Skip advert
Advertisement

Compact SUV of the Year 2015: Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the 2015 Auto Express Compact SUV of the Year, with the Dacia Duster and Porsche Macan commended

The Discovery Sport has gone straight to the top of the compact SUV class thanks to its family friendly cabin, Range Rover-inspired design and high-quality finish. It marks a new era for Land Rover, as the squared-off lines of the Freelander it replaces make way for a curvy design that takes inspiration from the Evoque, with which the Sport shares its platform. Its overall shape points the way for future Land Rover models.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The raised rear end and a revised suspension layout mean there’s plenty of boot space, and there’s a third row of seats in the back for added versatility. The classy cabin boasts Range Rover quality and has the latest touchscreen infotainment system that’s far more user-friendly than before.

On the road, the Disco Sport is a refined and comfortable cruiser, while an optional nine-speed auto delivers smooth shifts. The steering is sharp, body control is excellent and there’s surprising grip from the all-weather tyres.

And while the existing 2.2-litre diesel is a little gruff, all new cars will get the brand’s efficient Ingenium 2.0-litre engine.

Where the Sport really trumps rivals is that it’s also hugely talented off-road, with permanent 4WD and Land Rover’s excellent Terrain Response system adapting the transmission and electronics to suit the conditions. Even without the larger Discovery’s locking differentials and low-range gearbox, the Sport can clamber over rough terrain with the confident agility of a mountain goat.

Our choice

Discovery Sport TD4 HSE (£37,595)

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

All Discovery Sport models come generously equipped, and the HSE is positively luxurious. If you order a Sport today, you’ll get a model powered by the new Ingenium TD4 diesel, which delivers even greater efficiency without compromising performance.

Commended

Dacia Duster front static

Dacia Duster

The rugged and dependable Dacia Duster is one of the best new car bargains available on the market today. It has room for a family of five and their luggage, and a four-wheel-drive transmission is available for go-anywhere capability. Plus, all of this comes in an SUV with a supermini price tag.

Porsche Macan front cornering

Porsche Macan

This smart model introduces Porsche’s world-famous sports car handling to the compact SUV class, yet the Macan boasts real depth of talent as well. That’s because it’s a highly practical family car – and if you go for the diesel-engined version, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency, too.

Auto Express New Car Awards 2015 

For complete, in-depth coverage of the New Car Awards 2015, buy your collector's edition copy of the Auto Express magazine now...  

Mag cover awards 2015 issue


in association with

 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024