The Land Rover Discovery Sport is offered in India with a 2.2 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine in two states of tune. In TD4 trim the motor develops 147 bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 400 Nm. The SD4 trim develops 187 bhp at 3500 rpm and makes 420 Nm of maximum torque. The SD4 config is available only in the HSE Luxury which was our test car. Refinement levels of the engine are really good. The motor has decent punch in this state of tune. Don’t expect the ‘pushed back into the seat’ feeling though. The acceleration is very linear and is helped by the nine speed automatic gearbox (carried over from the Evoque) which offers seamless shifts. However the transmission does tend to get a bit confused when requesting a downshift. There is a slight delay before the kickdown happens making you wonder if this gearbox has one cog too many. For instant downshifts, you are better off using the paddle shifters which are very responsive. Land Rover claims a 0 to 100 kph timing of 8.9 seconds with a top speed of 188 kph. There’s Sport mode too but even this mode, the system doesn’t let you hold a gear till the rev limiter if you are shifting manually. The Discovery Sport is the ideal companion for long road trips and it feels right at home cruising in a relaxed matter on the highway.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport features all round independent suspension and the HSE Luxury gets Adaptive suspension as standard. Ride quality at high speeds is very good and the suspension soaks in the potholes and bad roads with aplomb. However things do get a bit stiff at low speeds, and you end up feeling the road imperfections in the cabin. The handling is pretty sorted for an SUV but there is a hint of understeer around corners. Grip from the 235 profile tyres is adequate.
If it’s a Land Rover, then it has to feel right at home off the road and the Discovery Sport does so perfectly. It gets Land Rover’s Terrain Response four wheel drive system. This system features modes for every kind of surface like gravel, snow, mud ruts and the works. Terrain Response will adjust the settings of the car according to the mode chosen. The Discover Sport has an approach angle of 25 degrees, departure angle of 31 degrees and a ramp angle of 21 degrees (20 degrees for 5+2). It has a water wading depth of 600 Nm which is very impressive. We did not get a chance to test all the capabilities of the car during the review but a proper off roading excursion with the Discovery Sport is definitely on the cards.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport comes loaded with safety features. These include seven airbags (front driver and passenger, knee airbag for driver, side curtain for driver and front passenger and airbags for second row), ABS, Electronic Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Hill Descent Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Trailer Stability Assist.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is all you expect a Land Rover to be and more. It comes with a lot of features and is very capable off road and nice to drive on tarmac as well. It also looks stylish and if you feel the Evoque is a little loud for your taste, the Discovery Sport will surely take to your liking. If you want more power, we recommend going for the SD4 model that you see in these pictures. It has loads of street presence too. Also stick to the 5 seater option. The third row is just not practical enough. So if you love your weekend road trips with luggage and dog in tow, and want a good highway cruiser along with good city driveability, get the Discovery Sport. It also has that distinct British personality that doesn’t fail to charm you.
Land Rover Discovery Sport photo gallery:
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