In the COTY price bracket between $60,000 and $80,000 we are starting to see a predominance of European entry level SUVs. Also a diversity in sizes, engines and seating arrangements.
The list of possible nominees includes: Range Rover Evoque, Lexus NX, Jaguar E-PACE, SKODA Kodiaq RS and Volvo XC60.
The final nominees exhibit a diverse design philosophy from the more adventurous to the more urban with some all road capability.
Our final three nominees are:
- Land Rover Discovery Sport
- Audi Q5
- Genesis GV70
Land Rover first launched their Discovery Sport in 2015 but the latest update is almost 70% new and a significant improvement on an already good vehicle.
Land Rover Discovery Sport Model Range
Land Rover has refined the Discovery Sport model range for the MY23 and now there are two core models, the R-Dynamic SE and HSE specification packs. Add to these are some special editions that come out from time to time. There is a seemingly endless list of options that can be added to each specification pack.
There is a choice between two petrol engines. There is one transmission available and all models have seven seats.
Land Rover Discovery Sport General Thoughts
It’s a good looking SUV from the outside but step inside the ambience, layout and functionality and refinement is all Range Rover.
Discovery Sport has a solid robust appearance. The familial front grill blends into the sleek LED headlights and DRLs.
Our vehicle had the Black Exterior Pack which includes: Black Bonnet, Tailgate Lettering, Grille, Mirror Caps, number plate plinth and Front and Rear lower Tow eye cover.
Profile viewing shows a deep sculptures line at the door base with a contrasting sloping roof line to give the vehicle presence.
The rear is rounded with a slight uptick to the tail. The powered tailgate opened tall enough for my 190cm frame to comfortably stand under.
Inside the overall ambience is of space and comfort. Plenty of room for my bulky frame to sit comfortably in both front and back seats. The third row seats are a welcome addition but relegated to the occasional experience. Boot area is spacious.
The driver instruments, steering wheel and central stack have a completely integrated feel with smooth lines. Ergonomics are excellent.
You can get almost any interior comfort feature you want, its on the options list.
Discovery Sport Engine and drivetrain choices
First up both models have a 9 speed sports automatic transmission with constant AWD?
The simplified engine choice now is a P250 4 cylinder petrol engine that is 2.0L turbo that produces 184kW @ 5500rpm and 365Nm @ 1400-4500rpm
Last year there was a choice between two diesel and two petrol engines.
Like all Land Rover vehicles, off road capability is a given and the Discovery Sport has the Terrain Response 2 technology with new Auto mode. It is simple and intuitive to use.
Not only does it allow drivers to choose from four modes (Comfort, Sand, Grass-Gravel-Snow and Mud & Ruts) to optimise performance and capability, the new Auto mode enables Discovery Sport to select the most appropriate mode for the conditions and automatically adjust its torque delivery to suit the terrain.
There are few manufacturers that can match the Land Rover ride over corrugated dirt roads. It retains its composure with ease. It’s as much at home on forest trails, the beach, at the snow as it is on the motorway.
Discovery Sport Pricing
- P250 R-Dynamic SE Auto 4×4 MY23 $78,610 MLP*
- P250 R-Dynamic HSE Auto 4×4 MY23 MLP*
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Discovery Sport Final Thoughts
Land Rover Discovery Sport provides the best of both worlds. Interior luxury and comfort combined with unmatched AWD capability in class.
For those buyers that want more adventure from their Premium SUV the Discovery Sport is the obvious choice.
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Discovery Sport Model Pick
In some ways it’s unfortunate that Land Rover has discontinued the diesel engine option, it was delightful. However the P250 R-Dynamic SE is also excellent and that our pick.
