Changing tow-car to Discovery Sport?

lattaf replied on 10/04/2018 15:17

Posted on 10/04/2018 15:17

We currently have a Swift Challenger 565 and tow with a Land Rover Discovery Series 3.

We are thinking about changing to a Discovery Sport. Does anyone have experience of towing with a Discovery Sport? Any advice much appreciated.

Tirril replied on 10/04/2018 21:43

Posted on 10/04/2018 21:43

I was towing with a Discovery 4 with the 3-0lt engine which was superb.

15 months back I changed to the Discovery Sport with the 2-0lt  180 hp engine and auto gearbox. I tow a 1715 kg single axle and it is both stable and a strong performer including hill climbing and braking. For a while I did tow a twin axle Barcelona at 1750 kg and it was also effortless. I have no reservations about the towing ability of the Sport which is a lot cheaper to run than the D4. The one downsize of the Sport is that the 2-0lt versions have the Adblue fuel feature which is good for lower emissions and therefore cheaper road tax but the adblue tank has reduced the size of the diesel tank by two gallons. This means just under a 400 mile solo range but about 300 when towing. I average 40mpg solo and 26 towing. Other things to consider if you don't need 7 seats go for the 5 seat version and full size spare wheel. I also have the full surround camera system which is helpful with hitch assist (camera shows position of hitch when reversing to caravan). The one thing you will know from owning the Discovery 3 is that LR have a substantial tow hitch allowance, don't need oil coolers and are consistently rated as best tow car of the year. This my 5th Discovery and I have towed effortlessly over many alpine passes etc. Although the Sport is lighter than your 3 I think you will be more than pleased.

knilly replied on 12/04/2018 02:35

Posted on 12/04/2018 02:35

I tow a Bailey Ancona 2016 1500kg with my Land Rover discovery sport 2017 180bhp very happy with it 

Fysherman replied on 12/04/2018 16:26

Posted on 12/04/2018 16:26

Must admit Discovery Sport has grown on me considerably over the last year or so and its on my list as a possible FL2 replacement.

My Freelander 2 is coming up to 5 yrs old now and is approaching the time to change. Had no issues with the FL2 at all (including towing all over Europe) and I really do think its a cracking towcar. However, I do fancy a change now so, been looking at new cars especially the F-Pace (I could say ivegorrajag then)

Just been out in a Sorrento for a test but it did not feel as solid as the FL2 and a bit plasticy in places. Just my opinion.  Lots of toys however but just not my kind of car. Was far more impressed by the Kodiak but now really looking forward to the F-pace test drive.

kentman replied on 16/04/2018 19:03

Posted on 16/04/2018 19:03

 We have been towing with a Discovery Sport 2.0litre for two years, including a six week tour to France, Swtzerland, Italy and The Black Forest pulling a Bailey Unicorn Series 3.  For the past year we have been towing a Coachman VIP replated to 1700kg.  Our previous towcar was a Freelander 2 which was excellent but the DS is even better.  We find it extremely comfortable over long distances and it has the `feel good' factor' which the Freelander lacked.  I have looked at other makes but the only one in my price range which I found attractive was the Volvo XC90, but I decided it was physically bigger than I needed.  I considered the Jaguar F Pace (I also have a Jaguar XK8 and belong to the Jaguar clubs) but felt that its sloping back was a disadvantage loadwise (also, my wife felt that the interior of the DS seemed more attractive and of better quality).  Finally, having towed with a full-fat Discovery, I would not claim that the DS is as effortless towing (what is?) but the DS is good enough for most of us.

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