The new Discovery Sport compact premium SUV has been transformed to make it more versatile and technologically-advanced for the 2020 model year. Embracing the adventurous spirit that has defined the Discovery family for the past 30 years, the new Discovery Sport strikes a balance between a bold evolution of the original design and the familiarity that comes with no-compromise capability.
Trademark Discovery design cues, including the clamshell hood, rising beltline and tapered roof remain, but the new model is a bold exterior evolution. Modernity and refinement are reflected in the new front and rear bumpers, grille design and LED lights, making the Discovery Sport a compelling, sophisticated and sporty addition to the Discovery family.
Inside, the spacious 5+2 interior6 has been transformed with a completely new infotainment interface and the latest connectivity, plus a more flexible seating arrangement with up to 24 combinations. A new powertrain lineup for 2020 now includes the electrified option of a 48-volt 296hp mild-hybrid (MHEV) engine.
“Building on the success of the original Discovery Sport, this beautifully proportioned vehicle has been refined, enhancing its characterful exterior which compliments the engaging nature of the interior space,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer.
Customers can choose from 12 premium exterior paint colors and the option of a black contrast roof. All S, SE and HSE models feature Silver Atlas detailing on the grille, tailgate finisher and badging scripts, while purposeful R-Dynamic vehicles feature Shadow Atlas exterior accents, contrast stitching on the steering wheel and branded treadplates inside.
The new center console and introduction of more premium materials throughout transforms the interior of the Discovery Sport to create a practical, high quality space with added refinement. A clean, elegant three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with capacitive switches, a modern and easy-to-read instrument cluster and a 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system, now standard, all contribute to creating a modern and well considered interior design3.
New seats across each of the three rows provide improved comfort and versatility, thanks to the second row 40:20:40 split fold and slide functionality, boosting the possible number of seat combinations to 246. Massage functionality is now also offered for the first time on Discovery Sport in the front row providing improved comfort. Customers can also choose a sustainable, non-leather Luxtex material made of a recycled polyester microfiber. Luxuriously soft, lightweight, durable and tear-resistant, Luxtex comes with the option of a softer, more tactile Suedecloth steering wheel.
Owners can personalize their vehicle with an optional Black Exterior Pack, available on both core and R-Dynamic models. The Black Exterior Pack features additional Narvik Black detailing on the grille and fender vents, extending to the hood and tailgate lettering. For the first time, Land Rover will now offer an optimized 21-inch wheel for the Discovery Sport. This complements the suite of 10 wheel designs across four sizes – ranging from 18 to 21-inches – that allow customers to personalize their vehicles even further.
Felix Brautigam, Chief Commercial Officer at Jaguar Land Rover said, “Discovery Sport has been a real sales success for Land Rover, leading the way for the past three years and selling almost half a million vehicles to date. During that time, it has won a number of awards and introduced a large number of new, younger families into the brand who are looking for something different.
The unique versatility of the Discovery Sport has been further enhanced, with improved small item storage across all rows. New cup holders and repositioned storage spaces for third-row passengers6 mean there is now a place for nearly everything, while USB and 12-volt charge points (in total, six and three, respectively) are located conveniently throughout the cabin. Front row occupants can even benefit from the brand’s first use of wireless charging for compatible devices.
Alongside a new key fob design, owners can add a powered tailgate and the Land Rover Activity Key – all intended to streamline the customer experience. These are available with a series of accessory packs that offer added functionality to the vehicle practicality, connectivity, driver assistance and parking. All-new optional Pet Pack accessories are designed to improve the Discovery Sport experience for owners and pets, alike.
Built on the new Land Rover Premium Transverse Architecture (PTA), the Discovery Sport provides greater versatility and refinement with a new body that is 13 percent stiffer than its predecessor and, together with rigidly-mounted subframes, quieter thanks to reduced noise and vibration intrusion into the cabin.
Designed with electrification in mind, the new architecture allows for the introduction of a new 48-volt mild-hybrid electric (MHEV) powertrain in the Discovery Sport. First launched in the new Range Rover Evoque, the hybrid system uses an engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator to harvest energy normally lost during deceleration and stores it in an under-floor battery. At speeds below 11mph, the engine is designed to shut off when the driver applies the brakes. When pulling away, the stored energy is redeployed to assist the engine under acceleration.
A new smart rear view mirror, first debuted on the new Range Rover Evoque, called ‘ClearSight Rear View’ is also available on the Discovery Sport for the first time; transforming the rear view mirror into an HD video screen at the touch of a button to display a rear-facing camera feed onto the mirror ensuring the driver’s view remains unrestricted by passengers or large items in the back. The new system also provides a wider 50-degree field of vision using a camera positioned above the rear window and delivers clearer visibility in low light conditions1,2.
Another new technology called ‘ClearSight Ground View’ has also been introduced to help drivers navigate high city curbs or tackle rough terrain by projecting camera imagery that offers a virtual 180-degree view beneath the vehicle onto the central touchscreen1. This is the realization of ‘Transparent Bonnet’ technology, first previewed by Land Rover in 2014.
The digital transformation does not stop there. Wireless charging for compatible mobile devices is also introduced for the first time within the lower center console, while a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot5, alongside USB and 12-volt connectivity points on every row, ensure passengers remain charged and connected. Advanced and responsive Land Rover InControl® TouchPro™ infotainment, fitted standard, is also available with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™3,4. Smart Settings use artificial intelligence algorithms to learn driver preferences, adjusting massage and seat positions, music and climate settings and steering column positioning to suit each driver.
The latest Discovery Sport is every inch a Land Rover vehicle, combining assured all-terrain handling with all-weather capability, including a wading depth of up to 23.6-inches. All-Wheel Drive and a second-generation Active Driveline system, standard with the P300 powertrain, is paired with Terrain Response® 2 technology to automatically detect the surface being driven on, adjusting the vehicle’s driving character accordingly1. New Advanced Tow Assist makes reversing with a trailer (up to 4,409lbs) more intuitive than ever1.
A suite of advanced driver assistance systems is offered across all models, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, which centers the vehicle in the lane based on road markings as well as maintains a following distance from the vehicle in front1. Other available advanced driver assistance technologies include Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Driver Condition Monitor1.
The new Discovery Sport reaches U.S. retailers this summer. Pricing for the new Discovery Sport will be announced later this year. Visit LandRoverUSA.com for additional information, to locate a retailer and register your interest.
(1) These features are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these features will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult the owner’s manual or your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details.
(2) Customers who wear varifocal or bifocal lenses may have issues adjusting to the mirror’s digital mode. The normal mirror mode, however, can be used at any time.
(3) Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Do not use Land Rover InControl®features, or operate, adjust or view the navigation or multimedia systems under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Only use mobile phones, and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so.
(4) Android Auto™ functionality requires Android Auto™ app to be installed on compatible devices. Visit Android.com for details.
(5) The Wi-Fi hotspot is intended for passenger use only. InControl features may require an additional subscription with separate terms and conditions.
(6) Third row seating is an optional feature on select Discovery Sport models.