Model |
Land Rover Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE P250 |
| Model Price | From $78.610 MLP* |
| Engine | 2.0L 4 Cyl Turbo Petrol |
| Drivetrain | AWD 9 speed Auto |
| Power | 184kW at 5.500rpm |
| Torque | 365Nm @ 1,400-4,500rpm |
| Safety | Five Star ANCAP (tested 2015) |
| CO2 Emissions | 195 g/km |
| Economy ADR | 8.4L/100km |
| Tow Capacity | 2200 Kg |
| Tow Ball Rating | 100 kg |
| Servicing | Service Plan TBA |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km with 5 Yr. conditional roadside assist |
Overall Rating |
88/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 8 |
| Performance | 9 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 9 |
| Fit for Purpose | 9 |
| Towing / AWD Capability | 9 – Towing 4/5 – AWD – 5/5 |
| Technology / connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 8 |
*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.
Discovery Sport Dimensions |
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| Overall Length | 4597mm |
| Wheelbase | 2741mm |
| Width / Height | 2069mm / 1727mm |
| Unladen ground clearance / wading depth | Up to 212mm / 600 mm |
| Approach / Rampover / Departure (degrees) | 22.8 / 20.6 / 28.2 |
| Fuel Tank / Turning Circle | 65 Litres / 11.8mts KTK |
| Kerb Weight / GVM / GCM | 1910kg / 2700kg / 4700KG |
| Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating | 2000kg / 100kg |
Audi Q5 Quattro Finalist
Audi Q5 is the brands bestselling SUV and keeping it ahead of the competition is an updated model range, with improved connectivity, technology and a revised engine line-up.
Styling has undergone some subtle refreshment to bring the model in line with the new design language. There is a bolder single frame front grill, 19 or 20 inch alloy wheels model specific, new LED headlights and daytime running lights, alloy wheels and a claimed world first digital OLED tail lights as an option.
Add to this some profile line highlights and the new model seems quite fresh and stylish.
The refresh continues inside. Q5 has always been exceptionally comfortable.
The driver’s seat is great especially the sport model with electronic adjustment and heating. A thick rimmed multi-function leather steering wheel frames the Audi virtual cockpit.
The MMI touch screen now means that there is room for another small pocket ion the transmission tunnel where the touch pad was previously.
Rear seats are more for two but have adequate room and are again very comfortable. Otherwise not much has changed inside since the last time we reviewed the Q5 HERE.
Audi model walk details can be found HERE Models are Audi Q5 40 TDI and 45 TFSI Sport model, both of which also come in a Sportback style as well, Audi 50 TDI S line and the excellent SQ5 which isn’t in this category.
Audi Q5 seems to get the balance right between style, size and functionality. It’s engaging to drive while providing comfort, safety and luxury for its occupants. The predictive Quattro system is amongst the best in class.
Prices for the Q5 range start at $72,700 through to $94,900 MLP*.
There is a reason the Q5 is so popular, that’s because it’s so good
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Genesis released the first GV70 in 2021 and it is an instant success. It is almost like an identical twin to the Audi Q5 in that it seems to get the balance just right.
Like all the Genesis vehicle the styling combines a conservative approach with stylish detail. It is well proportioned with the wheel at each corner design and a long nose.
Inside its incredibly comfortable for the front occupants, and has reasonably room for the rear passengers. Boot space is ample.
The dash is well laid out and minimalist in design. However one minor niggle is that the large central screen is a long reach for the touch functionality.
GV70 adds to the growing luxury line-up from Genesis Motors. The latest SUV is a medium sized model that comes with a choice of three engines and either rear wheel drive or AWD, one transmission and two option packs which can be taken separately or together.
AWD versions start at $68,786 for the 2.5T through to the surprisingly fast 3.5T at $83,276 MLP* . In between there is a 2.2l D for $71,676 MLP*
As you would expect the GV70 is packed with many safety, comfort and luxury features as well as the optional packs. More details can be found HERE
The GV70 has a completely different personality to the GV80. Its more responsive, nimble and engages the driver in a way the GV80 never does. With a predominantly rear wheel drive bias the AWD system provided excellent grip in the recent deluges on the freeway.
The fact that the Genesis GV70 is a finalist in this year’s COTY awards shows just how good it is.
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*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)