It’s not just the jet lag after long cross continental
flights that haunts me but the nauseating feeling after each of the
decompressed meals. As I was ushered to the VIP lounge of the Sir Seewoosagur
Ramgoolam International airport in Mauritius, all that feeling disappeared at the
sight of six Land Rover Discovery Sport vehicles. What a perfect Antidote. The
Discovery Sport on first sight is a pure stress reliever and a beauty to
behold. I wasn't really sure if the array of the different unique colors on
display played visual tricks on my senses. Whatever it was, surely worked.
The Discovery Sport is available in different specs
including the S, SE, HSE and HSE Luxury top of the line powered by either a 2.2
liter turbo diesel engine that boasts of a 0-100kmh dash in 8.7 seconds or a
turbo charged 2.0 liter petrol engine mated to a revolutionary 9-speed
automatic transmission given it 8.2 seconds to the 100kmh mark. I’ll skip the
techy data and delve into the experience.
The guys at Land Rovers Liverpool manufacturing facility seem
to have been struck by the pimping bug with the production of the Black pack
specs which consists of Black grille, black bonnet and tailgate lettering,
black 19 or 20 inch wheels, black fender vents and optional Santorini black
contrast roof.
My antennas quickly guided me to the top-of-the line HSE
Luxury (black pack) thanks to the adaptive Zenon and LED lamps which seemed to
wink at me (in my dreams). The 19 inch black wheels and tires stuck to the
tarmac as my instructor guided me through the narrow but windy roads that led
out of the airport vicinity. He was however quick to inform me that he is
required to apply the Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) system which can be
activated with the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) in case of an impending
situation. Silence was the best answer for him.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport multi-functional leather
steering feels pleasant to the palms. The soft touch audio, telephone, cruise
control function buttons are ergonomically positioned with zero interference.
It almost felt like the Electronic power and speed sensitive steering wheels
had a massage function which made maneuvering round very narrow bends a breeze.
On a few occasions when full lock turns were required, the Discovery Sport
advanced steering system cushioned the end turn feel (it eliminates the thud
feel when the wheel is turned to the end). Surrounded by multi-color ambiance
lighting and the night skyline view through the fixed panoramic roof, the drive
to the Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Spa Resort was as therapeutic in the driver’s
seat as a meal of ‘Mille feuille’ of crab and Marinated fish in Mauritian
spices.
Day 2 commenced with a mixture of hard core indoor drive demonstrations and an array of organic continental breakfast. I chose to have the 45 degree
inclined ascent and descent as dessert. The Electronic Traction Control (ETC),
Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Gradient Release Control (GRC) all came into
play and worked like the textbook stated. The GRC was the real thrill as you
could actually feel the brake and engine communicate with intense precision. The
convoy of head-turners headed to the Hills through pure gravel tracks that
resembled mini boulders. Navigating over rough, slippery and hilly patches caused
sweaty palms but I was quickly alerted to the innovative control systems that
abound on the Discovery Sport. With available All-Terrain Progress Control
(ATPC) and Terrain Response, drivers can tackle difficult trails.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Hill Start Assist and Roll
Stability Control (RSC) reassured me of the safety features on the Discovery
sport as I maneuvered to the Hill top overlooking the Indian Ocean. Dolphin
sighting and the glow of the sunset capped with a platter of Ombrine Fish
fillet, kalamansi truffle oil sauce and milk chocolate shortbread with coconut
sorbet were the perfect climax to an adventurous day on a beautiful Island.
The torrential rains on the night before our departing
trials helped with a sound sleep. Not even the highly anticipated boxing bout between Floyd
Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao could distract my dreams about the Land Rover
Discovery Sport. I had fallen in love. A private property tucked into thick
vegetation by the coastline was the toughest test yet for the Discovery
Sport. As we piloted through rain soaked clay surface, we found ourselves inches
away from the ravine as captured by the HD surround camera system featuring
rear panoramic view, bird’s eye view, T-junction view and reverse camera system
beamed on the LCD display unit.
A much deserved lunch stop at the La clef des champs
restaurant located on a cliff by the Indian Ocean further revealed the clean
sporty design of the Discovery Sport just as we sampled the Islands palm hearts
delicacy, saffron rice and grilled tomato chutney. I was totally surrounded by
beauty as I drove to catch my flight in anticipation of the next adventure.
by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa Magazine +234 805 805 6869, +1 817 538 2145
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