Land Rover Discovery Sport gets more efficient diesels for 2021

For 2021 the Land Rover Discovery Sport is getting two new ‘Ingenium’ diesel engine options both with mild-hybrid functionality, and an updated infotainment system with greater connectivity.

While there are no exterior changes to speak of, the more efficient diesel engines will be welcomed to the Discovery Sport, though the price of entry climbs by $5,200 to $65,700 for the S P200.

All of the off-road technologies remain, which will endear the Discovery Sport to more adventurous buyers who may also be looking at more popular options like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

Also for 2021, Land Rover will only be bringing the sportier R-Dynamic trim to Australia which benefits from a sportier body-kit and increased interior glitz.

The first new diesel is the D165, which will replace the current 110kW D150 powertrain. The D165 boasts outputs of 120kW and 380Nm, while a 48-volt mild-hybrid is employed to improve fuel efficiency and stop-start smoothness.

A more powerful D200 has also been added with outputs of 150kW and 420Nm and will replace the outgoing D180. The most potent D240 diesel has also been axed for the 2021 model year.

Two turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines are available as well, though are unchanged; the 147kW and 320Nm P200 are the more affordable, and the P250 rounds out the range with outputs 184kW and 365Nm. All cars are all-wheel-drive and use an eight-speed torque-converter automatic.

Inside, the Discovery Sport gets Land Rover’s crisp Pivi infotainment system which runs on its own battery, so the system is on the second the car starts. There’s also a 4G sim installed which allows over-the-air updates and connectivity with Spotify and Land Rover applications.

One of the smart features of the Discovery Sport is the wrist-band ‘activity key’ which remains. It’s waterproof and can be used to open the vehicle while the key is left inside to suit the active lifestyle the brand promotes.

Another of the Discovery Sport’s unique features is the seven-seat capability. They’re not huge seats and are a kid-only area, but its something few competitors in this size bracket offer.

Safety features are bolstered for 2021, too, including rear cross-traffic alert and rear AEB as standard. There’s also a 360-degree top-down monitor which can be activated up to 30km/h aiding both city-speed manoeuvres and off-road navigation.

The line-up starts as it always did with the entry-level S with electrically adjustable leather-appointed seats and 18-inch alloy wheels. Moving up to the SE sees larger 19-inch alloys and automatic high-beams equipped.

The range-topping HSE is available only with the petrol P250 powertrain, and it gets massive 20-inch alloys, power tailgate and 14-way adjustable front seats with memory function. Land Rover has opened the order books for the updated Discovery Sport.

2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport pricing

R-Dynamic S P200 – $65,700 (up $2,600)
R-Dynamic S D165 – $68,000
R-Dynamic SE P250 – $74,076 (up $3,209)
R-Dynamic SE D200 – $75,610
R-Dynamic HSE P250 – $78,432