Land Rover Discovery Sport review, test drive

What is it?

Two things. To start with, it’s Land Rover’s replacement for the popular and capable Freelander. It’s also the first of the models from Land Rover’s new Discovery sub-brand, one that will focus on utility in the same vein as the Range Rover line is about luxury.

The Discovery Sport was shown as a concept last year and the production version’s styling doesn’t stray too far from the prototype. It’s smart, well proportioned and interesting but doesn’t have the show value of something like an Evoque. Still, there’s a certain honesty to the chunky shape which, if you think about it, more than links the Sport to the Freelander. The Sport is 91mm longer than its predecessor and also sits on a wheelbase that’s grown by 80mm. These increments, and the incorporation of a compact multi-link rear suspension, have allowed Land Rover to fit in a third row of seats, giving the Sport a big advantage over its five-seat competitors – the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. But Land Rover is being cautious to call the Sport a ‘5+2’ rather than a seven-seater simply because space in the rear is only suited for kids. Access is okay but the seating position and limited space rule it out for use by adults. Abroad, the Sport will be available with a conventional five-seat arrangement too but India will get the 5+2 version only. That means Indian versions will only get a space saver as a spare tyre (mounted under the body) and not a full size one as on the five-seater.

As on all modern Land Rovers, the Discovery Sport’s cabin is neat with a long-lasting feel to everything. Angular cues dominate the dashboard and, once again, it doesn’t look revolutionary in any way; just very Land Rover. What does make a big difference is the new touchscreen-operated infotainment system. It’s a big step up from the older system offered on all Land Rovers before this, and is easy enough to use on the move. Just wish it had the iPad-like responses to inputs we’ve seen on the latest systems such as the one on the upcoming Volvo XC90.

In the Discovery Sport, you sit at a nice height and correspondingly get a good view out. The front seats are comfortable and feature electric adjust and additionally, heating and cooling functions. These are features that could make it to the Indian car as well because Land Rover intends to launch the Discovery Sport in fully loaded guise. LED headlights, a panoramic roof and dual-zone climate control will be part of standard kit, and rear seat entertainment could be offered as well.

Middle row passengers get seats which are supportive and can be moved fore and aft to maximise legroom or free up knee room for the last row. Space, in general, is good while the large windows allow lots of light into the cabin. Land Rover has also given the cabin lots of recesses for small items and thoughtfully equipped it with seven USB charging points, one for each occupant.