However, with every model launch there is something that excites the user far more than before. Touted as the more intuitive, practical and modern SUV, the vehicle is offered in the S & R-Dynamic SE derivatives, with BS-VI compliant 183 kW Ingenium Turbocharged Petrol powertrain and 132 kW Ingenium Turbocharged Diesel powertrain options.

Exterior And Interior

One of the interesting features that strike your attention is the new LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights and rear LED lights as well. These lights give focused beam that’s closer to the daylight and helps you distinguish objects more easily.

The moment you step inside Discovery Sport, you will notice the panoramic roof bathes the cabin in light, while the bold horizontal and vertical lines complement the clean, uncluttered surfaces. The interior has been designed to meet the challenges of an active lifestyle. It combines a dynamic 5 + 2 seat profile with a spacious, modern interior, one which features new display screen and centre console. This ensures that everyone enjoys the refined and luxurious environment.

This SUV helps you carry items of all shapes and sizes with absolute ease. There’s a handy cubby box with ample room and, in the back of the vehicle, a choice of stowage solutions are available.

With wireless charging, multiple USB ports and the Click and Go Accessory System, Discovery Sport makes life a bit easier and more enjoyable. The Cabin Air Ionization technology enhances the comfort as it helps improve air quality within the vehicle cabin by removing allergens, viruses, airborne bacteria and associated odours.

Many of us think that there is no life without being connected to the connected world; and to satisfy us the vehicle features a range of customizable technologies, like Touch Pro, state-of-the-art infotainment system. Whether it’s listening to the latest podcast or finding the perfect parking spot, the Smartphone Pack allows you to connect your phone’s apps with Discovery Sport’s Touchscreen, so you can access your choice of entertainment on the move.

But what happens when there are four or more people to accommodate? Discovery Sport includes 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot, which enables each person to simultaneously access the internet. This is not the end. The Smart setting learns your habits and tastes and predicts your seating, climate and music preferences.

Connected Technologies

Connected NavigationPro ensures that you will always be one step ahead. Live traffic monitors your planned route and helps avoid congestion, while Online Search lets you identify places of interest close by. Route Planner lets you search your destination before you set off and transfers it to your vehicle. And what if running late just can’t be avoided? Interestingly the Share ETA (estimated time of arrival) feature will share your movements with friends and family. In addition the vehicle has wireless device charger and high definition Interactive Driver Display.

The lnControl Remote App provides information on your vehicle and enables you to interact with it even when you are not with your vehicle. Compatible with most smart phones and smart watches, this service includes: Remote Lock and Unlock, Remote Climate, Beep / Flash, Journey Tracking and Vehicle Status Check.

Moreover, the Meridian Audio’s precision-engineered audio system combines advanced acoustic technology and the strategically positioned speakers produce an audio platform that is exactly right for your Land Rover’s interior. So you get the same incredible experience irrespective of your seating position.

Driver Assistance

Now let’s see the Driver Assistance system in the New Discovery Sport. The SUV has Lane Keep Assist to help you keep yourself in position by applying a corrective torque to the steering wheel. It encourages you to guide your vehicle back. The ‘Driver Condition Monitor’ system detects if you’re starting to feel drowsy and gives you an early warning when you need to take a break.

Clear Sight Interior Rear View Mirror, a first for Land Rover, is an innovative new technology that provides an unobstructed view of the road behind you regardless of objects that would normally disrupt it through the standard rear view mirror – say, for instance, passengers or large rear loads. This is possible with an additional camera placed in the antenna roof pod at the rear of the vehicle and the video feed is displayed on an embedded digital display in the interior rear view mirror.

Park Assist makes parallel and bay parking easier by steering your vehicle into a suitable place. You just have to select the appropriate gear and control the vehicle’s speed.

Discovery Sport comes with Terrain Response 2. This automatic system monitors driving conditions and selects the most suitable terrain setting, making easy work of the rough and varying surfaces. The vehicle has the best in-class wading depth of 600mm.

Discovery Sport has All-Wheel Drive and Hill Descent Control to make the hardest of drives seem effortless. With All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC), you can maintain a steady speed in the most challenging conditions.

The All-wheel Drive Discovery Sport uses a Torque Vectoring by Braking system which maximises control and handling even through the tightest of corners. It does so via the calculated braking of the inside wheels, holding you on the road. It comes with Roll Stability Control and Emergency Brake Assist to help you stop in time.

It has six airbags throughout the vehicle, and the ISOFIX will support the latest and safest child seats. Located both in the front and the rear, the ISOFIX fit points are readily accessible, making it easy to install child seats.

In case of any emergency you can make a direct call to the Land Rover Assistance team by pressing the button on the overhead console or from the Assistance screen within the InControl Remote smartphone app.

In a more serious incident, SOS Emergency Call will automatically connect you to the emergency response team who will notify the emergency services to your location. This e-Call and b-Call feature is now available on all Land Rovers.

Rohit Suri, President and Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “The New Discovery Sport is a bold evolution of the original design, incorporating the latest in technological advancements. Fuelling the spirit of adventure, the vehicle consists of improved features that not only enhance the capability of the vehicle but also elevate the complete driving experience. It further strengthens the distinctive design and versatility that has made the Discovery Sport one of the leading models in the Land Rover portfolio.” (MT)

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has crossed the milestone of 100,000-unit sales of its Urban Cruiser Hyryder in India, underscoring the B-SUV’s strong acceptance in the Indian market and the growing acceptance of hybrid technology among Indian customers.

