A New Land Rover -- Discovery Sport – is the first of the company’s new Discovery vehicle range. The compact SUV seats seven in an optional ‘5+2’ arrangement.
Says Land Rover, “The Discovery Sport 2015 combines performance, safety and efficiency in a body shell of steel and aluminum. It offers a choice of 4-cylinder powertrains, 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.”
Innovations include autonomous emergency braking and a new touchscreen infotainment system.
“It’s a perfect vehicle for New Zealand,” says Helen Sunley, national sales manager. “It’s capable and luxurious, and its specifications and price give it an edge in the compact premium SUV market.”
Designed and engineered at the Land Rover Development Centre in the UK, the SUV will be made at Halewood, Liverpool.
Optional features include Black Pack -- a gloss-black grille, door mirror caps, front fender vents, hood and tailgate lettering and a choice of 19- or 20-inch alloy wheel designs. A contrast roof in Santorini Black or Corris Grey extends to the base of the A-pillars
Seven alloy wheel designs, including Aero Viper, are available in silver or gloss black, depending on wheel design.
Front and rear undershields, and stainless-steel side steps, point to the vehicle’s back-country capability.
An optional panoramic roof with a dark tint and solar protection makes the cabin feel more spacious. A power-retracting shade gives extra sun shielding.
The maker says the SUV combines off-road capability and on-road dynamics.
Interior packaging and safety innovations make it an ideal family vehicle, and lightweight materials and an efficient powertrain reduce fuel costs and environmental impact.
Land Rover Terrain Response makes it go well in “challenging” conditions. Terrain Response tailors the vehicle’s steering, throttle response, gearbox, centre-coupling and braking and stability systems to the demands of the terrain. It has four settings: general, grass/gravel/snow for slippery conditions on- and off-road, mud and ruts, and sand, plus optional ‘dynamic mode’.
The Discovery Sport will sell in New Zealand for $78,500.