在越野场地跑几圈下来路虎神行者2身上已经满是泥水，但看起来却是那么的漂亮，就像刚运动后散发出的汗味一样，让男人显得更男人，更有魅力。与路虎神行者2行神州，我看行。
一个专业并执着于制造越野车的老牌英国汽车品牌路虎在2012年初又有了新的动作，带着曾经走过的辉煌成就，路虎神行者2再次洗心革面，搭载2.0L缸内直喷涡轮增压发动机急速驶来。神行者2在它的生命周期固然已经成为了一个功成名就的中年人，但即使是时间也不能阻止它前进的脚步。
一提到涡轮增压发动机你会想到什么？高转速、大马力甚至是泄压阀的声音吧，但是路虎所倡导的首先是绿色节能。虽然社会各界整天把蓝天和绿色整天嘴边上，充其量也是说的多做得少，到头来PM2.5都快能用肉眼数出来了，公布的数值还那么保守。然而要是把这件利国利民的好事联系到人民利益上就好推广的多了。
搭载全新的2.0T发动机在比原有动力提高情况下，综合油耗从11.6L/100km下降到9.6 L/100km，对于一款只喝97号汽油SUV来说，是个不小的进步。可谓艺高人胆大，驾驶着神行者2就会去一般车不敢去的地方，在70L油箱不变的情况下，大大增加了它的续航里程，从而在不能及时补给的情况下能够比以前更加从容应对复杂环境。
输出功率比从前提高了7匹马力，达到了240匹/5500rpm，最大功率到来的转速也提前了800rpm。最大扭矩提高了23Nm，达到340Nm/3200rpm。这次试驾的路线选择在了海拔3200米以上的丽江玉龙雪山脚下，一向健康的我也多少有些缺氧的表现，但是神行者2发动机在涡轮的刺激下依然斗志昂扬。
当然这个昂扬还是有条件的，发动机在高过3挡2000rpm时候涡轮迟滞稍有些明显，动力跟的有些晚，但是一旦过了这个坎儿，340Nm的扭矩就会像一面墙一样向车内4个人的背部压来，这时候不得不下意识的收油门，因为这个时候有人紧张了。
在玉龙山脚下的盘山公路经常会遇到要快不快要慢不慢的车，这时候解决的方案就是秒杀。不需要特别长的直线，找准时机，一脚地板油下去，全力激发四支活塞的往复运动，自动降挡工作干脆利落，转速迅速攀升至5000rpm。这时候向左闪出一个车身，低沉的声浪透过厚厚的隔音棉以毫无衰减之势向耳边袭来，一个再普通不过的超越完成了。
对待突如其来的340Nm扭矩需要讲究些策略，动力软绵绵的时候会让人着急，可是每次都来的排山倒海也吃不消，如果巧妙利用CommandShift六挡手自一体变速器事情就变得大不一样了。不像普通城市型的SUV，路虎神行者2变速箱对驾驶员下达的指令反映特别迅速，觉得动力不够的时候，一个强制降挡就将懒散的Power唤醒，可谓立竿见影。
7座布局/不忘越野 路虎发现运动版全解读
版身世揭秘记得前段时间，路虎揽胜运动版与揽胜截然不同的赛道特性和极端路况下的脱困能力给车迷留下了深刻印象，从那时起，想必人们对挂有“Sport”标识的路虎车型开始刮目相看。所以听闻发现系列即将推出运动版车型时，这台以路虎当家花旦命名的运动版难免再次引起人们关注，只是路虎公布的“Discovery Sport”官方图片，恐怕与车迷脑海中“意淫”的形象有太大出入......
