Bold & Progressive: 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport SUV
Land Rover has introduced the new 2015 Discovery Sport, a versatile premium compact SUV that is the first member of the new Discovery vehicle family. A dynamic design with a compact footprint provides seven-passenger seating in an available “5+2” configuration. The progressive design of the Discovery Sport sets the tone. Its dynamic, emotional design sets the compact Land Rover SUV apart from luxury competitors, while offering greater versatility than other premium compact SUVs.
The vehicle’s proportions put the wheels out at the corners, contributing to both a low center of gravity and a “planted” stance. Aside from the overall shape, details including a clamshell hood and distinctive two-bar grille with hexagonal mesh connect it to its’ Land Rover identity. Large outboard air intakes and LED fog lamps in the front bumper convey a strong sense of “sport,” while the slim, wraparound headlamps are reminiscent of designs used on Range Rover vehicles. Round daytime-running lights (DRLs) are punctuated at four equal intervals to represent the points of a compass, a nod to the vehicle’s considerable capabilities.
The tail lamp design echoes the headlamps’ slim, wraparound design, accentuating the dynamic bodylines. A pronounced step from the rear edge of the hood into the rising beltline, combined with a roofline that tapers subtly downward toward the rear, creates a dramatic profile and sense of motion. The C-pillar rakes dramatically forward toward the gloss-black window surrounds, allowing for an optional contrast roof design. A new blade-like interpretation of the signature Land Rover fender vents sweeps into a dynamic bodyline that continues to the rear of the vehicle. The robust wheel-arch moldings pay homage to Land Rover heritage.
Available in SE, HSE and HSE LUX trim levels, power for the compact Land Rover SUV is generated by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder prime mover joined to a ZF 9HP48 nine-speed automatic transmission and equipped with standard all-wheel drive.
The Discovery Sport body shell uses a combination of high-strength steel, ultra high-strength boron steel and lightweight aluminum. Hot-stamped boron steel is used in key parts of the crash safety cell, including the A- and B-pillars, enabling them to have a slim design for excellent visibility. The new platform shares some front end architecture and components with the award-winning Range Rover Evoque, including a magnesium crossbeam for high torsional rigidity and reduced weight.
The front suspension hardware consists of steel lower control arms and aluminum suspension knuckles. Hydraulic rebound stops in the suspension struts significantly reduce noise entering the cabin when the suspension rebounds after encountering a pothole or obstacle. The compact multi-link rear suspension uses some aluminum components for reduced weight. This offers numerous benefits, including on-road agility, a quiet ride, long wheel travel and maximized cabin room. At 13.4 -inches, wheel articulation is excellent. The lower control arm and rear suspension knuckle are produced from thin-walled hollow aluminum castings, an innovative lightweight solution that also increases strength. The rear suspension is mounted on a light and stiff steel subframe, which promotes excellent steering response and interior quietness.
Inside the passenger cabin, new Land Rover innovations debut, including available Autonomous Emergency Braking and a new touch screen infotainment system. It’s seven-seat capability and elegantly integrated storage areas make the Discovery Sport an ideal family vehicle. High-quality materials and finishes typical of Land Rover also distinguish the driving experience. A prominent center console groups all controls logically. Soft-touch rotary controls and buttons set into a gloss-black surround create a tactile user-interface and are easy for the driver to find under the glare of direct sunlight.
A three-spoke, multi-function steering wheel frames an easy-to-read instrument cluster, with twin analog dials set deeply into cylindrical housings to shield them from glare. A five-inch color TFT display is positioned between the main gauges presents key data such as fuel levels, gear position, coolant temperature and Terrain Response® modes.
While prioritizing expanded passenger room in all dimensions, the Land Rover Discovery is still able to provide elevated “stadium seating” for the middle row. Second-row passengers sit two-inches higher than front-seat occupants, providing a more open feel. The versatile second row seat, in addition to its 60/40 split seatbacks, includes a recline feature and can slide rearward by up to 6.3- inches. In that position, the seat provides plenty of legroom. The backs of the front seats are contoured to expand second row knee room. The easily accessed child seat LATCH connectors make it easy to swap child seats between vehicles. Both the second- and third rows can be folded down using one hand to create a spacious load area. A low luggage compartment floor makes it easy to load and unload.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 107.9; overall length: 180.7; width: 85.6; height: 67.9
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder – 240 hp at 5,800 rpm and 251 lbs-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm.
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 20 city/26 highway
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, dual side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, emergency brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, corner brake control, terrain response, hill descent control, electronic traction control, hill start assist, roll stability control, dynamic stability control, trailer stability control, trailer stability assist, push button start, perimetric alarm with remote panic alarm, rear parking sensors, rear view camera, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic power door locks, remote keyless entry, automatic headlamps, rain sensing windshield wipers, daytime running lamps, rear fog lamp, and tire pressure monitoring system. HSE adds front fog lights, Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, passive entry system and HomeLink universal transceiver. HSE LUX adds navigation system.
Optional safety features include: adaptive Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, blind spot monitoring with closing vehicle sensing and reverse traffic detection, surround camera system, and automatic high beam assist.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport SUV starts from $37,070 for the SE, $41,570 for the HSE and $45,570 for the HSE LUX. Destination charges add $995.
