2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport: Built For Versatility

Following the makeover that began with the Range Rover Evoque and then the Range Rover, Land Rover is continuing to revitalize its line-up. This time it’s with the Discovery Sport, the vehicle replacing the LR2 in Canada. Going forward, Land Rover is focussing on three main lines. The Range Rover family is all about luxury and prestige; the Defender vehicles are the custodians of the brand’s off-road reputation; and the Discovery’s mission is to be the British manufacturer’s embodiment of versatility. This is the tale of our first meeting with the Discovery in Iceland. 

From a style point of view, the new Discovery Sport is a combination of the Evoque and the Range Rover, with a decidedly understated look that remains—no pun intended—evocative of the Range Rover Evoque’s modernism and the Ranger Rover’s more classic craftsmanship. This combination is particularly good, which should help the Discovery Sport stand the test of time. The brand’s most recent creation is longer than both the Range Rover Evoque and the LR2 that it’s replacing. Its rear overhang and wheelbase are larger than those of the Evoque, and the rear suspension has been modified to help allow the Discovery Sport to offer an optional third bench made up of two folding seats (at a cost of $1,900). This way, Land Rover can claim a five-plus-two-passenger configuration instead of a standard seven-passenger configuration, thus accentuating its versatility. It should be noted, however, that space in these two extra seats is seriously limited and only useful for occasional use by children. That said, the sliding second bench offers more than sufficient legroom for its passengers when the third-row seats are folded away. 

• Also: 2015 Land Rover Discovery Unveiled
• Also: More Seats For the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Improved finish quality

Inside, you’ll instantly notice that the quality of the dashboard is superior to that of the LR2 and the design and layout of the main controls is tasteful and classic. Like in Jaguar products, the rotary gear shift selector rises once the car is turned on. What about connectivity, you ask? That’s covered by the multimedia system that integrates all of the classic functions. At some point you’ll be able add, as an option and at an as-yet-undetermined price, the InControl Apps system that lets you integrate Apple or Android smart phone applications, such as streamed music. Although the colour central touch screen bucks the trend by remaining relatively small, the Discovery Sport nonetheless stands out as far as connectivity goes by offering seven USB jacks: that’s one for each passenger!

On the Icelandic playground

Finding an ideal driving position is quick and easy and, since the hood plunges slightly towards the front, visibility is excellent. This will come in very handy off road, where you often have to drive slowly and manoeuvre between rocks. During a more than 300 kilometre test drive on snowy and icy roads and rocky trails, the Discovery Sport was never caught off guard, not even when crossing a 75 centimetre deep ford. With the Terrain Response system that helps adjust the ride according to real-time conditions and the Hill Descent Control system that regulates vehicle speed during abrupt descents, the Discovery Sport was ready and able. We took on obstacles that the vast majority of buyers would never dare attempt to conquer. True Land Rover that it is, the Discovery Sport is very much at ease off the beaten path. Note that all test vehicles were equipped with studded Pirelli Ice Zero tires, so we’ll have to wait until we drive the Discovery Sport with the tires earmarked for our market before we can fully judge its dynamic qualities and comfort. However, I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the handling and even how quiet the ride was, despite our test vehicle’s studded tires.

The engine, the very same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that develops 240 horsepower and 250 lbs.-ft. of torque found under the hood of the Range Rover Evoque, proves well adapted to the Discovery Sport, which accelerates with composure despite weighing in at 1,744 kilos (1,841 kilos with the 5+2 configuration). The nine-speed ZF automatic gearbox is very efficient and the Discovery Sport shifts very quickly from first to second gear since first is relatively short to facilitate off-roading.

Coming soon

The Land Rover Discovery Sport will arrive at Canadian dealerships in April 2015. The price of the base trim is set at $41,490, the HSE will sell for $46,990 while the HSE Luxury will go for $49,990, the same as for the Range Rover Evoque. Clearly, that means that the British brand’s intention is to compete directly with premium models (like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK) as well as brands and vehicles that don’t belong to this category (like the best equipped version of the Honda CR-V and Kia Sorento or even certain vehicles produced by Subaru or Jeep). Land Rover is definitely showing a lot of confidence and the Discovery Sport is very persuasive.