TopGear - August 2015 PH

‘The Discovery

Sport does well

to enhance the

LR reputation’

SHAKEDOWN

CompaCt suv

e’re quite used to the

zen-like serenity found

in modern luxury

crossovers. But we

don’t quite expect it

when we’re driving such a vehicle down

a rocky, uneven path to the infamous

‘Jungle Base’ in Tanay, which isn’t a

proper place for crossovers. The new

Discovery Sport, however, isn’t your

typical crossover.

Based on the space-age Evoque, it

shares many of the same traits: long-

legged and torquey turbocharged

engines, a long-stroke suspension, and

a keen eye toward interior quality and

luxury. Unlike the Evoque, the Disco

Sport has been gentrified to better suit

buyers who don’t hail from another

planet, be it Venus or Mars.

The exterior pulls back from the

concept-car looks and dramatic fender

flares, but it’s still visibly drawn from

the same design language. Despite the

simpler sheet metal, it features stylish

touches, like the chrome-ringed head-

and taillamps, the latter bisected neatly

by the wide tailgate, and a wonderful

floating roofline, counterpointed by a

slashing C-pillar.

The front seats, covered in cream-

colored leather, are well-bolstered and

offer more knee room thanks to a less

intrusive center console. The scalloped

rear bench, while low and deep-set to

maximize legroom, is higher up and

more comfortable on long trips.

Interior design is no-nonsense, with

IN DETAIL

large covered bins and storage shelves

on the console and dash. Everything you

need to touch is covered with stitched

leather—except the touchscreen inter-

face, of course, which now comes with

big icons and bright pictures instead

of the dark ‘techno’ look other luxury

manufacturers seem to favor. It’s more

responsive than before, but we didn’t

have much time to play with the audio

settings or navigation system.

We did get a chance to play, however,

with the turbocharged 2.0-liter’s 237

horses. A linear boost curve and a portly

1.7-ton curb weight forestall any tire-

smoking shenanigans. The somewhat

laid-back nine-speed automatic features

a crawling gear, eliminating the need

for a dedicated low-range gearbox for

off-roading. Still, the hockey-puck shift-

controller (à la Jaguar) feels a touch

gimmicky, and could do with a little bit

more weight.

Otherwise, the Disco Sport does well

to justify the name tag. It steers well,

with a feather-light touch at the helm,

and the damping soaks up whatever the

road throws at it, be it an off-camber

downhill curve or a rock-strewn path

(which it takes with nary a rattle,

not something you could say about a

Defender). It isn’t nearly as sporting as

the Porsche Macan or the BMW X 3 , but

ouTDooR ShoES

Light wheels and thick tires

pay dividends in terms of

ride comfort.

DISTINcT IDENTITy

You know it’s a Land Rover

even just by looking at the

rear. Handsome.

REAch foR ThE Sky

The large sunroof makes

you feel more connected

with the elements.

W

PhotograPhy by Igor MaMINta

Exterior design is sleek

yet still looks familiar.

Which is a good thing

WWW.toPgear.coM.Ph TOP GEAR PHILIPPINES 47