LAND ROVER has confirmed, that the forthcoming Freelander replacement, the Discovery Sport, will have seven-seats as standard.

The seating set-up – described as “5+2” – will involve an extra third row of two seats compared with most compact SUVs of this size.

The Land Rover Discovery Sport, which goes on sale next year, will be the first member of an extended range of Discovery models in the range line-up.

The move follows the previous initiative to expand the Range Rover badge to cover a full range of three cars, including the compact Evoque.

“As you would expect from a Discovery, the versatile Land Rover Discovery Sport will feature 5+2 seating in the UK, offering spacious load space and configurable seating, while still retaining a more compact footprint than traditional 5-seat SUVs,” said Gerry McGovern, Design Director and Chief Creative Officer for Land Rover.