Land Rover Discovery Sport 2015 Long-term test - 5

Land Rover Discovery Sport SD4 SE
Long-Term Test (Update 4)

Not unlike the rapport I have with red-hot spicy curries, I've had a love-hate relationship with the Land Rover Discovery Sport SUV since it joined the motoring.com.au long-term fleet. On one hand I love the idea of the car, and I absolutely love the design. It's elegant, sporty and modern all at the same time. Moreover, the Land Rover's off-road capability is tremendous and it's a practical vehicle to boot. But as I'm reminded each time I jump behind the wheel, it's not perfect...

As my colleagues have reported in previous long-term reviews of this particular Briton, the Land Rover Discovery Sport doesn't have the best engine or transmission in its class.

No argument there.

And just like a deliciously spicy curry that tastes amazing but repeats uncomfortably a few hours after ingestion, this is where the undesirable part of the relationship develops with the SUV.

The rattly turbo-diesel engine sounds (and feels) low-tech, unlike most of its German and Japanese rivals and the transmission does propulsion no favours, often hunting for the right gear and not always succeeding.

Tested in isolation the Disco Sport is not a poor vehicle, however. These powertrain issues are not deal breakers for me and, by and large, I had a memorable time with the Discovery Sport.

Just like those delicious curries, I kept coming back for more.

Although many savvy car buyers will look for the best deal, or the most efficient model in the segment or perhaps the most reliable vehicle, there's no denying that we (generally) desire pretty things – and this is where the new-generation Land Rover had me.

Mid-size SUVs like this are dreadfully abundant on the road – almost every car maker has one – which means standing out from the crowd is easier said than done. Even a luxury badge on the bonnet is not always enough these days.

In my opinion there are two similar SUVs that stand-out as better than any others, luxury or otherwise: the new Lexus RX and this car, the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

For many buyers, the angular drama of the Lexus will be too much, and there's no seven-seat model either. It's also more expensive, there's no diesel, and it would probably fall to pieces on a rough fire trail.

Unlike the Lexus the Land Rover's design has mainstream appeal too. In other words, it's somewhat conservative. That's not a bad thing, especially three years down the track if you want to sell it and don't want to limit the pool of potential buyers.

Aesthetically the Land Rover Disco Sport is different but stylish, borrowing its front-end design from the fashionable (but less practical) Range Rover Evoke. The LED-infused headlights are tastefully-integrated into the surrounding metal work and grille and lower fascia adds an athletic edge.

The vehicle's flanks are well proportioned, the wheel arches just a little flared for added presence, and although the rear-end design is my least favourite aspect, it's nothing if not contemporary.

Driving around in the Disco Sport makes you feel like a Range Rover owner, only without the cost involved. It starts at around $53,000, and although the leather-clad interior doesn’t quite have the sizzle of the exterior it presents well and offers impressive comfort levels.

The infotainment system is easy to understand with a clear and legible (touchscreen) user interface and sensible menus. Pairing Bluetooth devices is likewise uncomplicated and although the HVAC controls look a bit dated they work effectively.

The stereo is a corker belting out your favourite Nikki Minaj tunes with alacrity, although I did have the same issue as my cohort Andrea, with the sub-par radio reception (analogue and digital) at times.

The Disco Sport does the fundamentals well – it provides good ride comfort, a commanding view of the road and comes with a reversing camera and sensors to make parking easier. The boot is big, it has a powered tailgate and there's plenty of room for first and second-row occupants.

The occasional twin seats in the boot are handy but not suited for adults.

On a few winding country roads I was surprised at how well it cornered too. I kept pushing a little faster through corners, expecting to find its grip threshold but never really did.

Fuel efficiency is not too bad for a vehicle of this size either. The claimed figure is 6.3L/100km and when I grabbed the keys the trip computer average read 8.9L. It rose to 9.3L after my time with the car, but there wasn't much freeway driving involved, and I was pretty happy with that figure considering the car's weight, roughly 1800kg.

For many motorists there are three key considerations sets when buying a new car: price, fuel efficiency and looks. They usually line-up in different orders and this car does okay in two categories and smashes one of them for six in my eyes.

Although my relationship with the Disco Sport has been love-hate throughout its three months at motoring.com.au HQ, it won me over in the end.

It's the kind of car you'd feel pride owning and its shortcomings are easily overlooked when regarding the bigger picture.

2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport SD4 SE pricing and specifications:
Price: $68,206 (as tested, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/420Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 161g/km (ADR combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP)

Related reading:
>> Land Rover Discovery Sport Long-Term Test (Introduction)
>> Land Rover Discovery Sport Long-Term Test (Update 1)
>> Land Rover Discovery Sport Long-Term Test (Update 2)
>> Land Rover Discovery Sport Long-Term Test (Update 3)