History lesson
The Land Rover Discovery Sport (internal code L550) is a compact luxury crossover SUV produced by British automotive company Jaguar Land Rover since 2014, under their Land Rover marque. It has been their best-selling model since 2017. Introduced in late 2014, it replaced the Freelander in a revised Land Rover range of vehicles, with Discovery joining Range Rover as a sub-brand.
The first generation Discovery Sport was based on the JLR D8/LR-MS platform and was powered by a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. It was also the first Discovery introduced with a unibody structure 1. The second generation model is based on the modified version of the JLR D8/LR-MS platform, that’s JLR PTA platform, as used by the Jaguar E-Pace and L551 version of Range Rover Evoque.
In 2015, the Discovery Sport was offered with a 2.0 L EcoBoost I4 (t/c petrol) or a 2.2 L Duratorq I4 (t/c diesel) engine. In 2016, Land Rover introduced its all-new 2.0 L Ingenium I4 (t/c petrol) and 2.0 L Ingenium I4 (t/c diesel) engines to the Discovery Sport range.
In 2019, Land Rover launched a heavily revised version of the Discovery Sport. It featured new signature LED headlights and taillights. The platform was also revised from the older D8 platform to a new PTA (Premium Transverse Architecture) platform adapted to receive a plug-in hybrid system and mild-hybrid system.
In 2021, the Land Rover Discovery Sport gained more standard safety features and a new standard infotainment system. The trim and engine lineup were also reduced. The new infotainment system is called Pivi Pro and it boasts a simplified menu structure as well as over-the-air update capability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across the lineup.
Dimensions
Height (mm) 1,727
Length (mm) 4,597
Wheelbase (mm) 2,741
Standard ride height (mm) 212
Approach Angle 25.0°
Departure Angle 30.2°
Ramp Angle 20.6°
So how does it drive?
In 2019, the Discovery Sport was updated with a reinforced chassis that increased its sturdiness by 10% compared to the previous model. The revised engine and suspension subframe mounting points also contributed to making the car more refined. On the road, the vehicle is noticeably quieter in terms of tire and suspension noise compared to many of its competitors.
The Discovery Sport has a composed ride that adds to its relaxing nature. The suspension is firmer at lower speeds than the Mercedes GLC, but the multi-link rear axle provides excellent support at higher speeds. The electronically controlled permanent four-wheel drive system provides reassuring traction in slippery conditions and the car’s body movement is well-controlled with plenty of grip on all-weather tires. Although the steering is somewhat slower compared to the GLC or BMW X3, it is still precise enough to provide confidence while driving. The high-set driving position and good visibility make it easy to place the car on the road.
At times, the car may feel quite large, but its excellent visibility and standard rear camera and parking sensors make reversing easier. The ClearSight high-definition rear-view screen can be activated with a switch on the rear-view mirror and displays live images from a roof-mounted camera, further improving visibility. The Terrain Response system can adjust the four-wheel drive’s traction control for different conditions and the car’s excellent ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and variable hill descent control make it capable of handling tough off-road situations that many compact SUVs cannot.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport range offers various levels of hybridization, including mild-hybrids and plug-in hybrids. The mild-hybrid models recover energy under deceleration and braking and use it to save fuel. The petrol P250 offers 247bhp, while the D165 and D200 diesel options offer 163 and 201bhp, respectively. The P300e plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of up to 38 miles and reaches 62mph in 6.6 seconds. An entry-level diesel has a six-speed manual gearbox, while other models have four-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox is smooth but not as responsive as some rivals.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport received a significant upgrade in 2019, with the addition of mild-hybrid technology to most models. This system recovers energy during deceleration and stores it in a battery, which can then be used to reduce engine load and boost fuel efficiency. Despite this, the Discovery Sport’s engines remain on the thirstier side of the class. The plug-in hybrid P300e is the most efficient model, with a claimed fuel economy of 180.6mpg and low CO2 emissions, making it a popular choice for business users. The Discovery Sport’s price has also increased since its launch. Starting prices in Germany are around €56,300 for the D165 AWD SE and with the range-topping P300e R-Dynamic HSE priced at nearly €71,000. However, buyers do get plenty of equipment for their money.
