Land Rover reckons that this Discovery Sport is the most versatile premium compact SUV currently on sale. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Land Rover's Discovery Sport was a big success in its original form, with almost 100,000 examples sold in the UK alone. But competitors in the SUV 'D'-segment for 7-seat family Crossovers quickly caught up. So in 2020, the brand launched the current improved model, which features a new Premium Transverse Architecture platform, mild hybrid diesel tech and cutting-edge infotainment. It's still the class of the field if you ever need to go off road. But in this form it pleases more in many other ways too.

Background

You hesitate to think of where Land Rover might be now without the Discovery Sport. It's one of the key models that's kept JLR going over the last five years and in the current climate, this car needs to pull its weight in the showroom more than ever. Which is a big ask, given that since the original launch in 2014, direct rivals like Volkswagen's Tiguan Allspace, Peugeot's 5008, SEAT's Tarraco and a new more up-market version of Hyundai's Santa Fe have all arrived to deliver an alternative to what the Discovery Sport can offer. So Land Rover has set out to take the lead once more in this class, primarily with a fresh range of electrified engines. But also with a smarter cabin, extra technology and stronger standards of safety.

Driving Experience

This car might look the same as it always has but under the skin, it's actually become a lot different in recent years thanks to the adoption of what Land Rover calls 'Premium Transverse Architecture'. This not only makes the body stronger and safer but has also allowed the brand to fit 'MHEV' mild hybrid technology to its core D200 diesel engine, plus there's a Plug-in hybrid option too. Basically, the same powerplant options also offered in the Range Rover Evoque. The 48-volt D200 unit uses energy recouped during braking to reduce load on the powerplant under acceleration, while letting the engine cut out from deceleration below 11mph and give near-instantaneous restarts as needed. The base D165 and D200 diesel models have to have AWD and an automatic gearbox. The alternative Plug-in P300e PHEV variant pairs an electric motor with a three cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine and offers a 36-mile WLTP-rated electric driving range. Whatever engine suits, you'll find this car's class-leading towing and off road ability as good as ever. It can tow up to 2.5-tonnes. And 'off piste' prowess is enhanced thanks to an improved 'Terrain Response 2' system that automatically detects the surface you're driving over and adjusts torque delivery to best suit the conditions.

Design and Build

At first glance, this improved Discovery Sport looks little different to the original model. If you take a second look though and you happen to be familiar with this car, the changes will become more obvious. Trademark Discovery design cues, including the clamshell bonnet, rising beltline and tapered roof remain, but the detail features have changed. For instance, there are re-styled signature LED headlamps at the front and rear, alongside an updated front grille and bumpers. Inside, the standardisation of Land Rover's latest 'Pivi' and 'Pivi Pro' infotainment system makes a big difference. There are more intuitive menus and online media services include Spotify integrated directly within the infotainment menu for the first time. Plus there's Bluetooth connectivity for two phones at once, along with wireless charging and a signal-boosting option. A dual-modem embedded SIM allows over-the-air software updates too. The inclusion of more premium materials throughout also helps with the more premium feel and there's a new Cabin Air Filtration system. All the seats have been completely re-designed for improved comfort and versatility. And the second row bench gets 40:20:40 split fold and slide functionality, enabling a more flexible seating arrangement with up to 24 possible combinations. The brand says there's plenty of luggage space too; with all the seats folded, there's 1,794-litres of capacity. The third row seats are strictly for small children only. But we like the way that the second row bench has been raised 5cms higher than the front chairs to give occupants a better view out.

Market and Model

Discovery Sport pricing now starts from around £44,000, which is quite a lot, but at least the entry level figure (for the base D165 diesel variant) now gets you a car with the three things that most Disco Sport customers want, namely seven seats, automatic transmission and AWD. You'll need around £50,000 for the top (five-seat-only) P300e PHEV version. Various trim levels are offered across the line-up - base 'S', then 'Dynamic SE' and 'Dynamic HSE' if you want something that looks a bit plusher. Various nice touches have been added to the range for you to specify. We'd take a look at the brand's 'Ground View' technology. This uses camera imagery that offers a virtual 180-degree view beneath the vehicle, projected on to the centre-dash touchscreen. You can also now add in a wireless 'phone charger and create a 4G WiFi hotspot.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the WLTP figures. The D165 MHEV diesel version manages 42.7mpg and from 173g/km. The D200 MHEV diesel version manages 42.0mpg and from 176g/km. The P300e PHEV plug-in version manages up to 37g/km of CO2, up to 175.2mpg on the combined cycle and a 36 mile all-electric driving range. That emissions figure means a notably low Benefit-in-Kind taxation rating. With all models, a sophisticated 'Active Driveline' system ensures that you spend more time in efficient two wheel drive when extra traction isn't needed. Residuals should be reasonably strong; certainly better than the volume brand alternatives in this segment.

Summary

In theory, there are lots of competitors for this car. But loyal Disco Sport buyers don't tend to consider them. That's partly because 'D'-segment SUV 7-seat rivals from Volkswagen, Peugeot, SEAT, Hyundai and Kia don't have Land Rover's brand equity. Partly because they can't tow as effectively. And partly because they can't hold a candle to this car off road. There were issues with the original pre-2020 version of this car though, primarily in the way that it's fuel and CO2 emissions lagged behind the opposition. So the adoption of mild hybrid 48-volt tech in this revised model was welcome. Rivals are still more frugal, but Land Rover has closed the gap. The cabin improvements and the extra technology features will help this car in the showroom too. If you wanted one of these before, you'll want it even more now. And if you didn't, it might be worth taking another look. 'Above and beyond' was the objective in re-developing this model. In considering the end result, you'd have to say that mission's been accomplished.

