The global replacement for the ageing Land Rover Freelander, the Land Rover Discovery Sport will hit the Indian streets in the second half of 2015. Once launched, the Discover Sport will be the cheapest, and hence, the entry level model for the JLR brand in India. This 5+2 seater SUV is the first member of the new Discovery family. This will be Land Rover’s entry-level SUV and is inspired by the Discovery Vision Concept.
The Discovery Sport is expected to be launched in India with a single engine option initially, a 2.2L, 188 BHP, SD4 engine with 4WD only. Customers can choose between a 9-speed automatic gearbox and a 6-speed manual gearbox. And to carry forward the company’s heritage, the Discovery Sport will be a capable off-roader with 25 degree approach angle, 31 degree departure angle and 21 degree breakover angle. It will have the Terrain Response system and a water wading ability of up to 600mm.
Reports also suggest that a 2.0L, turbocharged petrol motor pumping 250 PS of power could also make it to the Indian streets. This engine will be mated to a 9-speed gearbox and also gets the AWD system.
Going forward, the Discover Sport is likely to get the all-new ED4 diesel engine as an entry level option producing around 150 BHP. This engine belongs to the Ingenium family and will debut in the new Jaguar XE.
Exterior design looks much more evolved than the outgoing Freelander. The new progressive design approach adds a lot to the overall stance of the car. Land Rover mentions that although this is a 5+2 seater, the footprint is no larger than existing 5-seater premium SUVs. The Dicsovery Sport is 4590mm long; 91mm longer overall and 80mm longer in the wheelbase than the Freelander. It has a kerb weight of 1,817 kg.
Expect pricing to be in the range of Rs. 40+ lakh (ex-showroom). The Discover sport will rival the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and the Mercedes ML-Class.
