2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport test drive

More than three years ago, Land Rover Discovery Sport ousted the classics of the genre from the lineup – the eminent Freelander, which in the Land Rover clan was closest to the people in terms of price. His more imposing heir among his brethren is also democratic, but the family aristocracy has not disappeared, although it is covered with a layer of fashionable gloss.

The all-wheel drive Discovery Sport is cut in a recognizable corporate style with distinctive narrowed headlights, a thin strip of the radiator grille, a “bloated” bumper, high overhangs and expressive wheel arches. Lacquered appearance gives him a secular character.

At the same time, visually, the car also hints at sporting ambitions, despite the fact that its ground clearance is not “asphalt” at all – 212 mm. Dynamism in the profile of the Disco Sport is read by the sloping roofline and sloping pillar.

Mister Elegance

Inside, the realm of Land Rover lives up to the most demanding expectations, from the quality of materials to the layout of the controls, as well as the overall styling. Light and wide “apartments” with an impressive area look elegant, but not luxurious – everything is restrained in a European way.

Functionality and minimalism are perhaps the two main features that characterize the interior of Discovery Sport. Although there is a place where the eyes run wide – this is the dashboard. On a small monitor between the dials of the speedometer and tachometer, a mass of small icons is displayed, in which at first it is easy to get lost.

But the center console is logically divided into separate segments: an 8‑inch interactive monitor, rectangular air vents, a climate control unit and a number of buttons for control systems, including Terrain Response off-road adjustments. The British have traditionally replaced the gear lever, familiar to most, with a branded “washer”. Everything is extremely clear and easily accessible, and the architecture is in the best English traditions.

Convenient for everyone

Fans of the brand will appreciate the usual high driving position, a wide range of adjustments of the captain's chair from ten modes, a comfortable profile with adjustable lateral support, a sliding armrest, and soft headrests. Even tall passengers in the second row will find it hard to believe that this is a compact SUV.

Behind the driver's seat as far back as possible, with a height of 186 cm, I did not experience a lack of space either in the legs or over my head. In addition, the rear seats here can be moved longitudinally, and the backrests are tilt-adjustable.

We were unable to evaluate the comfort of passengers in the third row, as the test specimen was a five-seater. Trunk volume Discovery Sport is 479 liters, and with the seats folded down – 1698 liters. Armchairs are removed easily and simply – with one hand.

Not driving – flying

We had at our disposal the top modification HSE Luxury with the most powerful 290‑horsepower turbocharged 2.0 Si4 engine in the power line and a nine-speed “automatic” ZF. With such an arsenal, Disco Sport lives up to its name – after all, after the tachometer needle passes the 2500 mark, the high-revving engine frankly goes wild.

In sports mode, when the “automatic” does not let the arrow go below this mark, the English aristocrat turns into an aggressive and impudent animal. All good manners remain in the past, glamor dissipates, and he rushes forward with some kind of wild excitement and cynical arrogance.

Even light and gentle manipulation of the accelerator provokes a sharp acceleration. Fiery dynamics and aggressive enthusiasm provoke dangerous feats, so 290 “horses” under the hood of this secular character make him a very dangerous and evil toy.

Especially since a crossover with such a hot temperament is driven like a low passenger car. Of course, slight rolls in corners cannot be avoided, but they are not critical. The Disco Sport has excellent road holding and exemplary smoothness.

Orienteering

The rigid uncompromising suspension also speaks of a sporty character. The moderately tight steering wheel cannot be called sharp, but its settings have absolutely transparent feedback, so Land Rover is traditionally controlled easily and comfortably.

Such a car will appeal to both those who like to “light it up”, and those who are used to enjoying the usual and measured driving.

As for the off-road arsenal, in comparison with the good old “freel”, almost all geometric cross-country indicators are more modest, if you do not take into account the depth of the ford to be overcome – 600 mm. However, you must admit that such characteristics as the smart all-wheel drive Active Driveline, the presence of the Terrain Response system already in the basic equipment, the ground clearance of 212 mm, the angle of entry and exit of 25 degrees, are unlikely to doubt the off-road potential of the crossover.