Land Rover launches Discovery Sport at Paris Motor Show (pictures)

PARIS -- Land Rover's new Discovery Sport model shows off typical Land Rover styling cues, such as the overhanging hood with its prominent model name, but it's an entirely new vehicle that heralds a new Discovery model line.

The Discovery line looks like its aimed at a less affluent demographic than the Range Rover line, potentially expanding Land Rover's sales footprint.

Although on the small side for a Land Rover, the Discovery Sport features three-row seating.

Offroad capability is important for Land Rover. The company cites a 25-degree approach angle and 31-degree departure angle, plus the ability to ford depths of almost two feet.

As with current Land Rover models, the Discovery Sport will benefit from the Terrain Response System, which lets drivers choose a traction program for the current terrain.

The Discovery Sport will be offered with two engines at launch, a gasoline 2-liter four-cylinder and a diesel 2.2-liter four-cylinder.

Two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive versions will be available.

Land Rover has not released specific capacities for cargo yet, although the long cabin and folding seats will allow versatile room.

The cabin of the model on display in Paris featured premium appointments, making it seem close to the level of current Range Rover models.

Front seats incorporate bolsters to improve passenger comfort.

The middle row only allows limited access to the available third-row seats, hence Land Rover's "5+2" seating terminology.

Land Rover touts a new infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen for the Discovery Sport.

This model shows the six-speed manual transmission, although a nine-speed automatic transmission will be offered.