SYDNEY: Land Rover wants to double its money in the class by introducing the new Disco Sport, which it expects will be twice as popular as the Freelander it replaces, and which last year was the fifth best selling mid-size behind the Volvo XC90.
The new Land Rover Discovery Sport will begin at $53,300 plus on-roads when it arrives next month.
Pointed squarely among plush competitors such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60, the Discovery Sport replaces the Freelander 2 and will have seven seat capability with a choice of two 2.2-litre diesels pumping out 110kW or an uprated 140kW, or a 177kW 2.0-litre petrol.
Transmissions include a nine-speed automatic or a six speed manual. The manuals are only available partnered to a diesel donk.
Each models comes with the Terrain Response all-wheel drive system which has up to five settings for everything from bitumen through to sand and mud, as well as sports mode. Ground clearance is 212mm.
Following the premium customisation trend, there will be a range of packs and options for bespoke vehicles. Among the options are seven different alloy wheel designs, a black pack with a range of dark features for the grille/fender and hood/tailgate lettering, as well as a full panoramic roof.
There are 12 exterior colours: two hues of white, two black options, two shades of grey, silver, blue, green, stone, red, and orange.
“Not only is it capable and luxurious, its price point makes it available to even more Australians who want to enter the compact premium SUV market.”