Discovery Sport leads Land Rover charge

Land Rover has revealed Discovery Sport – the British offroad icon's latest model, which introduces a new look that will define the brand's Discovery line-up little and large for the next decade.

The compact "5+2" seater replaces the Freelander and, in name and looks in this generation, will be more closely related to its big brother Discovery than ever before. Thus Land Rover has christened the Disco Sport "the world's most versatile and capable premium compact SUV", promising three-row accommodation in "a footprint no larger than existing five-seat premium SUVs".

"Discovery Sport's progressive new design approach defines the new Discovery family with optimised volume, proportions and stance. Its design leadership combines with engineering integrity to result in a dynamic profile, the ultimate use of interior space and 5+2 seating configurability," said the company at its unveiling overnight.

Discovery Sport will be powered by a range of 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines. All of the engines feature stop-start technology, high-pressure direct-injection, low-friction internal components and "smart regenerative charging for outstanding performance and economy".

Land Rover says nine-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions will be offered in the 110kW TD4 and 140kW SD4 turbo-diesel models. The single 177kW/340Nm Si4 2.0-litre petrol engine is fitted with the nine-speed automatic transmission as standard.

The company is also championing the off-road credentials of the Disco Sport. All variants are four-wheel drive and with approach, departure and breakover angles of 25, 31 and 21 degrees respectively, latest Terrain Response smart all-wheel-drive technology, and the ability to wade to 600mm, Land Rover says the vehicle offers "class-leading capability in all conditions".

“Our challenge has been to combine premium design with exceptional versatility; the two attributes must work in harmony,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer.

“I'm proud to say we've achieved that; Discovery Sport's dynamic design will resonate on an emotional level with consumers, and this vehicle is more versatile than any other premium compact SUV on the market.”

Safety features to be offered in the new Sport include a "first-in-class pedestrian airbag", head-up display and autonomous emergency braking.

The Discovery Sport features strut front and independent multilink rear suspension. It's all new body-shell is manufactured using a mix of ultra-high-strength steel and aluminium.

Land Rover says Discovery Sport's interior features high-quality materials and "a strong vertical centre console graphic to reflect the premium design of the exterior". A 200mm touchcreen infotainment system takes pride of place.

The second row features tilt and slide adjustability and in-cabin storage was a priority in the cabin's design. Multiple 12V power points and up to six USB charging sockets can be specified for all three rows of seating, "allowing multiple electronic devices to be charged simultaneously".

The new Discovery Sport was unveiled virtually at Spaceport America in New Mexico (USA) with news of a competition to send four winners into space with Virgin Galactic.

The vehicle goes on sale Down Under and will be in local Land Rover dealerships on May 1, 2015.