IAB Report - India-bound Land Rover Discovery Sport revealed

Is a 7-seater with a compact footprint, says Land Rover.

Land Rover unveiled the new Discovery Sport late last evening, ahead of its European market launch in early 2015. The Discovery Sport, which is the first member of the new Discovery family, is a successor to the Freelander.

Land Rover's entry-level SUV is inspired by the Discovery Vision Concept, and sports a 5+2 seating layout yet retaining compact dimensions, according to Land Rover. However, keeping in mind the company's heritage, the Discovery Sport will be a capable off-roader, thanks to its approach, departure and breakover angles of 25, 31 and 21 degrees respectively, the Terrain Response system, and the ability to wade a depth of 600 mm.

The SUV will launch with two engine options, both four-cylinder units. The petrol motor would be the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine while the diesel will be the 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. The engines will feature a Stop-Start system, and can be paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. 2WD and 4WD variants will be offered.

Feature wise, the SUV will come with a pedestrian airbag, autonomous emergency braking, and a bodyshell featuring "ultra-high-strength steel" and "lightweight aluminium", Head-Up Display, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and tilt-and-slide row-two seating.

Also read: Range Rover Sport SVR showcased at the Moscow Motor Show

The Discovery Sport will be made at the plant in Halewood, U.K. It will go on sale in 170 markets worldwide, with India expected to receive it sometime in the first half of 2015. In the U.S., the Discovery Sport will be priced from 37,995 USD (INR 23.02 lakhs).

Competitors: Audi Q5, Mercedes M Class, BMW X3, Volvo XC60

Launch date: Early 2015 in Europe and expected by July 2015 in India

Land Rover Discovery Sport - Press Release

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