Land Rover launches the first of its new Discovery range, the new Discovery Sport.
[Not a valid template]The first member of Land Rover’s new Discovery range has broken cover in the shape of the new Sport. A fresh look and renewed focus on innovative technology and cabin design has led to the new Discovery Sport being described as ‘the world’s most versatile and capable premium compact SUV’.
New 5+2 seating draws focus on the inside, the tilt-and-slide second row seating offering greater configurability in the new Discovery Sport than its predecessor. Similarly, a new multi-link rear axles allows for not only a more comfortable ride over the SUV’s predecessor but also greater, ‘more flexible’ cabin space behind the second row seating. Likewise, Land Rover‘s four-cylinder engine range – available as either a 2.0-litre petrol engine or 2.2-litre turbodiesel – has been mounted transversely rather than longitudinally, allowing the front seats to be mounted further forward thus offering more occupant space behind. The engine range comes mated to a nine-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
In a cabin imbued with what Land Rover calls ‘the spirit of adventure’ also comes an all-new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a Head-Up display. Meanwhile, updated long-travel suspension and Terrain Response technology – a system that allows the driver to automatically select the best driving setup for different surfaces – mean the Discovery Sport has been designed with improved ‘on-road composure’ in mind as well as Land Rover’s traditional off-road prowess.
Beneath the sharp new looks of the Discovery Sport, which has retained the curvaceous look first debuted by its conceptual predecessor, lies a new ultra-high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium bodyshell. Key to the new design is a re-jig of occupant safety, key amongst which is autonomous emergency braking.
The launch took place at Spaceport America in New Mexico, USA, as part of Land Rover’s tie-up with Virgin Galactic. You may remember the team’s Houston-heavy teaser clip…
Source – LandRoverMENA
