The Land Rover Discovery Sport occupies the premium SUV segment and offers a host of standard equipment within a striking package. With the entry-level variant retailing for just under R800 000 and the top of the range derivative selling for just over R1 200 000, the Land Rover Discovery Sport offers a derivative for almost anyone looking to purchase within this segment.
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While safety equipment such as airbags and ISOFIX feature as standard across the range, we explore a few new and advanced pieces that stand out from the rest.
ClearSight smart rearview mirror
While reverse screens built into the rearview mirror is not a new technology, Land Rover has taken it one step further. Just like traditional mirrors, the one in the Discovery Sport can function as normal, providing a view of what is behind the driver. However, if this view is obstructed by adults occupying the rear bench or a boot that is filled to the brim, the driver can with the flick of a switch activate the rearview camera.
The images recorded by the rearview camera which is built into the 'shark fin' radio antenna, feed straight to the full-screen rearview mirror unit. This not only provides for an unobstructed view of what is happening behind the vehicle but even increases the field of vision to 50 degrees. While this technology might seem gimmicky, I believe there are ample real-world scenarios in which this function can prompt the driver to avoid an accident.
Advanced Tow Assist
While piloting a vehicle becomes easier over time and some actions being adopted as second nature, towing a trailer can be quite counterintuitive at best. Very seldom will most of us find ourselves towing a trailer, boat or caravan throughout the year but it remains imperative to know what to do when the situation occurs. This is where Land Rover has stepped in to make it easier for drivers.
Upon activating the Advanced Tow Assist system, the driver surrenders most of the control to the semi-autonomous vehicle. Using a central dial and the infotainment screen, the driver inputs the direction in which the vehicle and the towed item need to go. Without having to touch the steering wheel, the Land Rover Discovery Sport will automatically make small adjustments to the steering angle to safely guide the towed item where it needs to go. This allows the driver to only concentrate on the vehicle speed, controlled with the brake pedal, and the desired destination.
ClearSight Ground View
Have you ever driven on rough terrain, and you hear the rocks bumping and scratching the undercarriage. With the ClearSight Ground View technology, this is a thing of the past. First previewed in 2014, the technology utilises cameras on the lower bumpers to create a view of what is in front of the vehicle and even slightly underneath.
The image is displayed on the central infotainment screen and resembles what it would look like if the vehicle did not have a bonnet and engine in front of the driver and gives the driver a 180-degree view. Not only will this assist navigating rough terrain but also urban street curbs and parking spaces.
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