their cars when even the snow ploughs were getting stuck!
In Ireland, Discovery Sport comes in four trim levels: S, SE, HSE and HSE Luxury. Turbocharged engines (with stop/start) are available with two diesels initially: a sporty 188hp, 2.2-litre, SDi and lower-powered 150hp TD4 version.
Unlike Ireland, the UK isn't taking the entry diesel engine and is also making seven seats standard. A 2.0-litre Si4 petrol is on the price list but is unlikely to sell due to its much higher tax band. A greener ED4 engine (150hp) is on the way later this year with an expected sub-120g CO2 figure.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard with a nine-speed (ZF) automatic available. The auto costs a hefty premium due to a shift upwards in tax band but it is silky smooth and effortless to use. Land Rover has also added 'smart regenerative charging' to aid performance and economy.
Land Rover Ireland expects to get about a 10% share of the premium SUV market with the very impressive Discovery Sport.
Michael Sheridan
