Land Rover has announced a new model targeting company car drivers.
The new Land Rover Discovery Sport E-Capability uses a new diesel engine that replaces the 2.2-litre SD4 the Sport was original launched with.
New 2-litre diesel engine reduces emissions
The company claims the new 2.0-litre TD4 diesel is 24kgs lighter and 16 percent more efficient than the engine it replaces. Official figures for the lower-power diesel hooked up to a manual six-speed gearbox are 129g/km of CO2 and average fuel consumption is 57.7mpg.
The company is keen to point out this version comes with all-wheel drive yet still falls into BIK band 23 percent. Combined with a current P11D value of £30,640 that means a 40 percent tax payer will have £235 a month deducted from their pay.
Fuel efficient versions called E-Capability
One major difference from the rest of the range is the E-Capability model will feature five seats and won’t come with the optional third row that fold flat into the boot floor.
Parkers is yet to test this version of the Land Rover Discovery Sport but the engine stats look promising for performance. The diesel is set to the lower power tune of 148bhp (compared to the higher power of 178bhp) while there isn’t a major difference in pulling power – 380Nm of torque compared to 430Nm.
The E-Capability model features special 18-inch aerodynamic alloys and low rolling-resistance tyres, plus blue ‘Sport’ badging to differentiate it from the rest of the range. The gearing and engine have also been specially set-up to maximise fuel efficiency.
Company car drivers should expect to see this version going on sale in the Autumn of 2015, and they can opt for the higher powered model if they wish. This emits 139g/km of CO2 and qualifies for the 25 percent BIK band.
New model designed to win more fleet sales from rivals
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is taking on such rivals as the Porsche Macan, BMW X3 and Audi Q5. It features an impressive suite of safety kit including a pedestrian air bag fitted as standard across the range.
For those looking to reduce their tax bills further then there will be a front-wheel drive only Discovery Sport powered by the lower-powered diesel engine. No specific emission or P11D values are available yet but this version is due to go on sale at the end of 2015.
For more information read the full Land Rover Discovery Sport review.
