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

Heated windscreen including heated washer jets

Electric front/rear windows

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Privacy glass

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Brakes

Electronic parking brake

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Collision mitigation braking system

Electronic Stability Programme + traction control

Emergency brake assist

Roll stability control

Hill descent control

Anti-lock brake system

Hill launch assist

Electronic brake force distribution

Trailer stability control

Brake hold function

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Dynamic stability control

All terrain progress control

Terrain Response 2

Coil suspension system

Communication

Apple CarPlay

InControl remote premium

eCall emergency call system

Wireless device charging

Android Auto

Driver Aids

Front and rear parking aid

Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter

Power assisted steering

Lane keep assist

Driver Convenience

Locking fuel flap

Push button start

Tailgate

Driver Information

Pivi Pro connected navigation system with upgraded Infotainment

Service interval indicator

Driver condition monitor

Trip computer

11.4" touch screen

Digital driver display

Driving Mirrors

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

Embellishment Trims

Centre stack rails in noble chrome

Engine

Diesel particulate filter

Efficient Driveline

Entertainment

Bluetooth connectivity including audio streaming

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Digital Audio Broadcast radio-DAB

Exterior Body Features

Front and rear recovery eyes

Rear wing door

Body coloured roof

Rear side wing doors

Exterior Lights

Rear fog lights

3rd brake light

Automatic headlights

Rear animated directional indicators

Day time running light

LED Headlights

Interior Features

Row 1 USB x 3

Satin chrome gearshift paddles

Light oyster morzine headlining

Overhead stowage for sunglasses

Twin front cupholders with cover

Standard steering wheel

Centre console with armrest

Manually adjustable steering column

12V power socket in row 2 and load space

Front and rear grab handles

Front 12V power socket

Loadspace cover

Row 2 USB x 2 and row 3 USB x 1

Interior Lights

Loadspace light

Overhead lighting console

Footwell lights

Packs

Exterior styling pack - Discovery Sport S

Online pack with data plan - Discovery

Safety

Rear seat ISOFIX

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Pedestrian airbag system

Side and curtain airbags for front and 2nd row seats

Child locks on rear doors

Drivers knee airbag

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Seats

Heated front seats

Rear headrests

5 standard seating configuration

Front passenger isofix child seat attachment

Security

Battery Back Up System (BBUS) with tilt sensor

Locking wheel nuts

Global lock and unlock switch on driver door

Intrusion sensor

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 180

HC: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 173

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 173

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders: 4

Number of Valves: 16

Gears: 9 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Compression Ratio: 16.5:1

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Camshaft: DOHC

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

CC: 1998

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.3

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 42.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 42.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 41

General

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

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: 29E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 165

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: S [5 Seat]

Coin Description: D165

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Top Speed: 112

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.2

Engine Torque - MKG: 38.7

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 163

Engine Power - KW: 120

Engine Power - RPM: 3500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 280

Engine Torque - NM: 380

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: N

Tyre Size Front: 235/60 R18

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: STYLE 5074

Tyre Size Rear: 235/60 R18

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2173

Height: 1727

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 2069

Wheelbase: 2741

Length: 4597

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2590

Minimum Kerbweight: 1874

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 65

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2200

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 716

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 780

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.8

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1574

Max. Roof Load: 75

Brakes

Black brake calipers

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

Natural shadow oak trim veneer

Entertainment

Meridian sound system with 11 speakers + subwoofer 400W

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Fixed panoramic sunroof with powered sunblind

Premium metallic paint

Metallic paint

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight levelling

Front fog lights

Headlight power wash

Interior Features

Luxtec/Suede cloth upholstery

Cloth upholstery

Heated steering wheel

Packs

Comfort pack with climate control - Discovery Sport

Efficiency pack - Discovery Sport

Driver assist pack - Discovery Sport S

Towing pack 2 - Discovery Sport S

Technology pack - Discovery Sport

Convenience pack - Discovery Sport S

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Santorini black

Metallic - Hakuba silver

Metallic - Firenze red

Metallic - Eiger grey

Metallic - Varesine blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fuji white

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Ostuni pearl white

Premium metallic - Carpathian grey

Seats

Heated rear seats

Manual slide and recline second row seats

Security

Secure tracker pro

Towing

Electrically deployable towbar

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Ebony, Ebony/Ebony colour way, Light oyster headlining

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

Trim - Leather

Duo leather - Light oyster, Ebony/Ebony colour way, Light oyster headlining

Duo leather - Acorn, Ebony/Ebony colour way, Light oyster headlining

Duo leather - Ebony, Ebony/Ebony colour way, Light oyster headlining

Wheels

Self sealing tyres

Wheels - Alloy

18" gloss black 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

19" gloss dark grey alloy wheels with diamond turned contrast - Style 5136

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair system

18" full size spare alloy wheel

Reduced section steel spare wheel

20" full size alloy spare wheel

17" full size spare alloy wheel

19" full size alloy spare wheel