Land Rover LR3 Earns 2005 Active Lifestyle Luxury Vehicle of the Year

A team of panelists recently selected the Land Rover LR3, which replaces the Land Rover Discovery, to be the 2005 Active Lifestyle Luxury Vehicle of the Year. One of Land Rover's most powerful models ever built, the LR3 includes a new 4.4-liter engine, which is based on the Jaguar 4.2-liter V-8 engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission. An innovative terrain response system allows drivers to modify the car’s suspension, throttle map, traction control and vehicle height to fit the terrain. The driver uses a rotary dial on the center console to choose one of five settings: mud and ruts, slippery conditions, general driving, sand or rock crawl.

The Land Rover LR3 has a weatherproof chassis that is engineered to navigate through deep standing water escaping damage to the engine or electronic components. Wheel travel of just over 10 inches in front and 13 inches in the rear allows the wheels to maintain contact with the ground on extremely uneven terrain. Electronic traction and dynamic stability control, as well as antilock braking, keep the vehicle from skidding. An electronic parking brake, applied by using a switch on the center console, holds the vehicle in place and automatically disengages as soon as the driver steps on the gas.

The LR3 is available in both five and seven seat variations. On the seven-seat model, both second- and third-row seats fold flat into the floor without removing the headrests when transporting gear in the rear cargo box area. The asymmetrical tailgate design puts the release lever easily within reach. The LR3 comes with standard Land Rover roof rack side rails and optional factory cross bars, and can easily tow a trailer.

Theater-style seating provides all passengers with a good view of the surroundings, while the standard sunroof and rear glass panel allows ample light into the interior. The premium model comes standard with a navigation system for both on and offroad navigating and mapping. Standard safety features include traction control, antilock braking, front, side and side-curtain airbags. The LandRover LR3 begins at $44,995 for the SE model and $49,995 for the HSE premium model.