Land Rover LR3 2005 $16,995

Vehicle Overview Built on an all-new platform, Land Rover's latest model debuted at the 2004 New York International Auto Show and replaced the Discovery in the fall of 2004. Seating up to seven occupants, the LR3 premium sport utility vehicle uses a Jaguar-derived 300-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 engine that's been altered to handle severe offroad driving conditions. The engine delivers more low-end torque than Jaguar's version, and it has slightly more displacement. The LR3 is awash with clever technology, said Matthew Taylor, Land Rover managing director, during the SUV's debut. New Terrain Response technology has five terrain settings for on-road to extreme offroad conditions. Optional adaptive headlights turn to illuminate road curves better. A height-adjustable air-spring suspension is standard. A low Access setting permits easier entry and exit. Two trim levels are available: SE and step-up HSE. European versions can be equipped with a common-rail diesel engine in place of gasoline power. Outside North America, the new model is called the Discovery 3. Exterior Upright and angular, the LR3 has rectangular rear quarter windows and uses a monocoque structure that connects with a hydroformed steel chassis. Though modern in overall appearance, the LR3 had to be recognized instantly as a Land Rover, Taylor said. Short overhangs and a large greenhouse are among the familiar touches, along with a front fascia and a split tailgate that echo the larger Range Rover's. A power sunroof and separate rear glass roof panels are installed. Interior Seating for five occupants is standard. Rear occupants enjoy stadium-style seating, and Land Rover claims the optional third-row seat is big enough for 95th-percentile adults. The second- and third-row seats fold flat. A DVD-based navigation system is available. A rotary switch selects from five Terrain Response settings. One is for normal driving, a second for slippery conditions, and the remaining three are offroad settings for mud, sand and rock crawling. Once a mode is selected, the system makes adjustments to the vehicle's electronic and powertrain systems. Under the Hood Enlarged from a Jaguar engine, the 4.4-liter V-8 develops 300 hp and drives a six-speed-automatic transmission. Permanent four-wheel drive is standard. Safety Antilock brakes and an electronic parking brake are installed. Side-impact airbags and side curtain-type airbags for the first and second rows are standard. Separate side curtains are included with the optional third-row seat. Driving Impressions It takes a while to get accustomed to its controls and idiosyncrasies, but the LR3 represents a significant step beyond its predecessor, the Discovery. In addition to an impressive selection of offroad features, this squared-off SUV boasts a beautifully refined powertrain that shifts gears smoothly and has no shortage of power. The manual-shift mode shouldn't be necessary in ordinary driving. The seats are comfortable and supportive despite firm cushioning. Many of the bewildering controls will never be used in everyday driving, but Access Mode is helpful in easing entry and exit. The taut suspension yields a firm ride and is pleasant on the highway and acceptable on urban pavement. Parking the LR3 could be easier, but this SUV maneuvers adeptly with satisfying steering feel. Little correction is needed to stay on course, but the LR3 does demand close attention. Other than a head restraint that impedes the over-right-shoulder view, visibility is good. Backseat headroom and foot room are ample, but the LR3 has modest legroom. Reaching past the lower cargo door to grab luggage isn't too easy, and folding down the third-row seats becomes a chore because of the long reach. The LR3 is an excellent touring machine that brings its impressive heritage up to date.

• City 14/hwy 18 (4.4L engine/6-speed auto trans)
• Double-sided zinc-coated steel & aluminum alloy outer-body panels
• Pwr tilt/slide front sunroof w/retained accessory pwr
• Fixed alpine roof over 2nd & 3rd row seats w/integrated sun blinds
• Roof rails
• Twin pocket quartz halogen headlights
• Rear fog lamps
• Heated pwr mirrors w/auto dipping of passenger-side mirror in reverse
• Deep-tinted glass aft of the B-pillar & sunroofs
• Variable intermittent front windshield wipers
• Rear window wiper w/washer
• Asymmetrical split tailgate for ease of access & loading
• Reclining ergonomically designed front adjustable bucket seats
• 65/35 folding rear seat w/integral head restraints
• Leather seating surfaces & Alcantara door panels
• Leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel
• Full instrumentation
• Pwr windows
• Central locking system w/superlocking
• Vehicle security system w/keyless entry
• Cruise control w/steering wheel mounted controls
• Dual-zone auto climate control w/programmed defrost
• Rear window defroster
• 300-watt harman/kardon AM/FM stereo audio system
• 2nd & 3rd row personal audio outputs & auxiliary input for MP3 or iPod
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Glass-mounted dual-diversity antenna
• Toll-ticket holders on windshield
• Beverage holders
• 2 position foldable/removable rear loadspace cover
• 4.4L DOHC SMPI 32-valve aluminum alloy V8 engine
• Variable camshaft phasing (VCP)
• 6-speed automatic transmission w/OD
• 2-speed transfer gearbox
• 4-wheel electronic traction control (4ETC)
• Terrain response system w/general/grass/gravel/snow mud/ruts sand rock crawl selectable settings
• Permanent 4-wheel drive
• Integrated body frame w/hydroformed members & advanced high-strength steels
• Independent double-wishbone front/rear suspension w/long-travel air springs
• Electronic air suspension w/automatic load-leveling & multiple modes
• 255/60HR18 mud/snow tires
• 18 x 8 aluminum alloy wheels
• 175/80R19 temporary spare tire w/steel wheel
• Pwr rack & pinion steering
• Pwr 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes
• Electronic brake distribution (EBD)
• Hill descent control (HDC)
• Emergency brake assist (EBA)
• Cornering brake control (CBC)
• Active roll mitigation (ARM)
• All-terrain dynamic stability control (DSC)
• 4-channel all-terrain anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• 22.8 gallon fuel tank
• Supplemental restraint system (SRS)
• One-piece 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions
• Pre-tensioning front seatbelts w/height adjustable anchors
• Child locks for rear doors & pwr windows
• LATCH (lower anchor & tether for children) system for child seat attachment
• Collapsible steering column
• Side-impact beams in front/rear doors
• Collision-activated inertia switch
• Front crumple zones