Land Rover Unveils 2019 Discovery Sport With Mild-hybrid Powertrain Option
This mirror swaps from a physical mirror to an HD video screen with a button press to then show the view from the vehicle's rearview camera. This system is an improvement on a similar system used by Rover, adding a wider 50-degree field of vision and moving the rear camera to above the rear window for a more natural viewpoint. Another camera system, offering 180-degrees of view, called ClearSight Ground View, allows the driver to see (virtually) through the vehicle's bonnet to eyeball obstacles such as curbs, rocks, potholes, and the like. Other technologies added to the 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport include wireless device charging, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and more USB and 12-volt connection points. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard on the new-generation Land Rover InControl TouchPro infotainment system interface. This new system uses artificial intelligence to learn driver preferences and adjust comfort items accordingly. The new 2020 Discovery Sport retains the Land Rover reputation for off-road capability with water fording to a depth of up to 23.6 in (0.6 m) and two drivetrain options for all-wheel drive are featured. A new towing assist system is also added, with the option of towing up to 4,409 lb (2,000 kg).
3200 rpm, providing a broad power band for strong low-speed response. The 2.0-liter engine first appeared in the 2012 Range Rover Evoque and features advanced technologies such as high-pressure direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. A high efficiency turbocharger delivers rapid response, and a fabricated steel exhaust manifold promotes quick catalytic converter light-off. Twin balance shafts ensure smooth operation, and piston rings and tappets have been coated to reduce friction. All LR2 models are equipped with Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM), which features Smart Regenerative Charging. Where possible, the alternator charges the battery only when the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy rather than consuming energy during engine operation. The engine is paired with an Aisin AWF21 six-speed automatic transmission engineered with advanced neutral logic control to reduce internal drag when the LR2 is idling. The transmission also features a remote breather, routed above the vehicle's water wading depth (19.7 inch / 500 mm).
If you鈥檝e read reviews of Land Rovers in the past, you鈥檙e probably expecting this paragraph to be a succession of warnings about things to worry about. But, not a bit of it. In fact, Land Rover seems to have made massive progress in the last few years and now owners of its cars are among the happiest in the business. So, although there鈥檚 plenty of brand new technology in this PHEV - it is, after all, Land Rover鈥檚 first plug-in hybrid - there are no particular alarm bells ringing. It鈥檚 the same story with safety. Although this exact model hasn鈥檛 been tested by Euro NCAP, the last Range Rover - along with the Velar and most recent Discovery - scored a maximum five-star rating in the tests. So, we have no doubt that this model will also be just as safe. Land Rover is company that has never been renowned for good reliability - the company finished in 24th position out of 27 manufacturers the 2017 Driver Power survey, for example. So, you might expect us to be worried about a car that has as much new technology on it as the Range Rover PHEV, but we鈥檙e not.
Your Insurance Company - Some insurance companies offer mechanical breakdown protection. For example, Geico offers a Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) program that is available for cars that are less than 15 months old and with less than 15,000 miles. The MBI coverage can be renewed for up to seven years or 100,00 miles. Potentially protected against major mechanical repair costs. Depending on the details of your extended warranty contract, you will likely be covered against the repair costs of most major mechanical items on the vehicle (e.g. engine, transmission, etc). 3,000.00 extended warranty and six months into it you need a new engine, chances are you just saved yourself some money. Any claim for the remainder of your warranty is essentially money in your pocket. Extended warranties can provide peace-of-mind. Land Rovers have a well-known reputation for spotty reliability. Unfortunately, this reputation does not come undeserved. Land Rover vehicles routinely score lower in reliability studies.
