The Discovery Sport is about to get a bigger brother in the shape of the all-new Discovery, but if it does become a touch overshadowed by that, then it shouldn’t stop you appreciating what a fine car the smaller one is.
Basically, it’s a replacement for the old Freelander II, and uses much of that car’s mechanical package, as does the slightly more stylish Range Rover Evoque. If the Evoque is a show pony though, the Discovery Sport is the hard working cart horse which shows an unexpected level of poise at the gymkhana.
It is one of the very best SUVs to drive, with silky steering and a terrific sense of balance and agility. Only a slightly over-firm ride detracts from its case. New 150hp and 180hp ‘Ingenium’ 2.0-litre diesels are fine, if occasionally too noisy, but the interior could do with being rather more striking to look at, even if it has some of the best seats around. It’s also quite pricey, with seven-seats not coming as standard, unlike some rivals such as the Kia Sorento.
Price range: €38,050 to €79,710
C02 emissions: 123 to 191g/km
Which one? 2.0 TD HSE 4WD
PCP from €460 per month