Yahoo Autos The 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport Adds Style and a Hybrid Model
For 2020, the Land Rover Discovery Sport offers an optional 48-volt hybrid system.
The downsized Disco receives updated exterior and interior styling that better mimics its bigger brother, the Land Rover Discovery.
Other interesting new features are massaging front seats, wireless charging, optional 21-inch wheels, and the use of sustainable interior materials.
Land Rover spreads some love to its smallest and most affordable SUV, the Discovery Sport, with several significant improvements for 2020. While its exterior proportions remain mostly unchanged, the baby Disco now wears a more sophisticated face that features a new grille design and fresh LED headlights above an updated bumper. Likewise, in the back there's a revised bumper and striking LED taillights. The 2020 Discovery Sport can be coated in a choice of 12 colors and gets an optional black-painted roof. Along with a Black Exterior package that dresses the grille details and fender vents in black, the Discovery Sport can be equipped with 21-inch wheels for the first time.
Discovery Sport Meets Hybrid Technology
In addition to the newly standard 246-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, the Discovery Sport is now available with a hybrid powertrain. The setup includes a 48-volt hybrid system that operates as a belt-driven motor generation, as seen on the 2020 Range Rover Evoque. It combines with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder for a total output of 296 horsepower. The company says that the gasoline engine shuts off at speeds under 11 mph and that energy in the underfloor battery pack is stored during deceleration and redeployed during acceleration.
The 2020 Disco Sport continues Land Rover's longstanding tradition of off-road capability. With standard all-wheel drive and other trail-ready options, it can wade into water up to 23.6 inches high and automatically detect different driving scenarios. Those planning to utilize the Sport's 4409-pound maximum tow rating will enjoy a new Advanced Tow Assist meant to help when reversing with a trailer. Other high-tech upgrades include a newly optional digital rearview mirror that instantly transitions from a reflective material to a high-definition video feed to display a 50-degree view behind the vehicle. Additionally, another new camera system underneath the Discovery Sport allows a 180-degree view of precarious terrain or dangerous curbing.
Groovy on the Outside, Groovier on the Inside
Inside, Land Rover enhanced the cabin materials, added some more desirable content, and improved versatility. All three rows have newly designed seats, with the second row adding a split-folding 40/20/40 bench that, Land Rover claims, can be configured in two dozen different ways. Captain Planet fans who prefer sustainable resources can now choose materials made of recycled polyester microfiber. This choice also allows buyers to cover the three-spoke steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls in faux suede. Lest the fancy features end there, the Discovery Sport now offers massaging front seats and wireless charging for the first time. Regardless of selected options, every 2020 model features a 10.0-inch TouchPro infotainment system with AppleCarPlay and Android Auto capability and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Land Rover has also improved interior cubby storage in all three rows, with those farthest back earning new cupholders and more useful cubby space.
While most of these 2020 changes are evolutionary, owners who are regularly on the go will appreciate its power liftgate and Activity Key, which is a waterproof wristband that acts as the car's secondary key fob. Those who prioritize safety can lean on available driver-assistance technology such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
Pricing will be announced later this year; expect the 2020 Land Rover Discover Sport to go on sale this summer.
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