Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM) has officially launched the all-new Land Rover Discovery Sport, in Malaysia. The 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport is claimed by Jaguar Land Rover to be the world’s most versatile premium compact SUV. It is also the first member of the new Discovery family and takes a whole lot of styling cues from the larger Range Rover Sport premium SUV.
The Discovery Sport is available in two variants – the 2.0L Si4 Petrol (240PS, 340Nm) and the 2.2L SD4 Diesel (190PS, 420Nm). Both are mated to advanced nine-speed automatic transmissions for refinement, efficiency, driver engagement and off-road capability.
I have not had the chance to drive it yet but had been driven in one. The Discovery Sport rides quite comfortably and seems to be pretty refined too. It seems to have most of the off road drivability judging from the usege of its hill descent control and climbing skills as well as on road comfort and handling. I do believe that in terms of on road refinement, this 'baby' Range Rover Sport is as good as its larger brethren.
The Si4 Petrol is priced from RM399,000. (Price is with GST but excludes road tax, registration and insurance.) The price for the SD4 Diesel will be announced later. This seems a tad bit pricey as even the Range Rover Evoque, a Range Rover instead of just a Land Rover is slightly cheaper or sold at the same price. According to the good people of JLRM, this has a lot to do with the currency exchange rates and the fact that it is actually a full 7 seater with high equipment specs. In terms of practicality, the Land Rover Discovery Sport beats the Evoque. In terms of refinement, it is about equal. It is only in terms of styling that the Evoque comes out ahead. But personally, I prefer the chunky looks of the Disco Sport over the Evoque.
As I said, it is a baby Range Rover Sport in terms of looks. I like that look more.
(more pics below and after the press release)
PRESS RELEASE
ALL-NEW LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT
PREMIUM COMPACT SUV LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA
Newest member of Land Rover family comes packed with intelligent technology, takes versatility to new heights with 5+2 seating
- Bold and progressive design defines new Discovery family
- 5 + 2 seating versatility in a more compact footprint than traditional five-seat SUVs
- Multi-link axle for peerless on-road agility and off-road ability, plus high levels of refinement and interior space
- Unrivalled all-terrain performance courtesy of optimised approach, departure and breakover angles, plus Terrain Response® technology
- Connected on-road handling with optimised electric power-assisted steering
Petaling Jaya, August 21, 2015 – Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM) has officially launched the all-new Land Rover Discovery Sport, the world’s most versatile premium compact SUV, and the first member of the new Discovery family, in Malaysia.
The Discovery Sport is available in two variants – the 2.0L Si4 Petrol (240PS, 340Nm) and the 2.2L SD4 Diesel (190PS, 420Nm). Both are mated to advanced nine-speed automatic transmissions for peerless refinement, efficiency, driver engagement and off-road capability.
The Si4 Petrol is priced from RM399,000. (Price is with GST but excludes road tax, registration and insurance.) The price for the SD4 Diesel will be announced later.
“The launch of the all-new Discovery Sport is a pivotal moment in Land Rover’s 67-year history,” said Tuan Syed Mudzhar Syed Ali, Managing Director, JLRM. “Not only does it mark the introduction of the first new member of the expanding Discovery family, it also brings the versatility of 5+2 seating to the compact premium SUV market. Simply the most accomplished vehicle in its segment, I believe it will resonate not only with existing Land Rover owners but also a new generation of discerning customers.”
Discovery Sport maintains the heritage of outstanding capability, which has been at the core of every Land Rover since 1948. It has been engineered to provide best-in-class off-road capability, on-road dynamics, interior packaging, safety innovations and use of intelligent lightweight materials.
Designed and engineered at Land Rover’s development centre in the UK, the Discovery Sport is produced at the company’s award-winning manufacturing facility in Halewood, Liverpool.
Every Discovery Sport comes with a 5-year or 300,000km warranty, 5-year or 80,000km free scheduled maintenance and 3-year roadside assistance, whichever comes first.
The Discovery Sport is lavishly equipped with innovative features such as 5+2 seating, powered tailgate and configurable mood lighting. Depending on the optional accessories package selected, it can be equipped with various optional features such as Park Assist with Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, Automatic High-Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, panaromic roof and Meridian audio sound system with HDD navigation.
Customers can also opt for the Black Design Pack that includes a gloss-black grille, door mirror caps, front fender vents, `Discovery’ bonnet script, contrast roof and tailgate badging and a choice of eye-catching 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels.
Discovery Sport’s bold and progressive design, which combines 5+2 seating configurability with design and engineering integrity in a compact footprint that is smaller than many traditional 5-seater SUVs, is unique in its segment. This streamlined design is complemented by class-leading usability: all-round visibility is excellent, while the interior and load space (up to 1,698L) are easily accessible and fully optimised.
It features a suite of engineering innovations by Land Rover, including the next generation multi-link rear axle; and state-of-the-art bodyshell made from a mix of high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium.
The all-new multi-link rear axle in particular has proved crucial, allowing Land Rover to introduce 5+2 seating to a whole new segment while also offering best-in-class off-road performance and outstanding level of agility.
Being a Land Rover, the Discovery Sport offers unrivalled all-terrain performance courtesy of 600mm wading depth, optimised approach, departure and break-over angles and Terrain Response® System.
Terrain Response® allows Discovery Sport’s steering, throttle response, gearbox, centre-coupling and braking/stability systems to be precisely tailored to the demands of the terrain. The system features four settings: General; Grass/Gravel/Snow (for slippery conditions on- and off-road); Mud and Ruts; and Sand.
Discovery Sport has been engineered with the latest active and passive safety advances. A comprehensive occupant safety package includes a total of seven airbags -- driver and passenger, knee, and side curtain and thorax airbags. Other safety features include Hill Descent Control (HDC®), Gradient Release Control (GRC®), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), Hill Start Assist, Roll Stability Control (RSC), and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
The new Discovery Sport’s entry into the Malaysian market was a spectacular affair. The highlight was the unique Land Rover Terrapod, a state-of-the-art mobile man-made track that gave fans the opportunity to experience the unique all-terrain ability of the Discovery Sport.
The Discovery Sport had little difficulty tackling steep slopes and inclines on the Terrapod. Its body has been specially optimised to cope with challenging off-road terrain, with 212mm of ground clearance and class-leading approach, departure and breakover angles of 25, 31 and 21 degrees respectively. This means the front, middle or rear of the vehicle can climb up, over and down extreme obstacles at low speed.
The Efficient Driveline fulltime four-wheel-drive variants offered in Malaysia can also scale incredibly steep gradients of 45 degrees, as much as 14 degrees more than other competitor SUVs. In extreme situations, lower trim on the front bumper can be removed to increase the approach angle still further.
The one-of-its-kind experience on the Land Rover Terrapod is open to the public during the Discovery Sport Open Day at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre (Old Wing) outdoor carpark on August 22 and 23, 2015 from 11.00 am till 9.00 pm. To register for the event, please go to www.landrover.com.my/discoverysportlaunch. Each online registration will receive a limited edition Land Rover gift, while stocks last.
For more information or to arrange test drive, please head to the nearest sales outlet or visit www.landrover.com.my.
