DRIVING
The engine is the weakest link, but not in the way you might think – performance is fine for a car of this class and refinement is impressive. The issue is economy and emissions. Compared to a BMW X3 2.0d, the Disco Sport puts out 31g/km of CO2 more and travels 10 miles less on each gallon of diesel. That isn’t really good enough.
Get over that and you won’t have any issue with the way the Disco drives. It’s smooth, soothing and wonderfully calm. You do need to option the £1, 800 nine-speed automatic gearbox to make the most of it, but if you do, you’re getting an experience that really isn’t that far detached from a Range Rover’s. And yes, it’ll do all the off-road stuff you expect. And much, much more.
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ON THE INSIDE
It’s lovely inside, the Disco Sport – smart, airy and less ostentatious than the Evoque, plus it feels commendably well screwed together. Our car did have occasional sat nav glitches, and the touch screen infotainment system isn’t a patch on the latest Audi/BMW arrangements. Focus instead on people and luggage carrying ability. Those rearmost seats aren’t that capacious, but the middle row slides over a long 160mm range, which makes the rear row tolerable – or alternatively gives those in the centre row huge leg space. Fold those back seats down and you’ve got between 480 and 689 litres of boot space. All told it’s a far more attractive, practical package than the old Freelander.
OWNING
Land Rover is a top notch brand these days, so feels justified in charging steep prices for its cars. Prices start at £34, 195( OK, £32, 395 if you’re happy to shift gears yourself), but at least SE trim does come with everything you need including cruise, climate, DAB, Bluetooth, heated seats and half-leather trim. Moving up the range adds to the decadence( Windsor leather anyone?). Used values should be strong, but watch running costs given the economy/emissions figures.
Thanks for reading
Amit yadav
