A person looking for a rugged, off-road
capable SUV that is capable of serving double duty as a comfortable highway
cruiser.
Comparable
models in this class:
BMW X5, Hummer H2, Infiniti QX56, Lexus GX470, Mercedes Benz
M Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg
The Discovery replacement is
plush and capable
Land Rover’s replacement for
the Discovery, the LR3, is not only bigger and better looking, but it is a
showcase for technology.
This
all-new Land Rover, the first to be developed since Ford Motor Co. purchased the
company, is a solid piece of work. It is comfortable, luxurious and roomy. Motor
Trend magazine chose it SUV of the Year.
Prices start at $44,995 for the SE and $49,995 for the HSE.
While Land Rovers are known for their off-road prowess, the LR3 is designed to
bring comfort and convenience to the road. It rides almost as smoothly as a
luxury sedan and the interior is very well appointed.
The LR3’s styling clearly resembles that of the Range Rover. The flat sides
create a carved-from-a-brick look that is enhanced by large wheels that are
placed out toward the corners of the vehicle.
The LR3 sits tall, yet getting in isn’t problematic. The high driving position
gives an excellent view of the road. The rear seats are slightly higher so
rear-seat passengers can see forward and don’t feel closed in. The interior has
numerous storage bins in addition to seating for five or seven people. The rear
seats fold flat into the floor to create an obstacle-free load space.
The
optional third-row seat is large enough for an adult, but as is often the case
with three-seat SUVs, it is better suited for children or small adults. When
open, the third seat occupies most of the cargo space.
The LR3 has an integrated body-frame architecture that is similar to a unibody
vehicle that is bolted to a separate frame. High-strength steel, including Boron
steel in the A and B pillars, enhances vehicle rigidity and crashworthiness. The
aluminum hood saves weight.
Land Rover turned to Jaguar, also owned by Ford, for the engine. The 4.4-liter,
300-horsepower V-8 is derived from Jaguar's 4.2-liter AJ-V-8. This engine is
slightly larger and is tuned to produce 315 pound-feet of torque. Plus, it gets
more weatherproofing to protect it from dust and water in extreme off-road
conditions.
The engine is mated to a six-speed, electronically controlled ZF automatic
transmission that offers a “sport” mode for performance driving. This
transmission also lets the driver take full manual control.
Naturally,
the LR3 has four-wheel drive with electronic traction control and a stability
control program that modulates the throttle and brakes for maximum grip in
extreme conditions. A computer controls throttle response, gear changes and
suspension settings according to speed and driving conditions.
Low range is also available for tough terrain, and it can be selected while on
the move. The central differential fully locks if conditions require greater
traction.
A Terrain Response system allows a driver to choose one of five terrain settings
using a rotary dial on the center console. Small pictograms denote driving
conditions such as grass/gravel/snow or rock crawling, and the car then picks
the appropriate settings for those conditions.
Terrain Response adjusts ride height, engine torque response, hill descent
control, and settings for electronic traction control, transmission and
differential. All are very slick and easy to use.
A fully independent suspension, with height-adjustable air springs, has double
wishbones for good on- and off-road handling. Steering is by rack and pinion.
Feedback
Do you have any feedback on the LR3? Any opinions or experiences of
your own? We would love to hear from you. Click
here to send us your comments
Notice: The information on this site is
not intended as a substitute for the advice of a professional who is
qualified to examine, diagnose and repair your vehicle.
This
all-new Land Rover, the first to be developed since Ford Motor Co. purchased the
company, is a solid piece of work. It is comfortable, luxurious and roomy. Motor
Trend magazine chose it SUV of the Year.
The
optional third-row seat is large enough for an adult, but as is often the case
with three-seat SUVs, it is better suited for children or small adults. When
open, the third seat occupies most of the cargo space.
Naturally,
the LR3 has four-wheel drive with electronic traction control and a stability
control program that modulates the throttle and brakes for maximum grip in
extreme conditions. A computer controls throttle response, gear changes and
suspension settings according to speed and driving conditions.