Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery SUV is simple and smoothly designed car that has been marked to be an antithesis of the LR4 model which was a much boxier version. Coming from a brand like Land Rover that has built its reputation on its cars that have a strong jungle bashing ability overcoming every possible terrain with ease, this is a marvellous car indeed! Even with its introduction of a smaller Discovery Sport model, the basic off-road abilities have been retained. Even though it has not been packed with the similar hard-core hardware like the bigger SUV models, the Discovery has a unique Terrain Response System that helps drivers cover hills, slippery snow and all such varied terrains with ease. On the outside, the Discovery is a compact model as compared to its predecessors but not as big as a mid-sized SUV. The car has a special black design package model that includes 18-inch wheels, exterior trim and a gloss black roof.

The interiors have a simple but elegant design with ample room and passenger space, especially in the first and second row. However, the folding third row seat like most such SUVs is best left to be occupied by children. The standard seating is for five. The third row seats feature their own air vents and an optional USB port. Land Rover Discovery SUV is offered in three trim levels, namely the SE, HSE and HSE lux. The SE has partial leather upholstery as compared to the HSE trim and the HSE Lux trims which have complete leather upholstery, upgraded for the latter. The lux also has additional trim and carpeting.

In terms of features, the base range SE and mid-range HSE offers 18 inch wheels while the Lux offers 19 inch wheels. Interior features include automatic headlights and wipers, privacy glass, heated power folding outside mirrors, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and fog light, cruise control, dual zone climate control and leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. It has a keyless push-button ignition. It also offers the basic alarm, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a touchscreen interface and a 10-speaker audio system packed with an auxiliary audio jack and four USB ports. The Vision Assist Package with Xenon headlights, LED running lights and front fog lamps is available in the mid-range HSE model. Other packages include the Climate Comfort package and a convenience package, an upgraded stereo with 11 speakers, satellite and HD radio navigation and an app suite for the infotainment system with Wi-Fi pre-wiring.

Internally, the Discovery Sport is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine at par and configuration wise it is definitely at par with its rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. Unfortunately in the performance sphere, the car has failed to live up to its engine expectations. The engine produces 240 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It is hooked to a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. Tests reveal that the car is capable of going from zero to 60mph at a mere 7.7 seconds which is only a second slower than most average SUV models of this class. In terms of mileage, it fares lower than its rivals offering an estimated 22 mpg in combined driving in the city and highway. While this model cannot match its own Land Rover bigger SUVs, it however feels supremely stable and has a solid built and assures an equally comfortable ride like its many pricier air-suspended models.