Body Glass

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Heated windscreen including heated washer jets

Electric front/rear windows

Privacy glass

Heated rear window

Rear wiper

Brakes

Brake hold function

Collision mitigation braking system

Roll stability control

Electronic brake force distribution

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Electronic parking brake

Trailer stability control

Electronic Stability Programme + traction control

Anti-lock brake system

Hill descent control

Emergency brake assist

Hill launch assist

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

All terrain progress control

Coil suspension system

Dynamic stability control

Terrain Response 2

Communication

eCall emergency call system

Android Auto

InControl remote premium

Apple CarPlay

Wireless device charging

Driver Aids

Lane keep assist

Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter

Adaptive cruise control

Front and rear parking aid

Power assisted steering

Driver Convenience

Locking fuel flap

Tailgate

Push button start

Powered tailgate/boot lid

Driver Information

Driver condition monitor

Interactive driver display

Pivi Pro connected navigation system with upgraded Infotainment

Trip computer

11.4" touch screen

Service interval indicator

Driving Mirrors

Electric heated/power fold door mirrors with approach lights and auto dimming driver side

Embellishment Trims

Centre stack rails in noble chrome

Entertainment

Bluetooth connectivity including audio streaming

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Digital Audio Broadcast radio-DAB

Exterior Body Features

Rear wing door

Front and rear recovery eyes

Rear side wing doors

Metal tread plates with brand name script

P300e badge

Exterior Lights

Rear fog lights

Automatic headlight levelling

LED headlights with signature DRL, front and rear animated directional indicators

Auto high beam assist

Automatic headlights

3rd brake light

Interior Features

Front and rear grab handles

Row 1 USB x 3

Standard steering wheel

Row 2 USB x 2 and row 3 USB x 1

Front 12V power socket

12V power socket in row 2 and load space

Twin front cupholders with cover

Overhead stowage for sunglasses

Centre console with armrest

Manually adjustable steering column

Ebony morzine headlining

Satin chrome gearshift paddles

Loadspace cover

Bright metal pedals

Interior Lights

Overhead lighting console

Footwell lights

Loadspace light

Packs

Online pack with data plan - Discovery

Dynamic exterior styling pack - Discovery Sport

Safety

Side and curtain airbags for front and 2nd row seats

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Rear seat ISOFIX

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Drivers knee airbag

Child locks on rear doors

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Pedestrian airbag system

Seats

5 standard seating configuration

Heated front seats

12 way driver and 10 way passenger heated electric front seats with driver memory, 2 way manual headrests + 4 way electric lumbar support

Rear headrests

Front passenger isofix child seat attachment

Security

Keyless entry

Battery Back Up System (BBUS) with tilt sensor

Intrusion sensor

Locking wheel nuts

Global lock and unlock switch on driver door

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

7 kW onboard charger

Home charging cable

Public charging cable

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 402

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 132

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 84

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 32

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 60000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 12

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 59

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 59

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 58

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 36.7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 36

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 36.7

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 12

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 32

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 36

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 36

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 38

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.3

CC: 1498

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 1.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 1.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 178.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 178.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 170

General

Coin Series: Dynamic SE [5 St]

Coin Description: P270e

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 270

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.4

Top Speed: 118

Engine Power - BHP: 269

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 198

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 398

Engine Torque - NM: 540

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Torque - MKG: 55.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R19

Tyre Size Spare: N

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: STYLE 5136

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4597

Width: 2069

Wheelbase: 2741

Width (including mirrors): 2173

Height: 1727

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2093

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2750

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 58

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 657

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 780

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1574

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.8

Brakes

Black brake calipers

Chassis/Suspension

Configurable dynamics

Driver Aids

3D Surround camera includes, clear sight ground view, 360 parking aid and wade sensing

Driver Convenience

Click and go integrated base unit

Driver Information

Wifi enabled with data plan

Driving Mirrors

ClearSight interior rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Titanium mesh trim finisher

Entertainment

Meridian surround sound system with 14 speakers + Subwoofer 650W

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Standard roof

Premium metallic paint

Body coloured roof

Metallic paint

Exterior Lights

Headlight power wash

Front fog lights

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Luxtec/Suede cloth upholstery

Packs

Technology pack - Discovery Sport

Towing pack 2 - Discovery Sport

Driver assist pack - Discovery Sport Dynamic SE

Comfort pack with climate control - Discovery Sport

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Hakuba silver

Metallic - Eiger grey

Metallic - Firenze red

Metallic - Santorini black

Metallic - Varesine blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fuji white

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Carpathian grey

Premium metallic - Ostuni pearl white

Seats

Heated rear seats

Manual slide and recline second row seats

Security

Secure tracker pro

Towing

Electrically deployable towbar

Trim - Cloth

Luxtec/suede cloth - Light oyster/Ebony duotone with light oyster stitch, Ebony/Ebony colour way, Ebony headlining

Trim - Leather

Duo leather - Light oyster/Ebony duotone with light oyster stitch, Ebony/Ebony colour way, Ebony headlining

Duo leather - Ebony with Lunar stitch, Ebony/Ebony colour way, Ebony headlining

Wheels

Self sealing tyres

Wheels - Alloy

18" gloss black alloy wheels - Style 5074

18" alloy wheels - Style 5074

20" gloss black alloy wheels - Style 5089

20" gloss dark grey contrast alloy wheels with diamond turned finish - Style 5089

19" gloss black alloy wheels - Style 5136

Wheels - Spare

20" full size alloy spare wheel

19" full size alloy spare wheel

18" full size spare alloy wheel

Reduced section steel spare wheel

Tyre repair system