Discovery range gets one last throw of update dice

With the focus on other areas of the JLR empire, from Defender OCTA to electric Range Rover, the Discovery family of cars has been out of the limelight for a little while. Last month the Disco 5 range was updated with new Tempest – ‘the most luxurious Discovery ever’ – and Gemini – ‘a thoroughly modern tribute to the ingenious design of the 1989 Discovery’ – editions plus fresh accessory packs to make the most of the seven-seat versatility. Now it’s the turn of the smaller Discovery Sport to get a revamp, with both models due replacement soon; the Disco 5 debuted in 2017, the Sport a couple of years earlier. 

That a Landmark edition is now available for the Discovery Sport would certainly indicate that the model is reaching the end of its time on sale. Back in 2015, the then-ten-year-old Discovery 4 received the Landmark treatment, with new colours and extra kit ahead of going off sale the year after. So don’t be surprised if the same thing happens for this Sport. This Landmark edition ‘highlights the exceptional versatility of the Discovery Sport range’, with reclining seats in the second row, a pano roof, a 3D Surround Camera and media holders for when the kids are bored of arguing.

The Landmark is being offered with all the Disco Sport powertrains: 163hp diesel (£49,100), 204hp diesel (£50,500), and 269hp, three-cylinder plug-in hybrid at £54,160. The old 309hp version of that powertrain has been dropped.

Interestingly, the Landmark isn’t the top of the Sport range; that position is now assumed by the Metropolitan, offered only with the hybrid and more powerful diesel engine, promising a ‘compelling blend of luxury and versatility.’ So there are new wheels and silver accents outside, seats that heat, cool, and move 14 ways inside, plus a top-tier Meridian stereo and a Cleasight rear view mirror to aid visibility even when the car is crammed full. It costs from £50k. 

The Dynamic S is the new entry point to the Discovery Sport range, with gloss black accents and the latest version of Pivi Pro with sidebars always available. Don’t expect even the Dynamic S Discovery Sports to leave without a few extras though, especially not with a new range of accessories on offer. Joining the Biking Adventures and For Dogs packs are Beach Days, Road Trip and Snow Days, ‘enabling families to tailor their Discovery Sport to suit the demands of their individual lifestyle pursuit.’ They include stuff like armrest coolers, window shades, storage solutions, roof boxes, ski carriers and rubber floor mats. The Snow Days upgrade even comes with a Snow Traction System for better purchase off-piste.

Joelle Taylor, Head of Discovery Strategy, Product and Services, said: “Discovery Sport’s compact dimensions belie its outstanding interior space and exceptional seven-seat versatility, making it the perfect companion for family adventures all year round – which we know come in all shapes and sizes. And, all weathers. Alongside this ingenious practicality, Discovery Sport now feels more dynamic, more luxurious and more individual than ever, with the introduction of our new Metropolitan and Landmark editions, and additional accessory pack options.” The new Sports, along with the revised Discovery range, are available to order now. Finally, if you’re thinking that having cars as popular as both these Discovery models on sale for so long might mean a used bargain or two, you’d be right: there are five-seat Sports from £5k (!), with Disco 5s from less than £15,000.