2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport gains new engines and infotainment

• All engines get mild-hybrid technology
• New Discovery Sport Black trim and new petrol engine
• Available to order now

The Land Rover Discovery Sport SUV has been updated for 2020. There are new petrol and diesel engines, an enhanced infotainment system and other technology upgrades in order to keep the Discovery Sport fresh against rivals including the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. On sale now, the new model starts from £31,915.

2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport engines

Land Rover has overhauled the engine range, replacing the diesel engines with two new units. Badged D165 and D200, the new engines produce 161bhp and 201bhp respectively, and you can choose a manual or automatic gearbox on the lower-powered engine. This engine manages 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds, so it’s quicker than the previous D150 engine, while the auto-only D200 reduces that time to 8.6 seconds.

Best cars for winter

Fuel economy figures haven’t been revealed yet but we’d expect the mild-hybrid technology to help both these engines achieve over 40mpg. The D165 engine produces 163g/km of CO2 in its most efficient spec, which is reasonable for a large SUV with up to seven seats.

17

The current P200 and P250 petrol engines remain, now with mild-hybrid tech, and they’re joined by a new 286bhp version of the same engine. We’re told this is capable of 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, which is brisk rather than quick, but it does have more pulling power than the other petrol units. CO2 emissions are much higher at 211g/km, while 30mpg should be possible. From launch the P290 engine is only available in a new ‘Black’ trim level.

A P300e plug-in hybrid engine was launched earlier this year, promising 38 miles of electric range and CO2 figures starting from 36g/km - so it costs less in tax for business users. Acceleration to 62mph takes 6.6 seconds, while charging takes over six and a half hours from a plug socket or 30 minutes (to 80%) on a public fast-charger.

Interior and technology

17

All but the entry-level version of the new Discovery Sport also get Land Rover’s best infotainment system. The Pivi and Pivi Pro systems get greater connectivity, with the ability to connect to two phones via Bluetooth at the same time and Spotify integration for the infotainment menu. The menu has been redesigned to ensure that all the main functions are accessible in two taps of the screen, while software updates now happen over-the-air so you don’t need to visit a dealership.

With extra safety features onboard, the list of driver assistance technology reads like it’s from one of the more expensive Land Rover models. New technology for 2020 includes a 3D surround camera and rear traffic monitoring, which adds to the cameras mounted down low - to make sure you don’t hit anything when off-roading - and the digital rearview mirror.

Meanwhile, a new cabin filtration system is available as an optional extra. When you press the ‘Purify’ button on the touchscreen, the car will stop allergens and fine particulates coming in, and will ensure that occupants are breathing air that is purer than outside. It could be something to spec if you regularly drive in congested areas, for example.

Practicality has been improved slightly too. All models now come with a second row of seats that can slide forwards and backwards, and you can add massaging front seats for the first time. Redesigned door bins and cubbies add extra storage space, and those in the rearmost seats get more places to stash things. It seems that only the plug-in hybrid won’t be offered with seven seats, as the space has been taken up by batteries instead.

Discovery Sport Black

A new Discovery Sport Black model joins the range, powered by the P290 petrol engine. Spec highlights include a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate and upgraded LED headlights, and buyers can choose from five paint colours (none of which are black). It does get a black styling pack and contrasting roof, plus 20-inch alloy wheels.

See where the Discovery Sport lands on our lists of the best tow cars and best 7-seater cars.