家族新成员，路虎发现运动版身世揭秘
所谓“发现运动版”，并非以现款路虎发现为蓝本改造而来，单看外观便不难发觉二者实在称不上是直系血亲。自诞生起，发现系列整车轮廓便一直维持硬朗风格，但运动版无疑颠覆了阳刚的“爷们儿”形象，浑圆线条与略显呆萌的前脸倒更像是路虎入门车型神行者，强势不再但足够前卫。
想要进一步了解发现运动版的定位及身世，必须先弄清路虎未来的产品布局。今后路虎车型将划分为揽胜、发现和卫士三大系列，分别侧重于豪华、休闲和多功能定位。其中发现系列将推出多款车型，分别有发现豪华版、强调越野性能的硬派SUV发现、三排七座SUV发现运动以及入门型发现。
如此看来，可以直接把发现运动版理解为替代“神行者2”的车型，但其实它的定位要比神行者2高上半级。发现运动版基于LR-MS平台（源自福特EUCD平台）打造，车迷熟悉的极光便出自这一平台；新车可能会出现在年底的广州车展，并于2015年正式上市发售，预计国内售价会与宝马X3相仿。
虽然可视作为是神行者继任者，但发现运动的设计理念和市场定位都与现款神行者有所不同，最重要的区别当属5+2座椅布局，实用性获得显著提升。路虎为新车配备了全新研发的人机交互信息系统，或许全新发现运动不仅能够稳住原属于神行者的消费者，也能够为发现系列吸引更多新客户。
发现家族式设计PK路虎家族式设计
路虎发现运动版的外观设计源自路虎Vision概念车，该车也将是第五代发现的设计蓝本。虽然设计师为新车刻意保留了发现家族式特征，但在路虎最新家族设计的影响下，其相貌辨识度已经不高了，可以看到前后侧窗一体式结构得以保留，而平滑车顶及上扬腰线不禁令人怀疑这是一款发现。
曾经只有揽胜系列才有资格使用的“车系标识”如今已不再是特权，从官图可以看出，理应出现在发现运动版车头引擎盖前方的“LAND ROVER”被“DISCOVERY”所替代，说不定今后卫士系列也将启用“DEFENDER”标识。其大灯设计没有了发现的刚毅，远近光一体式氙灯被圆形日行灯所包围。
全新路虎发现运动版相比现款神行者2车长增加了80mm，同时整车高度降低了15mm，配合倾斜度极高的A柱和光滑的整车流线，再加之软件模拟设计和风洞测试，最终打造出了0.36的整车风阻系数。与车顶齐平的扰流翼不仅能够有效降低风阻，还有助于遭遇恶劣天气时保持后挡风玻璃的清洁。
极光的大卖，让路虎找准了外观设计诀窍，几乎整个路虎产品线都被这种风格洗礼了。除了车头，发现运动车尾设计也进一步像极光靠拢，不仅非对称垂直式后窗变成了掀背套路，就连垂直尾灯都被取缔。不过既然要走时尚路线，全景天窗必须妥妥的，发现的分体式天窗在这里会不合时宜。
谁说“小”身材不能有5+2座椅布局！
发现运动版的内饰并没有像外观那样给人太大冲击，其摆脱了发现的厚重以及揽胜运动版的神经紧绷，简洁风格与精巧细节与普通城市SUV相差无几，省时省力但效果甚佳。值得一提的是三辐方向盘倒是头一次出现在近些年的路虎车型中，其样式中规中矩，目测在皮质选择上也没有下太多功夫。
新车配备8英寸液晶屏和全新娱乐系统，除了音响导航等传统功能外，还提供InControl互联系统，支持苹果和安卓设备连接，提供寻车、紧急救援和3G热点功能。配置方面，发现运动配备行人安全气囊、自动防追尾系统、HUD抬头显示等配置，相比神行者，其在安全科技层面的提升还是不少的。
虽然只有2741mm的轴距，但路虎仍为发现运动版布置了两个第三排座椅，第二排座椅能够前后调节，幅度为160毫米，调节后能将后排腿部空间瞬间提升至揽胜的水平。但碍于本身轴距限制，路虎工程师坦言第三排空间着实有限，更适合13岁或者年纪更小的儿童使用，成年人一般只能临时救急。
发现运动版的定位属于路虎入门级，但官图中宽大的打孔真皮座椅可是真家伙，甚至其第二排座椅都是真皮打孔材质，不仅能前后移动还可调整靠背角度。其第二排具备座椅加热功能，此外还提供12V电源接口与USB接口，高配车型第一排头枕有屏幕供后排乘客娱乐，一切皆为舒适与实用服务。
9AT+全地形反馈+高强度钢材车身......
