The recently-introduced Land Rover Discovery Sport takes Land Rover’s volume model to new levels of dynamic ability on the road, without sacrificing the off-road ability that owners consider a vital part of the car’s attributes – whether they intend to use it or not.
For those that desire styling geared towards on-road use, Land Rover has added HSE Dynamic Lux to the range of models on offer.
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Not that it should sacrifice any of the off-road ability we experienced on the model’s recent UK launch. In fact, it benefits from the addition of Land Rover’s new All Terrain Progress Control.
In effect, it’s an off-road cruise control system that operates between 1mph and 19mph, maintaining a steady speed in off-road conditions, continually adapting to the vehicle’s behaviour to maintain forward progress. A ‘launch’ feature also aids the car in moving from rest on low-friction surfaces.
As with other Discovery Sport models, the HSE Dynamic Lux can choose between two- and four-wheel drive depending on conditions, helping to reduce fuel consumption on the road but providing additional traction where required.
Adaptive Dynamics are also standard, comprising magnetic dampers for a cake-and-eat-it balance of pliancy and reduced roll when cornering. A driver-selectable Dynamic mode on the Terrain Response system takes this a step further, improving throttle, gearbox and differential response and firming the suspension and steering.
In terms of styling, the HSE Dynamic Lux trades heavily on black detailing – the 20-inch alloy wheels are painted gloss black, while several exterior details are finished in Narvik black.
Inside there’s a similar story of contrasting components, with elements of the centre console, rotating gear selector, gearchange paddles and stitching finished in body colour.
The new car, launched at the Frankfurt motor show, is available to order from October. Pricing begins at £46,000, which makes it the most expensive Discovery Sport yet, above the £43,000 HSE Luxury TD4 model.
