Sport Meets Strength – The New Land Rover Discovery Sport
Land Rover South Africa recently announced that their entry-level compact SUV, the Land Rover Discovery Sport, would is now available in its facelift guise. The facelift model brings bold exterior improvements and equally impressive interior features, available from a starting price of R749,500.
The Discovery Sport range is available with petrol and diesel derivatives. In South Africa the diesel engine option is a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder (badged D180) with 132kW of power, and is capable of returning a claimed average combined fuel consumption of 5.8-litres/100km. Acceleration from 0-100km/h happens in 9.7 seconds and top speed is 202km/h. Petrol power is provided by a 2.0 litre with 184kW of power and fuel consumption is claimed at 8.0-litres/100km. The P250-badged Discovery Sport can reach 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and maximum speed is set at 225km/h.
The exterior retains the loved persona of the Discovery Sport that the facelift model is based on, however the company has taken an approach to give the 2020 SUV a much more aggressive look. New front and rear bumpers complement the new signature LED headlights and taillights, all tied together with a new front grille.
As exciting as the new exterior look is, it’s really the interior and the technology in the new Land Rover Discovery Sport that classifies it as a ‘new model’. For starters, Land Rover’s new Activity Key is available as an option. The Activity Key is a wearable wrist device that acts as a key to lock and unlock your vehicle, which is especially nice to have if you enjoy surfing or swimming or any other activity where you wouldn’t really want a key fob on you.
There are new seats in the premium compact SUV along with an optional ‘5+2’ seat configuration. The practicality of the new seats is amplified further by the 40:20:40 split foldable rear seats. The driver benefits from Land Rover’s innovative camera technology – ClearView Ground View and ClearSight Rear View. The former provides the driver with a 180-degree view of what’s under the bonnet to, what Land Rover calls, “make the bonnet invisible”, useful for when you have to wade in up to 600mm of water. The latter turns the rear view mirror into a screen that relays a high-definition video of what is behind you as you reverse. The rear view camera provides a 50-degree wide field of vision and improved low light camera quality.
Wireless charging for compatible mobile devices is introduced for the first time within the lower centre console, while a 4G WiFi hotspot, alongside USB and 12-volt connectivity points on every row, ensure passengers remain charged and connected. Second and third row occupants also benefit from individual heating and ventilation controls to make the space more comfortable.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport also comes equipped with some impressive standard kit. Highlights from the comprehensive standard features list include a reverse camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor.
Pricing for the new Land Rover Discovery Sport starts from R749,500 and includes a 5-year/100,000km warranty.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Land Rover Discovery Sport cost in South Africa?
The facelifted Land Rover Discovery Sport starts from R749,500 in South Africa, making it Land Rover's entry-level compact SUV offering with proper off-road credentials and premium interior features.
Q: What engines are available in the Discovery Sport?
You get two engine choices: a 2.0-litre diesel D180 with 132kW that sips 5.8-litres/100km, or a more powerful 2.0-litre petrol P250 with 184kW that drinks 8.0-litres/100km but gets you to 100kph in just 7.6 seconds.
Q: Is the Land Rover Discovery Sport worth buying?
The Discovery Sport offers genuine Land Rover capability, premium interior tech, and flexible 5+2 seating from R749,500, making it a solid choice if you want proper off-road ability without stepping up to the full-size Discovery's price bracket.
Q: How many seats does the Discovery Sport have?
The Discovery Sport comes standard with five seats, but you can spec the optional 5+2 configuration that adds two extra seats in the boot area, perfect for ferrying the kids around or accommodating extra passengers when needed.
Should You Buy It?
The best compact luxury SUV under R800,000 in South Africa is the facelifted Land Rover Discovery Sport at R749,500. You're getting genuine Land Rover off-road DNA, a premium cabin with the latest tech, and flexible seating options that most German rivals can't match. The diesel D180 makes the most sense for daily driving with its 5.8-litres/100km thirst, while the P250 petrol suits those who prioritise performance. Yes, you should buy it if you want a proper adventure-ready SUV that doesn't compromise on luxury or practicality.
