New for 2015
The Discovery Sport is an all-new model.
Explore Your World in Luxury
Land Rover has come a long way. It started out building spartan off-road vehicles pitched at soldiers and farmers, but over the decades it’s evolved into one of the premier luxury automakers.
That’s thanks to truck-like vehicles such as the Range Rover and LR4, but more recently Land Rover has branched out into vehicles that are just as comfortable on pavement as they are in the dirt.
First came the Range Rover Evoque, which prized style over practicality. That’s where the 2015 Discovery Sport comes in. It’s a stylish, car-like SUV that can haul plenty of people and stuff, but can still hold its own off road.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport is only offered with one powertrain option, but it’s just as capable as the rest of the vehicle.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that drives all four wheels. This is a Land Rover, after all.
That engine makes this SUV pretty sprightly. Land Rover says it will do 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, and reach a top speed of 124 mph. It will also return an EPA-rated 22 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway).*
Land Rover’s Terrain Response system is also standard equipment. It adjusts different vehicle parameters for different situations, with selectable driving modes including General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, and Sand. There’s also an optional Dynamic mode tailored for on-road performance.
That’s just one of the gadgets that will turn almost anyone into a competent off-roader. Other notable features include Hill Descent Control and Gradient Release Control, which take most of stress out of traversing absurdly steep inclines.
Features and Trims
The 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a compact SUV that seats five as standard, although there’s an optional “5+2” seating configuration that adds small third-row seats. It’s available in three trim levels, with prices starting at $37,070.**
Even the base SE model offers plenty of luxury and technology features as standard equipment, including the Terrain Response system, rearview camera, partial-leather seats, and power-folding exterior mirrors.
Building on the SE, the HSE model includes all of the applicable standard equipment from the base model, but adds Xenon headlights with an LED signature, front and rear fog lamps, full leather seats, and a power tailgate, among other features.
The top Discovery Sport model is the HSE Luxury, which adds a premium 11-speaker audio system, Windsor leather seats, configurable mood lighting, navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio and HD Radio capability.
In addition to the standard features, an available Climate Control package adds heated front and rear seats, a heated windshield, and heated steering wheel.
There are also several personalization options, including 18- to 20-inch alloy wheels, a contrasting roof, and black trim for the grille and matching badging.
Design
The 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport features handsome styling that will impress both traditional Land Rover fans and those who prefer more car-like crossovers. The exterior styling is matched by a luxuriously-appointed interior.
The styling blends elements from the full-size Range Rover and the smaller Range Rover Evoque, including the brand’s signature mesh grille and LED highlights for the headlights.
There’s a functional element to that styling too. The short front and rear overhangs create good approach and departure angles—25 inches and 32 inches, respectively—for nimble off-road handling, as well as a break over angle of 20 inches. The Discovery Sport can also ford up to two feet of water, should you ever decide to take an interesting detour.
The interior features an upscale yet simple design. Everything looks durable enough to withstand a bit of mud, making it the perfect place to comfortably explore the limits of the Discovery Sport’s off-road abilities.
The Discovery Sport is also available with Land Rover’s new InControl infotainment system, which includes a suite of smartphone-compatible apps, remote roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle tracking. It can also be paired with a head-up display.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and seven airbags. There are also several optional driver-assistance features, including autonomous emergency braking, and lane-departure warning with traffic-sign recognition.
Bottom Line
The 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a great addition to the Land Rover lineup. It features the same off-road prowess and luxury standards Land Rover is known for, but with better on-road manners and packaging.
For more information, contact us at 3Birds Template.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary.
**All prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $925 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment.
Image: Land Rover (European model shown)
