Disco Sport Sand Capability

[kiwi48]

We currently have a D4 and a BMW 3 series, both which are due for replacement. We are seriously considering going to a single vehicle. As we want to maintain some 4WD capability, but also have a vehicle of size suitable for supermarket and under-building carparks, the Discovery Sport is an obvious contender.

We don't do any serious bush bashing, our 4WD travels are more about getting to out of the way places for camping etc. Our favourite destination is Moreton Island. The sand tracks there are often dry with deep wheel tracks challenging even the D4 undersides with the suspension at full height.

Does any one have any experience or knowledge of the DS in these conditions? The last thing I would want to do is bog and block a track where vehicles behind are rushing to meet the barge.

[rar110]

Physically they are probably similar to a FL2 with identical clearance. If fitted with 245/70/17 tyres you would achieve a slight lift that would result in similar ground clearance to a Prado 150. There's plenty of Prados on Moreton. So it should be ok.

[LRD414]

And there's plenty of reports of FL2s going quite well all over the place. We saw one set up for touring up the Cape. I would expect the Disco Sport to be at least as good and probably better. You'd have no problems on Moreton with the Disco Sport if driving with the usual good techniques for sand driving (tyre pressure etc). I saw a Kia SUV (:o) at Moreton a couple of weeks ago.

Scott

[rar110]

I agree generally a sport would be easy on Moreton. However I understand the clearance concern for Middle Rd west to east. It can get very dug out on the incline.

[Lukeis]

I had a FL2 for the past 4 years, it always went brilliantly on the soft sand on 18" wheels.

I eventually changed to 19" wheels but went slightly bigger tyres than standard so that I didn't lose too much sidewall, again it went brilliantly.

Drop the tyres to 15 PSI, Flick to sand mode, change to manual shift gears, make sure you turn off DSC and away you go...

[Meken]

I did Gordon's Fraser training with a mate who has a fl2 and we couldn't stop it - it flew over the soft stuff at hook point when I was in low range bulldozing - so on the basis of similar track, clearance, tyre/wheel combo, weight & power the disco sport should do okay. Only the clearance will prove problematic on deep rutted tracks.