New Land Rover Discovery likely to be launched in India ahead of Velar in 2017

Tata-owned British marquee Land Rover is set to add two new SUVs to its India line-up before 2018. The UV specialist has confirmed the launch of Velar, a new SUV in the Range Rover family, by the end of 2017.

Also read: Range Rover Velar launching in India in November 2017

A report in NDTV says Land Rover India will launch fifth generation of the Discovery SUV in October. If the report is anything to go by, the new Discovery will be the first SUV to enter the market ahead of Velar which is rumoured to be launch in November-December.

Land Rover unveiled a new version of its most versatile SUV, the Discovery, at the Paris motor show 2016. The seven-seater has a softer and more rounded design than its boxy predecessors and is filled with technology, including 4G internet, nine USB ports, and folding seats controlled by a smartphone app.

Toning down the iconic boxy design of previous Discoverys may be a shock to the Land Rover faithful, but a softer, smoother body style has been adopted, in line with the other new generation Land Rover SUVs. The rounded body panels create less drag, increase efficiency and reduce emissions.

The new Discovery is based on the aluminium monocoque chassis, which saves 480kg over the previous model and makes it 20 percent lighter. This alone is claimed to improve fuel efficiency by 7 percent.

Inside, the SUV boasts of dual tones and high quality materials with flawless finish. The cabin is roomier and appears more luxurious. India-spec models are expected to come in Si6 and TDV6 trims. The SUV will draw power from a supercharged petrol 3.0-litre V6 that develops 335bhp and provides 450Nm of maximum torque. On the other hand the six-cylinder diesel Td6 will deliver 254bhp and peak torque of 600Nm.