Seven-seat SUV updated with new platform to support mild hybrid tech, plus novel driving aids to ease off-roading.
Isn’t it supposed to be all-new?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport first made its debut in 2014 making it five years old in its current generation.
But rather than getting a total redesign, the Discovery Sport has merely been updated. Even so, the changes are quite extensive under the skin.
The major change is the platform which now supports 48V mild hybrid tech in all petrol and diesel 2.0-litre variances.
This architecture was first used in the second-gen Range Rover Evoque (which has yet to launch in Thailand). Like in the new Evoque, a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric with plug-in facility joins the Discovery Sport lineup later this year.
What has changed in terms of design?
While the exterior sees only minimal changes made to the bumpers (and wheel design), the interior has been revamped on a larger scale to accommodate a new digital instrument panel and infotainment screen.
The central display can also portray images of the ground below the vehicle for easier off-roading, not to mention the additional upgrade of the so-called Terrain Response 2 driving mode.
Other new bits include the steering wheel and gear lever, which now is of the joystick type rather than the rotary dial of the outgoing model.
While the Discovery Sport looks basically the same in terms of design, Land Rover says the more rigid platform allows for better handling and more cruising refinement.
Wouldn’t an Evoque still sound more appealing?
If you consider the Thai market, in particular, the Evoque might sound a better proposition due to the fancier Range Rover badge and its funkier styling.
After all, we’re talking about an import that needs to face tough competition from Thai-made SUVs from the German camp like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Objectively speaking, the Discovery Sport is for those needing practicality for the family and occasional use of seven seats, the latter aspect not available in the Bimmer or Merc.
Apparently, the Thai Land Rover agent has tried to make the Discovery Sport cheaper in price to prevent buyers from conveniently settling for the Evoque.
While the Discovery Sport has been sold with a 150hp diesel with prices ranging from 3.2-3.5 million baht, the Evoque has been touted with a more powerful 180hp variation costing 3.8-4.3 million baht.
