Land Rover’s brand new Discovery Sport SUV will have its North American debut in US-specification trim at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show this week.

Furthermore, the British firm will open an urban all-terrain vehicle demonstration course in West Hollywood, from November 19-23, allowing visitors to get a taste of the premium model before it goes on sale early next year.

Designed as a replacement to the LR2 or Freelander and a rival to the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK, the Discovery Sport has an optional seven-passenger seating in a “5+2” configuration.

In the United States, Land Rover’s new SUV will be offered exclusively at launch with a 240hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Prices before destination and tax will start from $37,995.

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