PETALING JAYA: The new Land Rover Discovery Sport has finally landed in Malaysia and is now officially on sale following its launch here this morning.
It comes in two variants – the 240PS/340Nm 2.0L Si4 Petrol and the 190PS/420Nm 2.2L SD4 Diesel. Both are matched with a nine-speed automatic transmissions. The petrol version is priced at RM399,000 (with GST but excludes road tax, registration and insurance).
The sale of the diesel version is imminent, pending price approval from the Government.
Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd managing director Syed Mudzhar Syed Ali said the first shipment from Britain to Malaysia has already been sold out. He declined to say how many units that represented or to go into details about target sales for the year amid a softening market.
He, however, said two more shipments of the model are coming soon. He said the company was absorbing costs for now amid a weakening ringgit.
The Discovery Sport’s bold and progressive design, which combines 5+2 seating configurability with design and engineering integrity in a compact footprint that is smaller than many traditional 5-seater SUVs, is unique in its segment.
It features a number of engineering innovations by Land Rover, including an advanced multi-link rear axle; and state-of-the-art, high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium bodyshell for improved performance, safety and efficiency.
The all-new multi-link rear axle has proven crucial, allowing Land Rover to introduce the 5+2 seating to a whole new segment while also offering best-in-class off-road performance and high levels of agility.
Safety is taken to a new level with seven airbags inside the cabin and first-in-class pedestrian airbag that enhances pedestrian protection plus Autonomous Emergency Braking that helps the driver to avoid collisions.
Being a Land Rover, the Discovery Sport offers impressive all-terrain performance courtesy of optimised approach, departure and break-over angles and Terrain Response System.
Other standout features for connected and comfortable handling both on and off-road include Hill Descent Control (DSC), Gradient Release Control (GRC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), Hill Start Assist, Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVB).
Designed and engineered at Land Rover’s development centre in Britain, the Discovery Sport is produced at the company’s factory in Halewood, Liverpool.
Customers can opt for the Black Design Pack that includes a gloss-black grille, door mirror caps, front fender vents, 'Discovery' bonnet script, contrast roof, and tailgate badging and a choice of 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels.
“The launch of the new Discovery Sport is a pivotal moment in Land Rover’s 67-year history,” said Syed Mudzhar.
“Not only does it mark the introduction of the first new member of the expanding Discovery family, it also brings the versatility of 5+2 seating to the compact premium SUV market. I believe it will resonate not only with existing Land Rover owners but also a new generation of discerning customers.”
The new Discovery Sport’s entry into the Malaysian market was an unusual affair. The unique Land Rover Terrapod was brought in from Britain to showcase the vehicle’s all-terrain ability.
The Discovery Sport had little difficulty tackling steep slopes and inclines on the mobile man-made track. Its body has been specially optimised to cope with challenging off-road terrain, with 212mm of ground clearance and class-leading approach, departure and breakover angles of 25, 31 and 21 degrees respectively. This means the front, middle or rear of the vehicle can climb up, over and down extreme obstacles at low speed.
The four-wheel-drive variants offered in Malaysia can also scale incredibly steep gradients of 45 degrees, as much as 14 degrees more than other competitor SUVs. In extreme situations, lower trim on the front bumper can be removed to increase the approach angle still further.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion and SiSMA Auto are dual-brand Jaguar Land Rover dealers for Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia).
All Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles sold in Malaysia are covered by a 5-year/300,000km warranty or 3 years or 100,000km warranty and 3 years free roadside assistance.
