No experience of the new higher powered engine - don't think it's out quite yet. I went from the SD4 to the 180 auto DS and my feelings are:
The DS is a heavier vehicle, and this shows in overtaking. Definitely not as quick as the SD4.
Top speed is quite a bit lower: my SD4 did an indicated 130mph, although that had tailed off by three years old - I suspect the EGR was starting to stick - the DS has a lower top speed but I suspect it is much steadier at speed (I haven't tried it out yet, as haven't been abroad!). The SD4 was a bit frightening at that speed.
I find the gear changing very smooth, although initially it had a problem at roundabouts - starting in too high a gear then a real blast off a second or two later. Mine seems to have cured itself, but some people are still getting this.
Overall I much prefer the DS, but I would like that extra acceleration for overtaking - no motorways out here in the Fens.
Main grouse - the car I have has no spare wheel, nor anywhere to put one. If you want a spare, check the various specifications (5 or 7 seat, skinny or full size, towbar or not). Ex AA Series III LWB Safari - Gone
300TDi Disco (bought new - terrible car) sent back after 18 months
Freelander 1 Estate - leased, given back at end of lease
200TDi Disco (bought from a mate with 100,000 on the clock) - Gone
Disco 2 TD5 - sold and exported to France
FR2 TD4 GS - Gone
FR2 SD4 HSE - Now changed for a DS
New model ex-demo Evoque S 180 in white
Unable to order a new DS, so gave up. Now have a Volvo S90 Recharge.

Thanks very much for your detailed reply, much appreciated. Top speed doesn't bother me, but acceleration/the ability to overtake does so maybe I need to look at the larger engine. Thanks again.

Best answer is to get a test drive, and specifically do some overtaking on it! If you're a serious customer a dealer will be happy to let you do that. Also experiment with take-off at roundabouts, which is the other gripe. Sometimes needs a bit of proper driving to get over the initial hesitation (things like not letting the engine switch itself off, possibly experimenting with sport or eco modes, until you're happy). Ex AA Series III LWB Safari - Gone
300TDi Disco (bought new - terrible car) sent back after 18 months
Freelander 1 Estate - leased, given back at end of lease
200TDi Disco (bought from a mate with 100,000 on the clock) - Gone
Disco 2 TD5 - sold and exported to France
FR2 TD4 GS - Gone
FR2 SD4 HSE - Now changed for a DS
New model ex-demo Evoque S 180 in white
Unable to order a new DS, so gave up. Now have a Volvo S90 Recharge.

Thanks. I wouldn't buy without trying first but I also wanted to get an idea of day to day driving and the answers have pointed out things to look out for, thanks. I'm used to the hesitation setting off with my FL2.

Interesting - that's not a problem I ever had with either of my FL2s (although one was a manual). With my DS it's odd - I reported it to the dealer, but on a test drive we couldn't replicate it, and it's been fine ever since, so long as I remember to bypass stop-start. Maybe the gearbox really is learning my driving habits, although if so it took a good few thousand miles to learn! Ex AA Series III LWB Safari - Gone
300TDi Disco (bought new - terrible car) sent back after 18 months
Freelander 1 Estate - leased, given back at end of lease
200TDi Disco (bought from a mate with 100,000 on the clock) - Gone
Disco 2 TD5 - sold and exported to France
FR2 TD4 GS - Gone
FR2 SD4 HSE - Now changed for a DS
New model ex-demo Evoque S 180 in white
Unable to order a new DS, so gave up. Now have a Volvo S90 Recharge.

I had a DS the other day as loan car while the D5 was in for a couple of recalls. Now I didn't take to my 15MY HSE and went back to a Disco after 6 months. This one though was the 9 speed auto with the 180 ingenium engine in SE Tech trim and I must say I quite liked it not as bad as I remember, the part leather seats felt comfier than the full leather. The engine was a bit gruff under acceleration but hushed when cruising along, though I'm used to the SDV6 and now TD6 the 180 TD4 felt sprightly enough, with the gearbox giving smooth shifts. Also I preferred the weightier feel to the steering on the DS than the loose feeling of the D5.

All in all, I would have another look at the DS in the future. As I fear that LRs pricing is heading too far north for my liking. 21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately the Disco Sport has been put on the back burner for a while as my FL2 is still in slight negative equity

Any sign or whiff of that much awaited smaller chunkier LR model, a version of DS? We know it was (is) in their long-term plan, but when?!

I guess we should wait anyway at least until JLR have perfected a reliable new powertrain, fully electric or at least a real hybrid. Life is not a dress rehearsal!

Picked up my DS today - very impressed so far

Is there a Disco Sport forum that is anywhere near as good as this one, having recently got a DS in place of my FL2 the Discosport.com is like a library with no books. MY14 TD4 manual XS Orkney grey.

MY11 TD4 Manual XS Lago Grey, privacy glass, rear spoiler, full ebony leather,rear seat entertainment. Gone
2001/51 plate Disco TD5 GS. Gone
95 N Disco TDi300. Gone

www.discosportforums.co.uk At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

^^^ and it seems to be filling up with people from here as well.

Gav

Thanks for the link, now registered and pleased to say it's like for like.  MY14 TD4 manual XS Orkney grey.

MY11 TD4 Manual XS Lago Grey, privacy glass, rear spoiler, full ebony leather,rear seat entertainment. Gone
2001/51 plate Disco TD5 GS. Gone
95 N Disco TDi300. Gone

GSKM wrote:

^^^ and it seems to be filling up with people from here as well.

Gav

And a lot are rejecting the cars by the look of it

https://www.discosportforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=6388 FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

does seem to be a lot of rejections, not sure what the non forum rejection rate is.
My car has suffered none of the problems mentioned, infact to problems at all, adblu use is higher than I was told, its thought landrover inceased usage to avoid a VW type emmisions problem.

All in all a good car, the drivers door trim hums a little when cold ( infrequently). seats and storage are very clever as long as you leave the boot cover permanently in the garage.I dont mind that with privacy glass, Infact there never anything of value in the boot so often its better show that than have people break in to take a look.

Id buy another At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race