Even before we saw the leaked images that surfaced earlier in the day, the styling of the all-new 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport wasn’t all that much of a surprise. After all, the LR2-replacing compact SUV was previewed earlier this year by the 2014 Discovery Vision Concept, and the production model, which goes on sale in early 2015, carries over most of the concept’s styling elements.
The overall styling provides a familiar design language across the Land Rover family, and it might be the best application of the automaker’s current styling with smaller dimensions that the Range Rover Sport yet not as cutting edge as the Range Rover Evoque. A key exception being the signature floating C-pillar that provides a unique element, but the one of the stranger steps taken on this design was replacing the “Land Rover” badges front and rear with the “Discovery” name. The 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport should excel off road with short bumpers and overhangs that provide impressive approach and departure angles and 8.3-inches (212mm) of ground clearance.
As big of a departure as the Discovery Sport is from the LR2 in terms of exterior styling, the interior is even more accommodating and luxurious offering more legroom than other compact luxury SUVs. Of course, the biggest news is the new optional 5+2 seating configuration. There is no word as to how much this feature will cost, but the innovative packaging allowed Land Rover to fit two folding jump seats for smaller occupants. The interior styling is far more conservative than the designs we’ve seen from other current Land Rover models with all of the expected luxury and technology.
The 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport will be offered in three trim levels. With a base price of $37,995, the Discovery Sport SE is $1,395 more than the current LR2, and it includes features like partial leather seats, Terrain Response, and eight-inch touch screen for the infotainment system and Bluetooth. Stepping up to the Discovery Sport HSE adds Xenon headlights, panoramic roof, leather seats, 8-way power front seats, passive entry and power liftgate. Finally, the Discovery Sport HSE Luxury comes with Windsor Leather seats, 10-way power front seats, illuminated sill plates, premium floor mats, 11-speaker audio system, navigation, satellite radio and HD Radio
We’re still going to have to wait to experience Land Rover’s Ingenium family of engines since the 2015 Discovery Sport will utilize the same powertrain as the Range Rover Evoque. This includes the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 240 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, which is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission equipped with paddle shifters.
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