The Land Rover Discovery Sport Diesel is a premium seven-seater sport utility vehicle for the budget-conscious. An Affordable Family Utility!
Well, you have the Land Rover Discovery Sport. In its compact SUV segment, the Disco Sport is the only one that offers the option of seven seats. Now, you have the option of an even more affordable alternative – this Discovery Sport Diesel.
The 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine delivers 148bhp and 380Nm of torque, and is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission
A diesel engine?
Yes, the Disco Sport can now be had with a 2.0-litre turbocharged TD4 Ingenium engine, also featured on the Jaguar XE. It puts out 148bhp and 380Nm of torque, more than capable of propelling the 1,844kg vehicle with relative ease. Being a diesel, it has a punchy low end that is adept for getting up to speed, as well as overtaking manoeuvres.
The main criticism we have with the engine is that it is lacking in the refinement department, particularly in terms of noise. The low-end diesel clatter is definitely there. When you put your foot down, you’ll experience the rush of torque, but the sound that accompanies it isn’t a pleasant one. But we suspect most owners won’t really worry too much about this – the kids in the back will probably be making such a din that you can’t hear the engine anyway.
Of course, the upside of a diesel is better fuel economy – we achieved about 15km/L, an improvement of 2.8km/L over the petrol variant.
The Disco Sport’s sleek and understated visual language will certainly hold up well to the test of time
What about the rest of the car?
Visually, the Disco Sport has a timeless appeal. It’s not super flashy or striking, but has an overall visual coherence and elegance that has aged well over the two years that it has been on our roads. This diesel variant doesn’t change the car’s aesthetics one bit.