The Big Easy:Land Rover Discovery Sport road trip
It was a particularly busy week when Land Rover delivered the new Discovery Sport for our Cape road trip. Usually we have time to watch copious YouTube reviews and read up on a car but we had to finalise a lot of arrangements, sort out our five pooches, clients et al. Ten days, six hotels, restaurants reviews- it takes for some planning!
I will say upfront, that I never intended to fall in love the car. We are fans of Italian and Swedish SUV’s. It was like going on a blind date, fully intending to leave early. Two weeks later, when Land Rover collected the car, we felt differently. It was like falling in love with the person you meant to be with. Easy. Uncomplicated. Solid.
We loved the fact that one can get into the car and with ease, just start and go. No complex tech systems, easy functionality, our Apple Play was up and running before we hit the road. The Meridian Surround System engulfing us with clear, crisp sound. Personalise your screen layout, with 3D navigation, audio or hook up to your phone. Easy.
The grand dame of Graaff-Reinet, The Drostdy Hotel dates back to the 1800’s
Having left Johannesburg a bit later than we should have, we had a bit of pushing to do to get to our first destination in Graaff-Reinet at the iconic Drostdy Hotel. When the sun set past Bloemfontein, the car started showing off. The Matrix LED headlights with it’s adaptive beam, dims and adjusts - making for maximum visibility. Love the automatic high beam feature. Driver assistance features proved to be very welcome on a long road.
On the winding road to Graaf Reinet in the dark, we realised why the “Disco” is one of the best selling SUV’s in the world. The new body is 13 percent stronger than its predecessor, with rigidly-mounted subframes that reduce noise and vibration intrusion into the cabin, improving comfort and providing maximum safety in the event of a collision.
Above: Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve gave us a chance to experience the car on gravel and mud.
We would most definitely add the option of cabin air purification system. Hit the PURIFY button, and the Nano ionisation filters outside air from allergens and dust. I am sure this feature will be well received by parents or those suffering from hay fever and allergies.
Wade Sensing will alert one to water depth. Off-roaders will enjoy the ClearSight Ground View, a front-facing camera that shows a 180-degree view of underside of the vehicle as if the bonnet was invisible. The ClearSight Rear View mirror flicks on with a switch, giving one a high-res, 50 degree, field of vision which is wonderful in low light, or if back seat is packed or filled with passers. As a seven-seater with three rows, there are 25 different seat combinations possible.
Another option for the adventurous, is the Activity Key, a wearable waterproof wristband, so you can go climb and run without carrying a key-lock and unlock on your wrist.
Advanced Tow Assist makes reversing with a trailer safer and more intuitive.
Above: Haute Cabrière In Franshhoek
On the 13 hour drive home, we appreciated the adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, which centres the vehicle in the lane based on road markings as well as maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Other active safety features include Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor. The massaging seats was also most welcome.
The strong almost brutalist exterior, combined with minimalist yet comfortable interior, intuitive tech, measuring safety features, makes for a damn good driving experience.
Now, we just need to figure out how to make the relationship permanent so we can own one.
In short:
The world’s most capable compact SUV features enhanced design and the latest user-friendly technology
Four offroad modes: Comfort, Sand, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts.
New ClearSight Ground View turns the bonnet invisible to help drivers navigate high city centre kerbs or tackle rough terrain
ClearSight Rear View mirror transforms into a video screen at the flick of a switch
Innovative Terrain Response 2 technology ensures you can wade rivers, climb mountains and explore places other compact SUVs cannot reach
Touch Pro infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and 4G WiFi hotspot keeps you connected, informed and entertained everywhere
Premium cabin delivers superior levels of craftsmanship, heightened comfort and the latest generation InControl Touch Pro infotainment
Practical 5+2 seating layout improved with 40:20:40 split-folding second row seats – providing 24 possible configurations and more flexibility for family adventures
In South Africa the diesel engine option is covered by an efficient Ingenium 2.0 litre 4-cylinder (badged D180) with 132kW, and is capable of returning an average combined fuel consumption of 5.8l/100km. Acceleration from 0-100km/h happens in 9.7 seconds and top speed is 202km/h.
Petrol power is provided by an Ingenium 2.0 litre with 184kW and fuel consumption as low as 8.0l/100km. The P250-badged Discovery Sport can reach 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and maximum speed is set at 225km/h.
All Land Rover vehicles come standard with a 5 Year Care Plan giving peace of mind with a 100 000km warranty and servicing within in 5 year period, whichever comes first.
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Locations: (We will be reviewing each destination in following days)
The Drostdy and Mount Camdeboo Private Game reserve : newmarkhotels.com
cabriere.co.za for bookings for Haute Cabrière
Shot on Canon RP
