2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport: What's New

Vehicle Overview

The 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport replaces the LR2 in the lineup and comes in just below the larger LR4.
ExteriorThe Discovery Sport brings the Evoque’s sleek looks to a slightly larger SUV, with wraparound headlights and taillight shapes that identify this as a Land Rover model. It has a longer wheelbase than either the Evoque or the old LR2, and is also longer overall than either of them. The forward-swept C-pillar behind the rear doors also helps tie the Discovery Sport in with the rest of the clan, as does the traditional clamshell hood and two-bar Land Rover grille.

An available “Black Pack” appearance package paints the grille, door mirrors, fender vents and badges in gloss black paint. A contrasting color roof is also available in black.

InteriorDespite being classified as a compact SUV, the Discovery Sport is described by the company as a “5+2” model, meaning it has standard seating for five plus an optional row for another two in the rear cargo area.

A redesigned rear suspension means that a folding third row is incorporated, which when stowed does not impinge at all upon cargo area – it has the same cargo room as the two-row model. Land Rover describes the third row as best for “occasional” use, meaning it’s likely best suited for children in a pinch. The second row of seats is mounted stadium-style, meaning it sits 2 inches higher than the front seats to allow passengers a view out the front. It also reclines and slides rearward by up to 6.3 inches, allowing for 39.8 inches of legroom in the second row.

All Discovery Sport models come with a leather interior, with lower trim levels getting partial leather seats while upper trim levels get the full Windsor leather treatment, including a stitched leather dashboard and door panels.

Optional configurable mood lighting is controlled through the new 8-inch center console touch-screen. Five different interior color combinations are available, and four 12-volt power outlets are standard, while the three-row model gets six USB charging ports to keep everyone’s personal electronics powered up.
Under the HoodPowering the Discovery Sport is Land Rover’s familiar 240-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It’s the same powertrain that’s found in the Range Rover Evoque. Power goes to all four wheels by standard all-wheel drive.

The Discovery Sport has 8.3 inches of ground clearance and approach, departure and breakover angles of 25, 31, and 21 degrees, respectively.
With the right settings engaged, the Discovery Sport can scale a 45-degree grade, and the lower front bumper trim is removable in case a more challenging obstacle is encountered.

The air intake is also located high in the engine bay, allowing the SUV to traverse fairly high standing water. The all-wheel drive is managed by Land Rover’s Terrain Response system.
SafetyThe Discovery Sport’s Terrain Response system works in conjunction with an alphabet soup of three-letter acronyms designed to help the Discovery Sport safely get across just about any terrain on the planet, including Hill Descent Control, Gradient Release Control, roll stability control, dynamic stability control, engine drag torque control and electronic traction control. It also features an emergency brake assist system that can boost the amount of brake pressure applied when the car senses an emergency situation, including corner brake control for maintaining stability in corners.

An optional autonomous emergency braking system uses stereo cameras to sense objects in the SUV’s path, and can either assist in bringing the Discovery Sport to a stop quickly or take control and fully brake the truck to a halt under specific conditions. Optional systems include autonomous parking assist, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition, while the Discovery Sport features trailer stability assist, a tow hitch camera and rain-sensing wipers as standard equipment.