Discovery Sport launched in Zimbabwe

Published: 22 June 2015

The new Land Rover Discovery Sport, the world's most versatile and capable premium compact sport utility vehicles (SUV), is now available in Zimbabwe following its launch in the country on Wednesday.

Nigel Clarke, operations director of Jaguar Land Rover sub-Sahara, said the vehicle' progressive new design approach defines the new Discovery family with optimised volume, proportions and stance.

"Its design leadership combines with engineering integrity to result in a dynamic profile, the ultimate use of interior space and 5+2 seating configurability," he said.

Clarke noted that the new car will see Jaguar Land Rover's local agency - Premier Auto Services - delivering a good product to the people of Zimbabwe.

"We started working with Moses Chingwena (Premier Auto Services' chairman) almost four years ago and there have been a lot of significant changes.

"Currently just over a 1 000 cars have been sold in Zimbabwe and in the period we have had four launches of new vehicles," he said.

Under the dealership agreement, Premier Auto Services import and sell complete vehicles and provide back-up service locally.

Other aspects of the agreement also allow the extension of the franchise enabling Premier Auto Services selling branded Land Rover goods in their outlets.

Manfred Chaniwa, Premier Auto Services acting dealer principal, said the Discovery Sport which comes with an all-alloy Si4 2,0 litre petrol engine and the 2,2 litre turbodiesel feature, costs $64 000 at an entry level model.

Land Rover's spirit of adventure is reflected in Discovery Sport's interior, which has been designed with customers at its core.

It features high-quality materials and a strong vertical centre console graphic to reflect the premium design of the exterior, while the core Discovery value of versatility is evident everywhere.

Storage solutions are integrated into the cabin and up to four 12V power points and six USB charging sockets can be specified for all three rows of seating, allowing multiple electronic devices to be charged simultaneously.

A host of innovations have allowed Discovery Sport to introduce the versatility of 5+2 seating into the premium compact SUV class for the first time.

An all-new multi-link rear axle not only provides engaging driving dynamics but it also provides ample and flexible cabin space behind the second row.

Coupled with supple long-travel suspension, the innovative rear axle also ensures the Discovery Sport is comfortable, refined and rewarding to drive on-road, while retaining the breadth of all-terrain capability for which Land Rover is world-renowned.

As with every new Land Rover, safety has been a key priority in the development of the new Discovery Sport, resulting in a first-in-class pedestrian airbag, autonomous emergency braking, and a state-of-the-art bodyshell featuring both ultra-high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium.

This represents a fraction of the advanced equipment available in Discovery Sport, which also includes Head-Up Display, an all-new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and tilt-and-slide row-two seating for maximum interior configurability.
- dailynews