The SUV was launched in July 2022 and is available in three powertrains: self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric [SHEV], Neo Drive and CNG. Powered by a 1.5-litre engine with THS (Toyota Hybrid System) & e-drive transmission, the SUV delivers combined power output of 85 kW. Featuring a hybrid system that eliminates the need for external charging, the SUV offers a seamless and silent drive with instant power delivery. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers a claimed mileage of up to 27.97 km/l in the Self Charging Hybrid Electric Vehicle variant, 21.12 km/l in the NeoDrive (MT) and 26.6 km/kg in CNG mode.

Sabari Manohar, Vice President – Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The positive response to the Urban Cruiser Hyryder reflects our commitment to delivering innovative mobility solutions tailored to the evolving preferences of Indian customers. This milestone is not just a number; it signifies the beginning of a new era in SUV technology that prioritises sustainability, performance and customer satisfaction. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder continues to uphold Toyota’s legacy of driving change through innovation and environmental consciousness, and we are deeply grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers who have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”

Kia India, a leading premium carmaker has surpassed a new milestone of exporting 100,000 units of CKD vehicles since it began shipment in June 2020 from its Anantapur manufacturing facility.

Interestingly, Kia India is one of the key export hubs for Kia Corporation accounting for 50 percent of the company’s global CKD exports. For CY2024, 38,000 CKD units are expected to be shipped from India to markets such as Uzbekistan, Ecuador, and Vietnam. The company currently exports the Seltos, Sonet and Carens SUVs from India.

Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said: “India is a key market for Kia Corporation, serving not only as a strong sales driver but also as an emerging export hub. This milestone highlights Kia India’s commitment to manufacturing excellence, innovation, and delivering value to global customers. We are proud to see models like the Seltos, Sonet, and Carens perform strongly in international markets. We are also grateful for the government’s export-friendly policies, which have played a crucial role in strengthening India’s position within the global automotive value chain. Looking ahead, we aim to expand our CKD footprint to the Middle East and Africa, to double our export volume by 2030.”

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has surpassed 3 million cumulative exports milestone.

It was in 1986, the company had commenced exports from India, and in September 1987 it shipped 500 vehicles one of the largest shipments in that period to Hungary. In FY2012-13 it crossed 1 million vehicle exports milestone, followed by 2 million in FY2020-21. The 3 millionth landmark vehicle was part of a shipment of 1,053 units that sailed from Gujarat’s Pipavav port yesterday comprising models like Celerio, Fronx, Jimny, Baleno, Ciaz, Dzire and S-Presso.

Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The 3 million cumulative exports milestone reflects India’s automobile manufacturing excellence and is a shining example of Brand India on the global stage. We thank the government of India for instituting encouraging policies and enabling trade agreements with some markets augmenting export growth. Aligned with government of India’s flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative, Maruti Suzuki is committed to deep localisation and multiplying exports. Today, 40 percent of passenger vehicles exported from India are from Maruti Suzuki making us the number 1 vehicle exporter in the country. Our success in international markets is the outcome of high acceptance of Maruti Suzuki’s global standard vehicles for quality, safety, design, and technology. We thank our global customers and esteemed distributors for their trust in us.”

“Our exports from India have grown by 3 times from 4 years ago. Inspired by this global demand, Maruti Suzuki is determined to diversify and ramp-up vehicle exports to 750,000 units by 2030-31,” added Takeuchi.

For FY2025 (April-October) the company exported 181,444 units, which was 17.4 percent higher YoY. At present, Maruti Suzuki India exports 17 models to around 100 countries, which includes the likes of Latin America, Africa, Middle-East and countries in Asia too. The top export models include the Fronx, Jimny, Baleno, Dzire and S-Presso.

State Bank of India (SBI) has entered into a strategic partnership with Uber to offer low-cost, tailored financing solutions as well as hassle-free loan disbursement to Uber’s fleet partners.

Both new and current Uber fleet partners will benefit from the partnership, which will enable them to easily grow their businesses and support the continued expansion of the ride-hailing sector in India. Easy loan disbursement will be made possible by the integration, assisting fleets in maintaining peak performance. The partnership guarantees that fleet partners can effectively manage their money and grow their businesses more quickly by utilising SBI's vast financial services network and Uber's technologies.

Vinay M Tonse, MD (Retail Business & Operations), SBI, said, “At SBI, we are committed to offering innovative financial products that support businesses across India. Our partnership with Uber highlights our focus on providing tailored solutions to a diverse set of customers. By offering affordable financing solutions to Uber fleet partners, we are helping to fuel the growth of the ridesharing sector while also ensuring that fleet owners have access to the capital they need to succeed.”

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India & South Asia, said, “This partnership reinforces Uber’s commitment to its fleet partners and aligns with our vision of fostering growth in India’s ride sharing ecosystem. By providing affordable loans through SBI’s customised offerings, we aim to create an enabling environment that provides fleet partners with the tools they need to scale effectively and contribute to the overall development of the industry.”