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Land Rover introduces new compact SUV(Nation, The (Nigeria) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Discovery Sport's progressive design sets the tone for a new generation of Land Rover Discovery premium SUVs. These vehicles will be positioned in the Leisure family of Land Rover's three-pillar brand architecture: Luxury (Range Rover), Leisure (Discovery) and Dual-Purpose (Defender), writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO Land Rover has revealed the new Discovery Sport, the world's most versatile premium compact SUV, and the first member of the new Discovery family. Uniquely in its segment, Discovery Sport's dynamic design combines 5+2 seating configurability with design and engineering integrity in a compact footprint. A suite of Land Rover innovations debut, including the next generation multi-link rear axle, an all-new touch screen infotainment system and state-of-the-art high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium body shell for outstanding performance, safety and efficiency. Discovery Sport has been designed to be as environmentally sustainable as it is affordable to run: CO2 emissions as low as 159g/km are comparable to smaller and less versatile family hatchbacks, and buyers can opt for a range of powerful and efficient four-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, four-wheel drive, and advanced nine-speed automatic transmission. "The launch of Discovery Sport is a pivotal moment in Land Rover's 66-year history," said Phil Popham, Jaguar Land Rover Group Marketing Director. "Not only does it mark the introduction of the first new member of our expanding Discovery family, it also brings the versatility of 5+2 seating to the compact premium SUV market. "Together with design excellence and engineering integrity, Discovery Sport's versatility is a key differentiator: its chassis is as competent on-road as off. Discovery Sport is quite simply the most accomplished vehicle in its segment." Designed and engineered at Land Rover's development centre in United Kingdom, Discovery Sport will be produced at the company's award-winning manufacturing facility in Halewood, Liverpool. It goes on sale in early 2015 alongside the existing seven-seat Land Rover Discovery in over 170 markets worldwide. Designed for life Discovery Sport is clearly identifiable as a Land Rover but introduces a progressive new design approach specifically tailored to create clear differentiation between the other families within the Land Rover brand architecture: Luxury (Range Rover), Leisure (Discovery) and Dual-Purpose (Defender). This beautifully proportioned vehicle brings a new sense of dynamism to the Discovery family and projects an image of confidence with its wheel-at-each-corner stance. The fast bonnet line steps down into a rising belt line, creating a distinctively compact profile that belies significant interior space with 5+2 seating. This streamlined design is complemented by class-leading usability: all-round visibility is excellent, whilst the interior and load space are easily accessible and fully optimised. Discovery Sport's versatile interior has been designed to be premium, not precious. The centre console forms a strong vertical graphic in the middle of the instrument panel, ensuring key controls are deliberately placed to provide easy access from the Sports Command Driving Position. Simple, clean surfaces and high-quality materials feature throughout. Lightweight body shell, all-new multi-link axle Monocoque construction combines a mix of high-strength steel, ultra-high-strength boron steel and lightweight aluminium panels. This ensures a strong, stiff and light base for outstanding dynamic performance and high levels of torsional rigidity. An all-new multi-link rear axle heightens agility, increases axle articulation and together with lightweight aluminium suspension components and carefully calibrated dampers enables an unrivalled level of compliance no matter what the surface conditions. The new rear axle also reduces interior noise and minimises intrusion of the rear suspension turrets into the load space this has proved key in providing excellent load space and 5+2 seating. Powertrains At launch, a range of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and turbo-diesel engines is available. All feature high-pressure direct injection, low-friction internal components and smart regenerative charging for outstanding performance and economy. Petrol derivatives use an all-alloy Si4 2.0-litre engine with 177kW and direct fuel injection. This offers six-cylinder levels of performance in a compact package that reduces weight and cuts CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent, compared to conventional larger capacity engines with a similar power output. 2.2-litre turbo-diesel derivatives are available in either 110kW TD4 or 140kW SD4 specification. With both TD4 and SD4 producing the same 420Nm, drivers can count on exceptional fuel efficiency of up to 5.99 l/100km as well as effortless overtaking ability. All engine derivatives are paired with the advanced ZF 9HP48 nine-speed automatic transmission, for peerless refinement, efficiency, driver engagement and off-road capability. Class-leading all-terrain capability Class-leading off-road capability stands at the core of Land Rover DNA. Naturally, Discovery Sport's body geometry has been optimised for even the harshest terrain, with excellent ground clearance, approach, departure and breakover angles, and an ability to wade through water to a class-leading depth of 600mm. Land Rover's Terrain Response system features on all derivatives, allowing drivers to tailor Discovery Sport's responses to the prevailing conditions. Discovery Sport is equipped with vented 325mm front and 300mm rear disc brakes, providing reassuring stopping power in all conditions, including when towing up to 2.5 tonnes. The front brakes are of a new design, with a stiffer caliper and new-generation pads to enhance retardation. They also offer improved refinement and reduced brake dust. Further enhancing safety, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) automatically increases the amount of brake pressure when the system senses an emergency situation Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) helps to ensure the perfect braking balance between the front and rear wheels in more extreme situations and Corner Brake Control (CBC) reduces the likelihood of the driver losing control during heavy braking in a corner. Advanced safety technologies Discovery Sport has been engineered with the latest active and passive safety advances. A comprehensive occupant safety package including driver and passenger airbags, knee airbags, and side curtain and thorax airbags has naturally been a priority. Innovations include an Autonomous Emergency Braking to help avoid or mitigate the consequences of collisions below 80km/h. Innovative Autonomous Emergency Braking avoids or minimises the impact of collisions Discovery Sport is the world's first vehicle to offer an autonomous emergency braking system using an innovative stereo digital camera system. Operational between speeds of 5 and 80km/h, the system helps to avoid collisions below 50km/h, and reduces the severity of an impact at speeds below 80km/h. The system uses stereo cameras mounted next to the rear-view mirror to detect objects that could pose the risk of a collision, such as queuing traffic. If the system deems a collision likely, it will alert the driver with a visual and audible warning. If no action is taken and a collision is judged unavoidable, a further driver warning is triggered while the system applies full braking pressure to bring the vehicle to a stop. "Advanced touchscreen technology and an intuitive interface ensures Discovery Sport's infotainment system offers all the versatility and connectivity that consumers have come to expect," said Paul Cleaver, Discovery Sport Vehicle Programme Director. "Every Discovery Sport is fitted with an 8-inch touchscreen, so all buyers can benefit from this latest innovation." luetooth functionality allows one phone to be synced to the infotainment system: to make or receive hands-free phone calls via multi-function steering wheel controls and to play audio. Alternatively, smartphones and portable MP3 players can be synced and charged via USB sockets or auxiliary inputs. A choice of three audio systems, including 17-speaker Meridian option for peerless sound quality A choice of three stereo systems is available: an entry-level system with six speakers a 10-speaker system with amplifier for enhanced audio quality and a top-of-the-range system with 10 speakers, an amplifier and subwoofer for outstanding sound reproduction. The advanced optional audio system has been developed in partnership with Meridian, a world leader in audio technologies and digital sound processing. The 825W,Meridian Surround Sound 17-speaker systemincludes a subwoofer for peerless sound quality, and a state-of-the-art amplifier that incorporates the latest digital processing technology to ensure perfectly optimised sound qualityfor everyone in the vehicle. This system is packaged with a Rear Screen Entertainment option which includes "8 inch screens fitted in the front headrests and two Whitefire headphones. |