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THE NEW DISCOVERY SPORT D180 AWD SE BIG CHANGES UNDER THE SKIN…
It may look similar to the previous model, but don’t be mistaken, the New Land Rover Discovery Sport hides a wealth of improvements under its skin, boasting added refinement and new mild-hybrid technology to help Land Rover’s best-selling model compete in the luxury SUV segment.
Yes, the exterior has in the main ‘gently evolved’, with new lights and revised bumpers whilst retaining similar lines and proportions overall, but then again there wasn’t really a need to change the design greatly with 120,000+ models sold in the previous year, outselling its rivals such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, so ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Instead, the wise individuals at Land Rover have focused their energy on improving the technology, both digital and mechanical, to great effect!
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Aside from being extremely comfortable, once inside you’ll find a greater Range Rover-esque interior than ever before; refined definitely springs to mind, especially with the ambient interior lighting setting the scene. Comfortable 12-way, heated, electric memory front seats were quick to heat and quick to cool – we tried the cool option only very briefly mind! An uncluttered dashboard sweeps seamlessly across with easily identifiable techy gadgets; it’s definitely on-point and the substantial tech offering is supremely uncomplicated, which is a joy! This vehicle has been designed to meet the digital needs of a modern family; the much-improved infotainment screen has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
I loved the smart rear-view mirror, which does take a little getting used to. At the flick of a switch the mirror can display what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition with a wider field of vision, uncompromised by passengers’ heads! Ground View technology has also been introduced to help navigate high kerbs in the city and rough terrain by projecting camera imagery that offers a virtual 180-degree view beneath the vehicle onto a touchscreen.
I also loved the Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter, driving aids that help protect your license, whilst the Auto High Beam Assist was also a welcome aid when living in the countryside; that whole ‘beam on, beam off’ when you’re driving back late is tiresome to say the least. I really don’t ask for much, but if I had wish list, I’m sure the New Discovery Sport would pretty much tick all the boxes. It offers so much to the driver and its passengers, making your experience within the vehicle and the vehicle in general so much more rewarding. It feels right. Sitting in the front seats, the visibility offered through the screen combined with your well-thought through surroundings really does feel like an advantage. You feel in command of the road, aware of everything that’s going on around you and equipped with everything to hand to enable
a safe, efficient and supremely comfortable drive.
Whilst there has never been an issue with the way the Discovery drives, the Sport offers a considerably refined performance, with genuinely minimal road and suspension noise, exactly what you would expect from a premium SUV experience.
As Land Rover has completely replaced the architecture upon which it’s based with the latest Premium Transverse Architecture (PTA), it brings with it improvements in body stiffness, cabin isolation and passenger safety, as well as accommodation of electrified powertrains.
Super responsive in terms of handling, it was an easy drive on unruly motorways and attention-seeking winding country roads, little wonder so many families opt for the Discovery; the fact that it takes on rivers, rough terrain and much more is the real advantage of the vehicle, which is easily forgotten as you sail smoothly and safely down the motorway.
Available across the range of four-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, the mild hybrid delivers CO2 emissions from as low as 144g/km CO2 and fuel economy up to 40.9mpg. In fact, the new Discovery Sport is one of the first in the Land Rover range to offer a Real Driving Emissions stage 2 (RDE2) certified engine, ahead of their mandatory introduction in 2020.
As we headed to one of what seemed like 1 of 1,000 parties in December, the seven-seat practicality came in handy and felt natural. Folded away, the generous boot space also enabled us to pack in the abundance of presents to help Santa with his deliveries!! The powered tailgate was most welcome with an arm full of pressies.
If you want all the fun and off-road capability of the full-size Land Rover, the compact, but punchy Discovery Sport is cheaper, but serves up a hell of a lot for its price tag!
Review by Katie McPhilimey
Options fitted to the car Katie drove include: Byron Blue - £670; Ebony Taurus Interior - no cost option; Light Oyster Headliner - no cost option; Gloss Black Trim Finisher - no cost option; 19" Style 1039, 10-spoke, Satin Dark Grey - £325; Privacy Glass - £400; Front and rear 12V and USB with loadspace USB - £100; Fixed Panoramic Roof - £1,100. Price as Tested - £45,770
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MOTORING, SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT DI SCOVERY SPOR T
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