New York 2014: Land Rover Discovery Sport confirmed

The Land Rover Freelander replacement will be badged Discovery Sport and will go on sale in 2015, Land Rover has confirmed.

It made the announcement at the New York motor show, where Land Rover is previewing the design themes for a whole new family of Discovery vehicles with the Discovery Vision concept.

The Land Rover Discovery Sport will be the first new member of the Discovery family. The name follows existing convention at the company, where the Range Rover Sport sits alongside the larger range-topping Range Rover model.

It will launch as a five-seater initially, and is set to be revealed before the year is out ahead of sales at the turn of the year. A seven-seat Discovery Sport will launch as part of a four-strong range of Discovery models planned initially.

The Discovery itself will be replaced with a plusher and more premium version of its present application, a model closely previewed by the Discovery Vision concept, while sitting between the Discovery Sport seven-seat and the next Discovery will be a more rugged SUV to rival the likes of the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Speaking at the show, Land Rover design boss Gerry McGovern said: "I am proud to confirm the nameplate that will make Discovery a family of vehicles for the first time. It will be called Discovery Sport and will go on sale in 2015.

“This will be the most versatile and capable SUV in its segment and is the first expression of the Discovery Vision Concept unveiled here in New York."