To achieve maximum fuel efficiency and cover up to 37 miles on electric power alone, the Discovery Sport P300e needs to be charged fully. Charging the 15kWh battery takes just over two hours using a home wallbox, while using a standard three-pin plug takes nearly seven hours. It is not recommended to rely on the three-pin plug. The Discovery Sport PHEV stands out from other plug-in hybrids as it has DC rapid charging capabilities, allowing the battery to be charged from flat to 80% in just half an hour using a public rapid charger.
How does it look? ( in and out )
By just taking a quick look at the Discovery Sport, you can tell it’s a Land Rover vehicle. Although the 2019 model has undergone significant changes, they’re not noticeable from the outside unless you’re paying close attention. The car has a characteristic clamshell bonnet, with clean and simple body surfacing, and the option of a contrasting roof. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find new head and tail lights, as well as neater bumpers both at the front and rear. The car is available in a range of wheel sizes, with the option of personalisation using the Black Exterior Pack, which adds black finishes to the grille, door mirrors, and exterior trim. The interior design of the Discovery Sport is consistent with the Land Rover brand.
The facelift has brought significant improvements to the cabin, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto since 2019, and the top trim levels featuring a customisable 12.3-inch driver’s display. The car also features physical knobs for secondary functions like heating and ventilation, which feel robust and look great. Although the overall build quality is solid, the sliding middle row of seats on some models can cause squeaks and rattles. The equipment levels are high regardless of trim, with the entry-level model featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, 8-way heated manual front seats, and the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The R-Dynamic SE model includes 20-inch wheels, electric heated memory seats, a Meridian sound system, and keyless entry, while the HSE model includes even more seat adjustment and Windsor leather seats, among other features.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport’s infotainment system was updated in 2019 with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2021, it was further improved with Pivi and Pivi Pro systems. Other features include a digital driver’s display, smart rearview mirror, Clear Sight Ground View technology, wireless charging, 4G WiFi hotspot, USB and 12-volt connections, and an 11-speaker Meridian sound system available on HSE models, while the rest of the range uses a simpler six-speaker setup.
What about space?
The 2019 updates to the Discovery Sport added new technology and hybrid systems but did not significantly change the car’s functionality. The Discovery Sport still has its unique 5+2 seating layout, with the rear two seats suitable for children. The rear seats can be easily pulled out of the boot floor and the middle row slides for easy access and legroom. The boot has hooks and a 12V power supply, and there is an optional adjustable loading rail system. The cabin has plenty of storage, including cup holders and up to seven USB sockets. The electric handbrake creates space for lidded storage boxes and there is a trinket tray on the dashboard. The first five seats have good head and legroom and the storage spaces are now more generous after the 2019 updates.
The Discovery Sport’s height provides a spacious feel for passengers, especially in HSE models with a panoramic glass roof. The middle row has three seats with enough knee- and foot room due to the flat floor and 16cm sliding ability. The seats are comfortable, with the middle seat being slightly narrower. Access to the third-row seats is easy with rear doors opening almost 90 degrees and the middle row tilting forward easily. The two rear seats are suitable for short trips. With the rear seats folded, the Discovery Sport can hold up to 963 liters of cargo to the roofline.
With the sixth and seventh seats in use, the luggage area is 115 liters. With all five rear seats down, it increases to 1,574 liters. This is quite similar compared to its rivals from BMW ( X3 with 1600 liters ) Audi ( Q5 with 1550 liters ) and Mercedes ( GLC with 1600 liters ). On the other hand, Toyota RAV4, has a maximum capacity of 1690 litres. The Sport’s space is usable because the seats fold flat, making it ideal for trips to Ikea. Urban Edition models and above have a remotely operated electronic tailgate for easy loading. The boot is well-designed with a square shape, flush lower lip, hooks and an optional rail system. The middle row folds in a 40:20:40 split.
Can it tow?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport has towing capacities of 1,800kg, 2,000kg and 2,200kg of braked weight. The highest capacity is available with the more torquey diesel options with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. Choosing two-wheel drive reduces the load capacity by 200kg.
Safety above all
The Discovery Sport scored five stars in Euro NCAP testing in 2014 and 2022, with high scores in occupant and pedestrian safety. Standard safety features include nine airbags, electronic stability program, two Isofix points, automatic collision prevention braking and anti-lock brakes. The standard all-weather tires and four-wheel drive provide good handling in all conditions. The Terrain Response system adds confidence in inclement weather. The platform and switchgear are shared with the Evoque and the 2.0-liter Ingenium engines are used in other Jaguar and Land Rover models. The infotainment system may require software updates.