The LR3 is Land Rover's mid-size luxury SUV that replaced the venerable Discovery in 2005. The LR3 retains Land Rover's legendary off-road prowess while incorporating a touch of royalty into its existence.
More paint for 2009
Stylistically, little about the LR3 has changed for 2009 except for the addition of body-coloured paint on surfaces previously unpainted, such as fender flares, bumpers and skirting. Presumably these surfaces were in the past unpainted to eliminate marring from off-road use.
The reality is most LR3s will see nothing more menacing than mall parking lots, so finishing the entire body in paint is not likely cause for concern. It transports the LR3 from bush to boulevard.
Since its first appearance, I've always admired the boxy styling of this true SUV. It retains sufficient Land Rover DNA and uniqueness to not be mistaken for anything other than a Land Rover, and frankly that carries with it a certain cachet not found in domestic and Japanese offerings.
Unique interior design is truly functional
Land Rovers have always had their quirkiness when it comes to elements of design and function. The LR3 continues this tradition but with greater conventionality than we've seen in past generations. All switchgear mechanism is large enough to operate while wearing gloves or when being jostled about the cab during off-road sessions.
Primary off-road controls, including downhill descent control and low-range gearing, are clustered nicely together on the centre console. A large rotary dial enables the off-road layman to select the most appropriate suspension and transmission setting by simply matching one of the multiple weather/road symbols with the driving conditions encountered, such as snow, sand, hills etc.
Like it's predecessor the Discovery, the LR3's boxy shape provides outstanding cargo space that's not inhibited by a swooping roofline or sleek body shape. The new two-piece rear gate is a vast improvement upon the old one-piece unit that was hinged on the passenger side of the vehicle causing it to open toward the curb rather than away from it (unless of course one is in the UK).
Despite its recessed third row seating, the LR3's load floor is as flat as the prairies. This ensures easy loading of bulky cargo. The two independent third row seats are wickedly awkward to access but remarkably accommodating once the trek to secure them has been accomplished.
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| Since its first appearance, I've always admired the boxy styling of this true SUV. |
More paint for 2009
Stylistically, little about the LR3 has changed for 2009 except for the addition of body-coloured paint on surfaces previously unpainted, such as fender flares, bumpers and skirting. Presumably these surfaces were in the past unpainted to eliminate marring from off-road use.
The reality is most LR3s will see nothing more menacing than mall parking lots, so finishing the entire body in paint is not likely cause for concern. It transports the LR3 from bush to boulevard.
Since its first appearance, I've always admired the boxy styling of this true SUV. It retains sufficient Land Rover DNA and uniqueness to not be mistaken for anything other than a Land Rover, and frankly that carries with it a certain cachet not found in domestic and Japanese offerings.
Unique interior design is truly functional
Land Rovers have always had their quirkiness when it comes to elements of design and function. The LR3 continues this tradition but with greater conventionality than we've seen in past generations. All switchgear mechanism is large enough to operate while wearing gloves or when being jostled about the cab during off-road sessions.
Primary off-road controls, including downhill descent control and low-range gearing, are clustered nicely together on the centre console. A large rotary dial enables the off-road layman to select the most appropriate suspension and transmission setting by simply matching one of the multiple weather/road symbols with the driving conditions encountered, such as snow, sand, hills etc.
Like it's predecessor the Discovery, the LR3's boxy shape provides outstanding cargo space that's not inhibited by a swooping roofline or sleek body shape. The new two-piece rear gate is a vast improvement upon the old one-piece unit that was hinged on the passenger side of the vehicle causing it to open toward the curb rather than away from it (unless of course one is in the UK).
Despite its recessed third row seating, the LR3's load floor is as flat as the prairies. This ensures easy loading of bulky cargo. The two independent third row seats are wickedly awkward to access but remarkably accommodating once the trek to secure them has been accomplished.
 |
| Despite its recessed third row seating, the LR3's load floor is as flat as the prairies. |