I had a bit of a look at the Disco Sport this morning. Didn't drive it but had a good poke about and sit in it.

Must say that I was impressed by the packaging. It's only marginally larger than the FL2 but the interior space is noticeably improved, the boot especially. The sliding middle row of seats is a nice touch although when forward they leave a trench between them and the boot floor. When slid back, they give better middle row leg room than the RRS. With all of the seats folded down the load bay was pretty impressive. The rear-most "+2" seats look a bit small/uncomfortable but I guess would be fine for children on shorter trips. No worse than those in the back of the RRS2 anyway.

The only downside is the relatively high price if you want a decent spec level i.e. if you want seats that you can adjust properly then you're looking at top spec/price. With the old engine that leaves a slightly sour taste - perhaps the replacement 2L unit will make more sense.

There was a RRS2 S/C in the showroom. It was a dark grey with black bonnet lettering and large (22in?) black alloys. Looked faintly ridiculous if I'm honest. All very footballer's wife meets wanna-be gangsta. What stood out about it was how it looked bloated and overly large next to the Discovery Sport. The difference in the packaging of the space was quite obvious. The price was also ridiculous - £99k for a RRS when there was a 3.0 FFRR A/B next to it for £90k. Sure, the engine makes a difference but even so...

I was left wondering where the RRS2 fits in the LR scheme of things now. The FFRR handles much better than FFRR of old so making the "sport" bit somewhat moot on UK roads. The space isn't that great when compared to the old RRS (neither is the FFRR compared to the old version to be honest). The Disco and the Disco Sport seem to make sense, as does the FFRR in the luxury segment. Even the Evoque sort of fits in, in terms of sporty/stylish appeal, but the RRS? I'm not so sure any more. Would I choose one over the FFRR? Honestly, probably not at this moment - that might change, of course .

I'm awaiting the Disco and Defender replacements with keen anticipation. If they can maintain practicality and working ability then LR should be on to another couple of winners. I fear that they might go down the shiny-bloat road that the RRS has travelled. From square-jawed rebel to overweight middle aged accountant.

Interesting times. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

I also had a look at the disco sport the other weekend and while I thought it was ok a little bit of spec made it £43,000!

There is a disco sport at my local dealer with a price tag of £50k!  2014 L405 SDV8 RR Autobiography

2012 RRS SDV6 HSE -Orkney Grey with A/B bodykit - Now Gone
2007 RRS TDV6 HSE - Zermatt Silver - Gone

Yeah, it does soon get pricey. Seems to be the LR way these days.

I just want something with decent seats, a good climate system and a decent radio. All of the other shiny bits I can do without. Sadly, to get the decent seats (by which I mean the 10way adjustable ones) you have to buy lots of other stuff that probably costs LR a few pence but adds ££££ to the price. I guess LR aren't alone in that though. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed