2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport Gets A Much Needed Major Facelift Which Includes A Whole Host Interior, Exterior and New Engines On offer
Land Rover has been designing vehicles for more than 71 years. For the last three decades, the Discovery family has combined contemporary SUV design, versatility and advanced technology. With new features and the very latest technology, the new Discovery Sport delivers superior interior space and refinement, while its 5+2 interior features a new infotainment interface with the latest connectivity, plus a more flexible seating arrangement with up to 24 combinations for enhanced versatility.
Under the skin, Land Rover’s new Premium Transverse Architecture (PTA) accommodates efficient new electrified engines, including a 48-volt mild hybrid from launch, to help reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The new body is 13 per cent stiffer than its predecessor, with rigidly-mounted subframes that reduce noise and vibration intrusion into the cabin, improving comfort and providing maximum safety in the event of a collision.
2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport Trademark design cues, including the clam-shell bonnet, rising beltline and tapered roof remain, but the new model is a bold exterior evolution. The proportions have been optimised to project a more striking visual with new signature LED headlamps at the front and rear, alongside a new front grille and bumpers.
Inside, the arrival of the digital Touch Pro infotainment system and the introduction of more premium materials throughout transforms the cabin to create a high quality yet practical space. New seats across each of the three rows provide improved comfort and versatility, thanks to the second row 40:20:40 split fold and slide functionality, boosting the possible number of seat combinations to 24 and covering every eventuality – be it the school run or a family holiday.
2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport is available in S, SE and HSE trim, in addition to the R-Dynamic variant, which features Satin Dark Grey alloy wheels, unique front and rear bumpers and Shadow Atlas script on the bonnet and tailgate. Inside, Ebony seats with contrast stitching, black gearshift paddles and unique treadplates provide a sportier character.
The Discovery Sport makes the most of its compact exterior dimensions with a versatile interior that has been enhanced to optimise interior space, provide improved small item stowage across all three rows and a 20 per cent increase in fuel tank capacity (up to 65-litres). With the option of Land Rover’s Activity Key, a wearable waterproof wristband that allows customers to lock and unlock the vehicle without using the traditional keyfob, the compact SUV is more usable than ever and designed to take your family further.
Designed with electrification in mind, the new Premium Transverse Architecture allows for the introduction of a new 48-volt mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain on Discovery Sport. First launched on the new Range Rover Evoque, the system uses an engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator to harvest energy normally lost during deceleration and stores it in an under-floor battery.
At speeds below 17km/h (11mph), the engine will shut off when the driver applies the brakes, before redeploying the stored energy to assist the engine under acceleration to reduce fuel consumption. The new engine and transmissions are refined, quiet and efficient to drive, ensuring that whether on the school run, a drive into the country or heading to the Alps, they offer notable efficiency savings.
Available across the range of four-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, the mild hybrid delivers CO2 emissions from as low as 144g/km CO2 (NEDC equivalent) and fuel economy up to 40.9mpg (6.9l/100km) (based on WLTP test procedure). An even more efficient plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model and three-cylinder petrol Ingenium engine will also join the range later in 2019.
2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport is one of the first Land Rovers to use Real Driving Emissions stage 2 (RDE2) certified engines, ahead of their mandatory introduction in 2020. By tracking emissions using a real-world on-road test in addition to traditional laboratory measurements, customers can be certain the latest Ingenium diesel engines available on the compact SUV are cleaner and more efficient than ever.
The most efficient Discovery Sport model will be the Front-Wheel Drive 150PS diesel with manual transmission, offering emissions from as low as 140g/km of CO2 and fuel economy from 47.8mpg (5.9l/100km). To maximise efficiency, models with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) benefit from Driveline Disconnect – a Power Transfer Unit at the front axle that disconnects drive to the rear wheels under steady state cruising, reducing frictional losses and re-engaging AWD in less than 500 milliseconds.
Designed to meet the digital demands of a modern family, the latest Discovery Sport is available with a ‘smart rear view mirror’ that transforms into a video screen at the flick of a switch to display what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. Offering a wider (50-degree) field of vision and superior visibility in low light conditions from a camera mounted above the rear window, the mirror ensures rear visibility is not compromised by second row passengers or bulky items in the boot.
ClearSight Ground View technology has been introduced to help drivers navigate high city centre kerbs or tackle rough terrain by projecting camera imagery that offers a virtual 180-degree view beneath the vehicle onto the touchscreen. Effectively making the bonnet invisible, this is the realisation of Land Rover’s Transparent Bonnet technology, first previewed in 2014.
Wireless charging for compatible mobile devices is introduced for the first time within the lower centre console, while a 4G WiFi hotspot, alongside USB and 12-volt connectivity points on every row, ensure passengers remain charged and connected. Second and third row occupants also benefit from individual heating and ventilation controls to make the space more comfortable. For regular drivers of the new Discovery Sport, Smart Settings uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn driver preferences, adjusting massage and seat positions, music and climate settings and steering column positioning to suit each driver.
2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport has all-terrain handling with all-weather capability, including a wading depth of 600mm, All-Wheel Drive and a second-generation Active Driveline system (engine output dependent). Terrain Response 2 automatically detects the surface and adjusts the torque delivery to best suit the conditions, while Advanced Tow Assist makes reversing with a trailer (up to 2,500kg) more intuitive and safer than ever.
There is a reversing camera as standard on all models, alongside a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, which centres the vehicle in the lane based on road markings as well as maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Other active safety features include Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Driver Condition Monitor.
