On the road with the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Land Rover Discovery SportEverybody loves a Land Rover because they are in two simple words ‘brilliant machines’.

Right from the beginning in 1948 it has been the iconic symbol for anyone who wanted a vehicle that could not only be used as a regular car – but could also take part in your everyday life for whatever task you put in its path – let’s face it, the Land Rover is pretty much a one size fits all machine for people from all walks of life. They say ‘everyone at some point in their life will be famous for 5min’s – I say everyone at some point in their life will have either owned or at least had some sort of interaction with a Land Rover at some point and of course the Queen owns one and I also happen to know a lady who takes part in Midwifery who owns one too.

The simple fact here is this; if it has a Land Rover badge then you can be certain that what you are looking at is at the heart of everything British.

Power and Efficiency:
The Discovery Sport was fitted with a 2.0L TD4 Diesel engine – with 180bhp and 430Nm of Torque. I have spoken many times about this brilliant engine. I can’t fault it really because it just does everything you ask of it without any drama. Remember the Discovery Sport weighs 1,884kg and still managed 40mpg. If you are interested it has a top speed of 117mph and 0-62 is around 8.4sec. CO2 EU Combined (g/km) 139. If you are a farmer or a person who does a lot of off-road – then you will be very interested to read that it also has an obstacle clearance of 212(mm) and a wading depth of 600(mm).

On the road:
Just like its brothers & sisters – it does on or off-road brilliantly. Land Rover has the ability to make a machine handle well no matter what the road surface is doing below. I found the ride soft but also controlled. For a large car – the Sport was brilliant and I felt no sense of body roll and the steering felt direct and precise. This is not a car that will leave you marooned when you go off road either. If you do decide to take it for an adventure – then be prepared to be astonished as to what the Discovery Sport can do.

Design and Interior:
Land Rover have done a good job making the Discovery Sport stand out in a crowd – many people who I met over the week I tested the Sport- told me that it was better looking than its big brother the mighty Range Rover. I would not argue with that to a point truth be told. As with all Land Rovers now – inside is kitted out to be fit for a ‘King’ with more luxuries than a penthouse suite at The Savoy. The leather is perfectly stitched and every button or control feels like it has been precision made just for you.

Land Rover Discovery SportI also like the seating in the back and so did my children. There was plenty of teddy bear room for my daughter and all her friends. Plus my son managed to fit in Ironman and Superman all with ease. Joking aside here, the Discovery Sport is very well kitted out and I like the 5volt charging points via an inbuilt USB.

Technology:
Yes – it has lots. Land Rover does not do penny pinching. The Discovery sport is fitted with every toy you are ever likely to need like: 1st Row – 1 x USB with Charging – located on Centre Console and row 2, DAB Radio, Touch Screen Navigation System, 60:40 Second Row with Slide and Recline, Heated Front Windscreen, Automatic Headlamps and Rain Sensing Wipers, Keyless Entry, Powered Tailgate, Front Parking Aid and Reverse Parking Camera.

I could tell you more all about it here; but if I was you I would pop down to your local dealer and see for yourself. Don’t forget your chequebook.

Price: (from) £34,200 OTR not including fitted options
Top speed: 117mph
0-62mph: 8.4sec
Economy: 53.3mpg (combined) emissions g/km (139)
Engine: 2.0L TD4 Diesel
Power: 180hp
Torque: 430Nm at 1750rpm
Gearbox: Auto 9 Speed ZF EP2
My Verdict: 5 stars *****  By Anthony Yates

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