Pathfinder

Time For Some New Discoveries

- Paranjay Dutt

Pathfinder. Wasn’t that a Nissan? Why yes, it was, indeed! But in this context, Pathfinder was also the codename to what was later realised as the Land Rover Freelander. That was brought out more than 20 years ago. Two generations, two decades, and two new owners to Land Rover later, the Discovery Sport was launched. We sample the latest example to see if it’s as much of a pathfinder in 2019.

The biggest change for MY2019 is the increase in power of the diesel-engined variant. The 2.0-litre engine now makes 177 bhp. That’s on all versions unless you buy the base-spec ‘Pure’ model. The petrol engine continues with the same 237-bhp output as before. It drives as wonderfully well as before, with robust on-road manners and an appreciably supple slow-speed ride. It’s fairly quick off the line, and manages to hit 100 kph making efficient use of the 43.87 kgm it has. Considering that the Discovery Sport is still an SUV, and quite a potent one off the road, it’s the best of both worlds, this car.