First Impressions: 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport has broken cover on Mzansi soil, and the three-row SUV has been upgraded both in the shape of a style and a more tech-savvy cabin. Already on dealership floors, the new Discovery Sport also gets a more aggressive exterior than the regular Discovery.

That includes new front and rear bumpers, along with a new grille. The LED lights have changed, too, though Discovery mainstays like the clamshell hood, rising beltline, and tapered roof are present and correct.

Inside there’s what Land Rover describes as “5+2” seating. In short, the 2020 Discovery Sport is really intended as a two-row SUV – with the second row having a 40/20/40 split along with slide functionality – while two further seats can be folded out of the boot. As well as leather, there’s also now a Luxtex fabric option that’s made from recycled polyester microfiber.

Storage nooks have been increased and enlarged, with new cup holders and more for third-row passengers. Six USB ports and three 12-volt outlets are spread around the cabin, and there’s optional wireless charging for the front row. That’s a first for the Land Rover brand, as is the fact that the Discovery Sport can also now be fitted with massage seats for the driver and front passenger.

The drive-train, meanwhile, is available in Base and S trim levels, or sportier R-Dynamic variants in S, SE and HSE trim which feature Satin Dark Grey alloy wheels, unique front and rear bumpers and Shadow Atlas script on the bonnet and tailgate. Inside, Ebony seats with contrast stitching, black gearshift paddles and unique treadplates provide an edgier character.

The new 2020 Evoque also donates its smart rear view mirror, which uses a rear-facing camera to show a perspective uninterrupted by rear passengers. ClearSight Ground View, meanwhile, gives a virtual view “through” the hood onto the dashboard touchscreen, handy for off-road manoeuvring and safely avoiding curbs in parking lots.

As you’d expect, despite the “Sport” in the name, this is still a Discovery and off-roading is a priority. That means 600mm of wading depth ability, All-wheel drive, and a second-generation Active Driveline system, which are standard with the 2020 Discovery Sport P300. Terrain Response 2 is available, too, and there’s up to 2500kg of towing support.

Adaptive Cruise Control with sterling assistance, lane keeping assistance, and other active safety tech is available. Other options include R-Dynamic trim packages, 21-inch wheels, and a Black Exterior Pack; you can also add the Land Rover Activity Key, a waterproof wristband that allows for easier access while doing sports and other activities. The 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system is now standard, and can be had with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Discovery Sport is priced from R749 500.

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#Discovery Sport #Land Rover #Land Rover Discovery #Land Rover Discovery Sport

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.