发现运动版将搭载Si4 2.0T汽油发动机和2.2T柴油发动机，并在2015年引入ED4涡轮增压柴油发动机，与发动机匹配的是6速手动或9速自动变速箱，不过预计未来国内只会有9AT版。两款发动机均配备自动启停技术，此外变速箱9挡齿比只有0.48，看来发现运动在研发之初做了很多节油方面的考虑。
路虎发现运动版平台虽然仍以钢为主要材料，但工程师加大了高强度钢的用量以控制车重和提升刚性。作为力推铝合金轻量化的品牌，路虎发现运动版的车顶、翼子板等都使用铝合金制成，工程师将这款7座SUV的整备质量控制在1817千克，与神行者处于同一水平，相比发现则轻了800到900千克。
该车将提供四驱版本（预计为适时四驱结构，能够完全切断后桥动力并实现左右轮间动力分配），除配备作为路虎车型标志性的全地形反馈系统，发现运动版的接近角、离去角和通过角分别达到25度、31度和21度，涉水深度达到600毫米，毕竟车头挂着“DISCOVERY”标识，越野性能始终是它的根！
我们可以在发现运动版身上找到防滚翻稳定控制、行人安全气囊及发动机阻力矩控制系统等配置，但Vision概念车曾展示的Transparent Bonnet透视引擎盖技术、Remote Control Drive遥控车辆技术、激光地形扫描系统等极致技术都未实现在发现运动上，看来变成现实的更多还只是“概念”外形。
总结：如果不是车头、车尾硕大的“DISCOVERY”身份象征，说它叫“极光运动版”会更容易令人接受，抛开相似的动力总成、前脸造型等等不谈，二者在大体风格上绝对保持着一致。不过发现运动版补齐了极光的最大短板--空间，但相应外观造型没有了极光的“骚”气逼人，鱼与熊掌，又是一道摆在路虎迷眼前的难题......
Bold and progressive design defines all new Discovery family
Land Rover has revealed the new Discovery Sport, what it claims as the world's most versatile and capable premium compact SUV.
 |
The first member of the new Discovery family, the all new Discovery Sport, features a 5+2 seating in a footprint no larger than existing SUVs that can accomodate five.
This spirit of adventure is reflected in Discovery Sport's interior, which features high-quality materials and a strong vertical centre console graphic to reflect the premium design of the exterior.
An all new multi-link rear axle not only provides engaging driving dynamics but also 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 hallmark all-terrain capability of the marque.
Safety is also not overlooked, 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.
At launch the Discovery Sport will be equipped with a range of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.
Both the Si4 2.0-litre petrol engine and the 2.2-litre turbodiesel feature stop-start technology and, among other features, regenerative charging.
Later next year, a highly efficient ED4 turbodiesel engine will join the range - with CO2 emissions of just 119g/km (subject to homologation). Both nine-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions are available, along with a choice of two or four-wheel drive.
The all new Discovery Sport will be produced at Halewood facility at Liverpool and goes on sale in early 2015 alongside the existing seven-seating Land Rover Discovery in over 170 markets round the globe.
2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport revealed - plus new pictures
/
The Land Rover Freelander will be killed off early next year, and replaced by this new Land Rover Discovery Sport, a seven-seat SUV that will kick-start a new family of models sold with the Discovery name.
Prices will start from £32,395, slightly up on the current, ageing model, but Land Rover says the additional cost is justified by the design, technical and practical improvements made on the Discovery Sport. Rivals include the Audi Q5 (from £31,370), Hyundai Santa Fe (£27,800) and Volvo XC60 (£31,260).
The Discovery Sport has been designed to be the most versatile car in its sector, yet retain the premium quality for which Land Rover is known. It is 9cm longer than the Freelander, at 459cm, 7cm of which has been used to make the middle row of seats truly spacious.
Behind the wheel
The only engine available initially is a 188bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine badged as the Discovery Sport SD4. It produces 310lb ft of pulling power and gives the car a 0-60mph time from 8.4sec. This model is available only with four-wheel drive, but nonetheless average fuel economy is 46.0mpg while CO2 emissions start at 162g/km, depending on whether the engine is linked to the nine-speed automatic gearbox or six-speed manual. The current Freelander powered by the SD4 engine averages 40.4mpg and emits 185g/km.
However, the SD4 powertrain will be replaced as soon as mid-2015, by a more efficient turbocharged diesel called eD4. This new engine, part of Jaguar Land Rover’s new Ingenium engine range, will emit from 119gkm of CO2, suggesting an average economy figure of around 47mpg. It will be available with a nine-speed automatic gearbox or six-speed manual. This power unit will be available with two- or four-wheel drive models.
Land Rover describes the Discovery Sport as being ‘fun to drive and incredibly comfortable’, thanks largely to the high-strength but lightweight steel-and-aluminium body structure and cutting-edge suspension set-up. The bodyshell is largely shared with the Range Rover Evoque, while the space-efficient suspension design is said to give controlled on-and off-road ride and handling benefits as well as freeing up space for the rearmost seats, boot, and a spacesaver spare wheel.
