Jaguar Land Rover has launched a 2.0-litre petrol variant of its Discovery Sport SUV. Prices for the same will start at Rs. 56.50 lakhs. This might be Land Rover’s solution to the proverbial guillotine hanging on top of diesel powered SUVs in India.
After the ban on high capacity diesel engines in Delhi, there is a nationwide debate raging on in every state regarding the ban. This has caused worry for most of the manufacturers, who jumped the diesel bandwagon due to the increasing public demand. Manufacturers like Mahindra who have an all diesel line-up, were under high threat. Mahindra has taken prompt action and released smaller capacity diesel engines for its SUVs. Jaguar Land Rover too realised this looming uncertainty, and has taken steps to ensure its survival in the market.
Jaguar Land Rover has chosen to go the petrol route, and released a 2.0-litre petrol engine for its Land Rover Discovery Sport SUV. The petrol engine will be available in HSE trim of the SUV. The new engine will output 237.4 HP of power. The petrol variant will be sold along side the 2.2-litre TD4 and SD4 diesel power plants which are on sale since September 2015.
JLR also stated that the introduction of the petrol variant will help in broadening the appeal of its SUV. The petrol engine will give it the edge for customers who also want a splash of performance with the versatility and off-road capability offered by the Discovery Sport. The SUV gets 5+2 seating and a plethora of electronic aids like Hill descent control (HDC), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Adaptive Xenon Headlamps, panoramic sun-roof, park assist and many more.
The 2.0-litre petrol variant of the Discovery Sport has been launched in India for a starting price of Rs. 56.50 lakhs/- (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Land Rover Discovery Sport Petrol
– JLR have launched a 2.0-litre petrol derivative for their Discovery Sport SUV
– The launch may have been a reaction to the looming diesel ban in India
– The 2.0-litre petrol will be available in the HSE trim
– Prices for the petrol Discovery Sport start from Rs. 56.50 lakhs