The news about Jaguar->ke39 Land Rover’s->ke46 parent company, the India-based Tata,->ke3001 using some of JLR’s platforms for its own models isn’t really news. That information has been floating around since last summer. However, it appears Tata has now tapped the new Land Rover Discovery Sport’s LR-MS underpinnings to be the first platform it will use in constructing a new segment of “world-class” vehicles.

The tip comes from Motor Authority who says the new Tata vehicle is slated to be a global unit that brings more prestige to the parent company’s name. MA makes the perfect illustration of the relationship between Volkswagen->ke94 and its subsidiary Audi.->ke14 The two often share platforms and other technology across brand lines. General Motors->ke1024 also widely incorporates this strategy between its different automotive brands.

Autocar India further reports Tata’s crossover riding on the LR-MS platform is already codenamed Q501 and will be a rival to similar-sized SUVs offered by Toyota and Mahindra.

Of course, Tata’s version of the LR-MS would lack the high-class accouterments and creature comforts as the Land Rover Discovery Sport. It will also lack the sophisticated suspension system that makes the Disco Sport a Land Rover. This is both to keep the Discovery Sport special and to keep costs in line with typical Tata vehicles.

While Tata may be on a mission to expand, don’t expect to see the Disco Sport’s cousin roaming U.S. streets anytime soon.

Click 'Continue Reading' to learn more about Land Rover's new Discovery Sport-based model.

Why it matters

Platform and parts sharing is far from a new idea in the automotive industry, yet it’s always interesting to see new relationships grow and new products evolve. Now that Jaguar Land Rover is making money again, Tata can afford to start branching out. Done correctly, this will only help grow the business and strengthen the automaker.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is making its debut for the 2016 model year and is combining the niceties of a Land Rover with a more affordable price tag. The Disco Sport still features all the typical Land Rover off-road bits like Terrain Response system, hill decent control, and a Haldex AWD system.

Under the hood lies a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder featuring direct injection and variable valve timing. The mill produces 240 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 251 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,750 rpm. Like other Land Rover products, the engine is backed by the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing for the 2016 Discovery Sport starts at a relatively reasonable $37,070 for the base SE model and climbs to $45,570 for the top-trim HSE Luxury trim level.