Land Rover Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE D200 2021 Review

Land Rover first launched their Discovery Sport in 2015 and it has been a sales success for the brand. The latest update is almost 70% new and a significant improvement on an already good vehicle.

Sharing the same Premium Transverse Architecture as the Jaguar E-Pace and Range Rover Evoque, the Discovery Sport has come a long way from its Freelander predecessor.

We drove the R-Dynamic SE D200 with a few options to bring the price to about $82,500 plus the usual costs.

What is the Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE D200 Exterior like?

It’s a good looking SUV from the outside, with a solid robust appearance. The familial front grill blends into the sleek LED headlights and DRLs.

Our vehicle had the Black Exterior Pack which includes: Black Bonnet, Tailgate Lettering, Grille, Mirror Caps, number plate plinth and Front and Rear lower Tow eye cover.

Profile viewing shows a deep sculptures line at the door base with a contrasting sloping roof line to give the vehicle presence.

The rear is rounded with a slight uptick to the tail. The powered tailgate opened tall enough for my 190cm frame to comfortably stand under.

Wheels are a 20-inch Style 5076, 5 split-spoke, Satin Dark Grey with 235/50 road based tyres. These provide good dampening from road irregularities as well as quiet performance.

Other external features include: animated direction indicators to front & rear lights, heated, electric, power fold door mirrors with approach lights and auto-dimming driver side, heated rear window, rain sensing windscreen wipers, front and rear recovery eyes,  Auto High Beam Assist (AHBA),  Automatic headlights and Headlight Levelling and rear fog lights.

I have to say I like the overall look and design.

What is the Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE D200 like inside?

Step inside the ambience, layout and functionality and refinement is all Range Rover.

I’m not normally a fan of white or cream interiors but the white leather in the SE looked spot on, contrasting with the grey dash, door trims, seat bolsters and centre arm rest. The overall effect was quite elegant.

The front seats are actually really comfortable. Both seats are electronically adjustable (drivers with memory function), and with good lumbar and side bolster support, they held my ageing back nicely. The overall seating position, left foot rest, arm rests make for very comfortable and relaxed driving.

In front of the driver is a thick rimmed four spoke leather steering wheel that frames the instruments nicely. I like the size and weight of the steering wheel, but I’m not a fan of the push controls that seem to have a slight delay in responding. I prefer a definite button type.

The 12.3-inch digital driver display is a traditional twin dial with central MFD.  Dials are white on black which makes for easy and clear reading and like most MFDs the driver settles on what they want and usually leaves it there. For increased visibility and safety there is a full-colour head-up display.

The full length sunroof doesn’t impede head room at all, in fact the Discovery sport probably has class leading head room.

Between the front seats is a reasonably sized centre console, nicely padded top and twin cup holders. In front it e surprisingly clean transmission lever section. Usually surrounded by controls this section in the Discovery Sport is elegant by comparison.

Above that is a well laid out and functional central stack, highlighted by silver strips. Here the controls are responsive, with the temperature dials having twin functions for fan speed and terrain response.

Eschewing the modern trend towards the stuck on tablet design, the integrated 10.25 inch high-definition touchscreen houses the Touch Pro infotainment system and allows familiar controls such as swipe and pinch zoom for ease of operation.

This design allows clean lines and is in keeping with the overall ambience of the interior.

For the coffee and water addicts there is an abundance of holders, a decent size glove box and centre console bin, sunglass holder and reasonable door bins.

Unusually in this size vehicle the Discovery Sport is a seven seat configuration. Based on the metal Premium Transverse Architecture, a 2,741mm wheelbase and compact suspension design, the middle row outer seats offer class leading leg and knee room for taller passengers. Middle seat is for skinny short people.

There are some air vents for the middle row passengers, USB ports and 12V inputs as well as heated seat controls if that option is taken.

Optional Click & Go tablet holders, which hold and charge smart devices for passengers travelling in the second row, are now available and perfect for keeping children entertained on long journeys.

Access to the rear two seats is aided by a sliding middle seat design, and while the rear two seats look comfortable (I didn’t even try to get this 190cm larger than the average bear frame back there) they are really for shorter trips.

Boots access is easy with a power tailgate and 40/20/40 split middle seats that fold almost flat. There are tie down rails and 12V plug. No full size spare though.

Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE D200 Features

As well as standard features there is a long and sometimes an expensive options list available

Our vehicle had the following highlights

• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Pivi Pro (Connected) 10″ Touchscreen
• Remote Online Pack with Data Plan
• Sound System (6 speakers, 180-watt amplifier power)
• Front and rear 12V with front USB 12V power socket(s)
• Bluetooth® connectivity
• 4G WiFi hotspot for up to eight devices
• Two-zone Climate Control with second row vents
• Shadow Aluminium trim finisher
• Auto-dimming interior rear view mirror
• Ebony headlining Morzine headlining
• Bright metal pedals
• Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
• Front and rear grab handles
• Cabin, foot well, overhead, load space and map reading lighting
• Keyless Entry and Push Button Start
• Activity Key

Options on vehicle:

• Fixed Panoramic Roof $2,340
• ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror $980
• Cabin Air Purification System with PM2.5 filter $780
• Front and Rear Premium Carpet Mats $460
• Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) Radio $400
• Front Fog Lights $310 Wireless device charging $150
• Gloss Black Trim Finisher NCO
• 20” Style 5076 Sparkle Silver (ilo Gloss Black) NCO
• Light Oyster Headlining NCO

And for the dog lovers amongst us there is always the all new Pet Pack accessories, designed to improve the Discovery Sport experience for customer and dog, alike.

Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE D200 Engine and Drivetrain

The SE D200 is powered by 2.0L 4 Cylinder Ingenium turbo diesel MHEV engine that produces maximum power of 150kW @ 3750rpm and maximum torque of 430Nm @ 1750-2500rpm. This drives all four wheels through a nine speed sports automatic transmission.

The Discovery Sport will cruise along at a maximum speed of a touch over 200kmh, go from 0-100kmh in 8.9 seconds and use fuel at an ADR rate if 5.7l/100k. On test we averaged around 7.6L/100K in real world conditions

Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE D200 All Road Capability

Like all Land Rover vehicles, off road capability is a given and the Discovery Sport has the Terrain Response 2 technology with new Auto mode. It is simple and intuitive to use.

Not only does it allow drivers to choose from four modes (Comfort, Sand, Grass-Gravel-Snow and Mud & Ruts) to optimise performance and capability, the new Auto mode enables Discovery Sport to select the most appropriate mode for the conditions and automatically adjust its torque delivery to suit the terrain.

When paired with Adaptive Dynamics, a ‘Dynamic’ mode also delivers a more enhanced drive experience. Combined with Hill Descent Control and All-Terrain Progress Control the Discovery Sport is as capable as a few 4WDs and better than almost every other AWD SUV other than the Subaru Forester or Outback.

Active Driveline delivers true Torque Vectoring ability – torque control across the rear axle in on and off-road scenarios – for an engaging and dynamic drive

Let’s take a moment to talk about ClearSight Ground View. The realisation of Land Rover’s transparent bonnet concept, it provides a virtual 180-degree view beneath the front of the vehicle when tackling uneven terrain or assisting with tight city centre parking spaces.

It’s invaluable in tight or difficult conditions and a worthy example of how technology makes driving better.

Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE D200 Driving Experience

The first thing you notice is how quiet the Discovery Sport is over almost all surfaces.

There are few manufacturers that can match the Land Rover ride over corrugated dirt roads. It retains its composure with ease. It’s as much at home on forest trails, the beach, at the snow as it is on the motorway.

PTA is a new mixed-material architecture that is not only electric ready, it also provides greater versatility and refinement. The new body is stiffer than its predecessor, which together with rigidly-mounted subframes reduces noise and vibration intrusion into the cabin, ensuring comfortable family adventures, as well as maximum safety in the event of a collision

The engine is willing and provides more than adequate performance along with good economy. The steering is responsive and off road you have a good feel for where you are going.

Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE D200 Safety

As you would expect the Discovery Sport comes with a 5 star ANCAP safety rating and highlights of safety features include:

• All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC),
• Terrain Response 2 with Configurable Dynamics Efficient Driveline
• Hill Launch Assist
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC),
• Electronic Traction Control (ETC),
• Roll Stability Control (RSC),
• Hill Descent Control (HDC),
• Electric Parking Brake (EPB),
• Emergency Brake Assist,
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS),
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD),
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and Advanced Tow Assist,
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Assist,
• Clear Exit Monitor – Rear doors only,
• Lane Keep Assist,
• Rear Collision Monitor,
• Rear Traffic Monitor,
• Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter,
• Wade Sensing,
• Driver Condition Monitor,
• Front and Rear Parking Aid,
• Rear ISOFIX

The 3D Surround Camera features ClearView Ground View / See through Bonnet, Reversing Guidance, Hitch Guidance and Park Blocks, Plan View, T-Junction View, Kerb View, Trailer Set-Up & Guidance and Individual View from each camera.

Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE D200 Final Thoughts

It’s GOOD.

In many aspects its class leading.

Many cars I drive I enjoy for the week and then move on to the next car. The Discovery Sport was one of those cars that I wanted to keep for a much longer time.

As a five seat vehicle it has heaps of room and the practicality of two additional seats cannot be underestimated.

Be wary of the long and expensive options list, dally too long and tick a few boxes and the price can escalate rapidly.

Overall the Land Rover Discovery Sport is amongst the best in class for the more adventurous buyers.

Other Discovery Sport Articles

• 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport SE Review
• Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport PHEV

What is good?

• Ride and comfort especially on dirt roads
• Interior comfort and ambience
• Its presence on road

What is not so good?

• Rear external mirrors don’t dip in reverse
• No full size spare tyre
• Massage and heated seats are an option

Also Look At

• Peugeot 5008 GT
• Lexus NX
• Jaguar E-Pace
• Subaru Outback Touring
• Audi Q5 40 TDi Quattro

 *MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options.