VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 86

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 word count: 131

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 word count: 206

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 D200 diesel model has 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.