Additionally, Land Rover says the Discovery Sport has been optimised for use off-road. In particular, it highlights the car’s 60cm wade depth and the four settings of its Terrain response system: general, grass/gravel/snow, mud and ruts and sand. Other standard off-road aids available include hill descent control, roll stability control, dynamic stability control, traction control and engine drag torque control.
The steering is also electrically power assisted, reducing fuel consumption and allowing the introduction of an option for a self-parking function where the car steers itself into a parallel parking space or parking bay.
On the inside
The Discovery Sport’s designers say they have worked to give the car a sporty look, disguising its greater length by pushing each wheel towards its corners and creating a rising line from the bonnet that steps up before going across the car and sitting it relatively low to the ground.
The design is also fairly aerodynamic, which helps performance, fuel economy and refinement.
Land Rover describes the interior seating arrangement as 5+2 rather than a full seven-seater, because the rearmost seats are for occasional use only; they’ve been designed around an average 15-year old.
As standard the middle row of seats can be reclined, slide back and forward by 16cm, and can be split 60:40. They are also 5cm higher than the front seats, to give passengers a better view.
Climate control for the front two rows of seats is standard, while buyers can specify air-con for the rearmost seats, as well as additional 12V and USB sockets so that passengers can use their electronic devices.
Boot space is an impressive 195 litres with all seats up, 830 litres with the third row down and 1698 litres with the second and third rows down. The boot opening also sits 5cm lower, making it easier to load and unload, and there is space for a full size spare tyre under the boot floor.
The Discovery Sport has only five seat if it is fitted with the optional Tow Pack, which raises the towing capability from 2200kg to 2500kg.
The four trim levels are called SE, SE Tech, HSE and HSE Luxury. The highlights of SE include half-leather, climate control, 18-inch wheels, rear parking sensors and heated seats. SE Tech costs £1500 more and adds a touch-screen sat-nav, front parking sensors and a powered tailgate. HSE adds a further £3600 for full leather, a panoramic roof, reversing cameras and 19-inch wheels, while HSE Lux adds £3600 for a premium leather, climate-controlled seats and the automatic parking function.
New technology
In the centre of the Discovery Sport’s dash there’s a new eight-inch screen that uses phone-style dragging, scrolling and swiping functions to move between functions and screens. The main screen controls functions such as the audio, climate, telephone and navigation controls, while other options including turning the car into a wi-fi hotspot or displaying off-road or economy data. Sat-nav is standard on SE Tech models and above.
The Discovery Sport’s infotainment system is also optimised for use with smartphones. As an option, downloadable apps will allow owners to perform tasks such as summoning the emergency or breakdown services through the touch-screen, or to track their car if it is stolen. Also, two phones can be linked at once; one to make calls and one to stream music from.
In addition, voice control can be used to operate the sat-nav, select radio stations, dial phone numbers and access the phonebook.
Buyers have a choice of three audio systems: SE models get a 10-speaker system, while HSE models have a 11-speaker system. Buyers also have the option of a more advanced infotainment system, which includes a more advanced sat-nav system, a dual-view screen system, so a passenger can, for instance, watch a DVD while the driver sees the sat-nav.
Among the safety features are ABD automatic braking, which uses sensors to detect potential impacts and automatically apply the brakes to stop the car from speeds up to 32mph, or reduce impact speeds at up to 50mph. The same system also gives audio and visual warnings if it detects a possible cause of a collision, such as a row of stationary traffic. Additional to the standard roster of airbags, the Discovery Sport also features a new pedestrian airbag system which triggers from the base of the windscreen when the car detects an significant front impact at between 15 and 30mph.
Other standard driver assistance equipment includes automatic windscreen demisting function, automatic headlamps and rain-sensitive wipers. Options include trailer stability assist, high beam assist, lane-departure warning, traffic sign recognition and parking sensors.
How do I buy a Land Rover Discovery Sport?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport goes on sale on January 22.
Initial demand is expected to be strong because of the traditional appeal of new Land Rover models, plus the inherent improvements over the outgoing Freelander. However, the decision to launch the car with an engine that will be replaced around six months after its launch is likely to prompt many buyers to wait for the more efficient unit, despite pricing details for that car not yet being available. Resale values and running costs of the newer engine will also likely be much better.
Target Price discounts won’t be available until the car goes on sale, but if customers do delay orders, expect discounts to be available on what is still a significantly more efficient car than the outgoing Freelander that it replaces.
