By Patrick Carone From SCOUT

What’s the best way to test the off-road capabilities of the all-new Land Rover Discovery Sport? By driving one through Iceland in the dead of winter, of course.

“Just keep the throttle steady,” the gentleman with the wild grey beard and impeccable British accent tells me as I prepare to drive a straight-from-the-factory Land Rover Discovery Sport right into an almost frozen river in the middle of Iceland. “If you give her too much or too little gas,” he continues, “that’s when you’re going to start getting into trouble, mate.” I certainly don’t want to get into any trouble in this particular situation, so I close my eyes, say a little prayer, and push down on the gas. Not too hard, but not too soft either…

I’m about 100 miles outside Reykjavík, the mid-Atlantic nation’s capitol, driving through an ever-changing combination of what looks like Middle Earth, Hoth, and the moon. (I could’ve sworn I saw a few White Walkers pass by at one point.) As one of the first journalists given the opportunity to drive the all-new, totally redesigned Land Rover Discovery Sport, I’m taking everything in; not just the otherworldly landscape, but the compact SUV I’m piloting as well. Even before I step inside, the Discovery Sports’ looks catch my attention almost as quickly as the dramatic scenery. Far less boxy than previous generations (Land Rover has been making this model since 1989), the all-new 2015 version has a sophisticated toughness that would make it just as at home parked in front of the country club as door-handle-deep in mud. As Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, puts it, “Our challenge has been to combine premium design with exceptional versatility. I’m proud to say we’ve achieved that; Discovery Sport’s dynamic design will resonate on an emotional level with consumers.” It’s hard to argue with him—I’m immediately stricken by the car’s upscale-yet-rugged design.

Inside, it’s more of the same. While not quite at a Rolls-Royce or Bentley level of opulence, the interior of the Discovery Sport punches far above its $38,000 weight class. There’s plenty of leg- and head- room—even for a 6-footer sitting in the back, thanks to some nifty sliding seats—and the leather-covered front seats afford an upright-yet-comfortable vantage point from which to do your driving (or, uh, passenger-ing). The dashboard is made of a slightly rough synthetic material, and its unique feel elevates it from cheap plastic. Perhaps most exciting, particularly for those who have had to deal with Jaguar/Land Rovers’ previous versions, the infotainment system is quick, intuitive, and delightfully set to play Sigur Rós—the ethereal Icelandic band whose music is, clearly, the perfect soundtrack to the drive. (Bjork would have been acceptable as well.)

There’s a saying that, if you don’t like the weather in Iceland, just wait 10 minutes. Whether the substance coming down was rain, snow, or whatever those weird sideways-falling hail things were, behind the wheel of the Discovery Sport was the place to be. Iceland’s terrain is famously varied, and the SUV handled it all with sure-footed ease. From steep, ice- and snow-covered roads to rough lava fields to mountain passes to the afore-mentioned river, I never felt like I wasn’t in control. Road feel is fantastic—the variable-ratio power steering is neither too tight nor too loose. Sharing its 240-horsepower turbocharged four with its more dramatically-designed cousin the Range Rover Evoque, the Discovery Sport has some oomph. And thanks to a nine-speed (yes, nine), it’s almost mechanically impossible to find yourself in the wrong gear. (If you want power, press down.) It’s not exactly quick, however—it will take you almost 8 seconds to reach 60mph. Thankfully, the tough little four has plenty of twist, with 250 pound-feet of torque. While you might not win any drag races, you’ll be able to muscle your way out of most situations.

Speaking of situations, let’s get back to the river. That is, the frozen river that I’m in the middle of driving across, water almost all the way up to the door handles. (I was assured the Discovery Sport has a wading depth of up to 23.6 inches.) Before he gave me the advice about keeping the throttle steady, the kindly Brit also made sure that the Terrain Response System was locked into “Mud, Gravel and Snow” mode. (The others are General, Mud and Ruts, and Sand.) Between that, the four-wheel-drive, the 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and my too-nervous-to-move foot, I made it across the river without drifting away…or sinking and becoming fish food. The Discovery Sport was surefooted the whole way, and I easily climb back out onto the opposite side—I find out later the vehicle is rated to climb or descend inclines of up to an impressive 45-degrees.

As I settle back into relatively normal terrain (that is, steep, icy roads made of hardened lava), I think about the vehicle I’m driving. Considering all you get—tough-but-elegant looks, a proper cabin, and legit off-road ability—40 grand sounds like a very reasonable price. And besides, why be just another guy driving around in German or Japanese when you can be the gentleman piloting a true British gem…accent not required.

Spec Check
Base Price: $37,995-$42,495
Layout: Front-engine, AWD, 5/7-pass, 4-door SUV
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
Horsepower: 240
Torque: 251 lb-ft
Curb Weight: 3,950-4,350 lbs.
0-60mph: 7.8 sec
EPA city/hwy fuel economy: 21/28mpg

For more on this story and video go to: http://www.scout.com/gear/story/1525264-we-conquer-iceland-in-the-new-land-rover