LA Live - Land Rover Discovery Sport

Gets a 9-speed automatic transmission. 

Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show this year, the Land Rover Discovery Sport is the first model based on the new Discovery family. And while the production of the vehicle commenced in UK a month ago, the US-spec version of the vehicle has launched at the 2014 Los Angeles Motor Show.

Powering the US-spec model is a turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 240 hp. It's mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and a standard all-wheel drive system. Prices for the vehicle start at $37,995 (INR 23.48 lakhs) before tax, making it a direct competitor to the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC60.

While the company will display the new Discovery Sport alongside other models, there will also be an off-road demo track where the capabilities of the Disco Sport will be more apparent.

The Discovery Sport comes with an automated braking system, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 5+2 seating capability. It can wade water up to 600 mm deep, and boasts some very respectable approach, departure, and breakover angles of 25, 31, and 21 degrees respectively.

Also read: JLR's new Brazilian plant to make the Discovery Sport

Like in the Europe, the vehicle goes on sale in the US sometime early next year. Its Indian arrival is expected to happen sometime later in 2015 or by early 2016 but JLR is yet to make that official.

Competitors: Audi Q5, Mercedes M Class, BMW X3, Volvo XC60
Expected Price: INR 45 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: 2015 in Europe

Land Rover Discovery Sport at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show - Image Gallery