The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the most affordable sports utility vehicle or SUV one can buy to roam around in all terrains in every nook and cranny of India.
Starting at Rs 44.68 lakh, the Discovery Sport has been updated for 2019 and has emerged as a more practical alternative to the ageing Evoque.
Undoubtedly, the highlights for the 2019 Discovery Sport model include a more powerful diesel engine, a new design pack and an updated infotainment system.
Dynamic Design Pack
Offered only in the top-spec HSE trim, it comes with a mildly distinguishing body kit and chrome tail pipes. There is no mistaking the Discovery Sport for anything else as it looks very impressive, well-balanced, polished and fits in perfectly with the Land Rover line-up to pull in admirers.
Signature features include a clamshell bonnet and distinctive two-bar grille with hexagonal mesh.
The fast bonnet line with a pronounced step into the rising beltline conveys a dramatic stance, whilst the roof tapers subtly downwards, adding extra dynamism.
Interior
Inside and outside seamlessly blend into a vehicle that clearly communicates its Discovery DNA, whilst firmly looking forward. It features high-quality materials and a strong vertical centre console design to reflect the premium exterior. The cabin is equipped with up to four 12 V power points and six USB charging sockets.
Command Driving Position
Discovery Sport offers a great deal of comfort as well and versatility. The second row is extremely spacious and flexible with the seats able to slide back and forth by 160 mm for greater loadspace or comfort.
The third row, with its simple, single-handed 50:50 deployment, has been cleverly incorporated to avoid any compromises to the vehicle's exterior design, whilst maintaining passenger comfort. By folding down the third row, a flat loadspace is available for whenever you need it.
Driving around
While it is still the same 2-litre Ingenium diesel unit, there have been some changes to this Discovery range. The SE, HSE and HSE Luxury trims now get a more powerful tune to the extent of 177 BHP while the entry-level Pure variant continues to get the standard 147 BHP output engine. That is about 30 BHP and 50Nm more than the base car and the difference is clear in most situations.
It is peppier and smooth driving right from the word go and undoubtedly the Discovery Sport diesel HSE trim covers a broad range of city speeds much easier. This Sport rides and handles well both on city roads and on highways.
Although it does absorb potholes and bumps, you do feel them while riding on low speed on country roads but it has great grip of the roads on highways on a rather decent speed. In fact Discovery Sport lives up to the most demanding expectations. Confident and responsive, the drive is further enhanced by a generous wheel articulation and innovative off-road technologies such as terrain response. This feature is standard on all-wheel-drive or AWD vehicles and adapts to the responses of the vehicle's engine, transmission, differentials and chassis systems to maximize driveability, comfort and traction.
Should I buy one?
All things considered, this Discovery Sport makes a compelling argument for itself in the mid-size premium SUV space. It has got a smart look, seven seats, and drives really well on the road and is capable on off-road as well. Although it may be lacking in the plushest cabin, the Discovery Sport is arguably pretty and solid. Built to take on the likes of the Mercedes GLE, the BMW X5 and the Lexus RX, the Discovery Sport is a capable compact SUV, offering impressive levels of luxury, performance and capability.
