When introduced last year, the Range Rover Sport was quite a departure from Land Rover's traditional singular focus on conquering the far corners of the Earth. It was, in fact, the company's first on-road-oriented, performance SUV. One distinction: Even though it shares the Range Rover badge with its more luxurious big brother, the Range Rover Sport is actually a shortened and several-hundred-pounds-lighter version of the LR3. The exterior styling echoes the cubist Range Rover shapes of old, though the engineers focused on optimizing aerodynamics and smooth lines; a shorter wheelbase and more steeply raked D-pillar/rear hatch give the Sport a decidedly dynamic stance. The LR3's steering and suspension were sharpened for better on-road performance with variable-ratio/variable-assistance ZF Servotronic steering and premium monotube shocks handling the bumps. Two engines power the 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: a standard 4.4-liter V8 in the HSE borrowed from the Jaguar parts shelf with 300 horsepower driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, and the bad-boy Supercharged 4.2-liter version, which boosts the V8's hp 30 percent to 390 far more eager horses. The Range Rover Sport's fully independent suspension utilizes air springs at each corner for comfort, and an available Dynamic Response System automatically adjusts the stabilizer bars for maximum roll control whether you're on pavement or off. Although its stance, suspension and tires are all tuned for on-road life, the Sport is still ready to hit the trail without compromise with its low-range gearing and adaptive Terrain Response System first introduced in the LR3. Though the idea of a fast and racy Land Rover sport-utility may seem like a contradiction, the 2008 Range Rover Sport carries over with the acceleration and ride and handling dynamics to keep it among the top choices of the high-performance SUV set, especially in Supercharged form. But we do suggest checking out the competition, which includes the new BMW X5 and the updated Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, before making a final decision.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
The fully equipped five-passenger 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport luxury SUV is offered in two trim levels: HSE and Supercharged. The HSE comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, fold-down rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite navigation and a 14-speaker, 550-watt Harman Kardon audio system with steering-wheel controls and a six-disc CD changer. Options include heated front and rear seats, adaptive headlights, center console cooler box, premium leather trim, polished cherry or oak trim and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The Supercharged Sport model gets most of these extras plus 20-inch alloy wheels, the envelope-expanding Dynamic Response active suspension system and an optional adaptive cruise control system.

Powertrains and Performance
The standard Range Rover Sport HSE is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 that generates 300 hp and 315 pound-feet of torque. The Supercharged model features a blown 4.2-liter version of this engine that ups the power ante to 390 hp and a massive 410 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift logic that adjusts itself to road conditions and your driving style. Likewise, they both also get Land Rover's permanent 4WD system with two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response System technology that automatically adjusts factors like throttle response and electronic traction/stability control sensitivity to varying off-road conditions. As you might imagine, none of this helps fuel economy one bit: EPA estimates for the Supercharged are 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. Properly equipped Range Rover Sports can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

Safety
Range Rover Sport safety features include its nearly 3 tons of mass, four-wheel antilock braking -- including Brembo brakes on Supercharged models -- traction/stability control, hill-descent control and side-impact/head curtain airbags. The upmarket Supercharged model also includes adaptive headlights that "peer around" corners and adjust up and down to counter the effects of hard braking and varying cargo loads, as well as state-of-the-art Dynamic Response System active roll control technology to improve on-road handling and cornering performance at higher limits. In off-road conditions the system automatically "uncouples" the vehicle's antiroll bars for greater wheel travel, enhancing ride performance and driver feedback on rough terrain.

Interior Design and Special Features
The midsize Range Rover Sport sport-utility hits a home run inside with a first-class cabin best suited for four adults -- or five in a pinch -- trimmed in buttery English leather. A commanding driving position and elevated stadium seating give both driver and passengers a clear view of the scenery rushing by. The dash offers a simple, elegant geometric appearance that's very similar to the design used in the Range Rover. Switchgear is kept to a minimum, owing to integrated technology that minimizes the need for much driver input, but some of it is harder to reach than it should be. Maximum cargo capacity, at 71 cubic feet, is average for this class of vehicle. The Sport's sloping rear glass limits the ability to load large or bulky items, however.

Driving Impressions
Unlike the standard 300-hp Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE, the torquey 2008 Range Rover Sport Supercharged certainly lives up to its more sporting, high-performance pretensions. There's plenty of power and traction available underfoot regardless of location or conditions. Dynamically, its ride and handling is the equal of the leading performance unibody SUVs and vastly superior to full-frame, truck-based competitors. If you're looking for sober, balanced and confident performance on road or off, we recommend you ante up for the Range Rover or focus on the Range Rover Sport HSE equipped with the available Dynamic Response System. But if you want to seriously and confidently run with its racier performance SUV rivals and you have a penchant for agile, high-speed travel amid pricey clubroom splendor, the Range Rover Sport Supercharged remains one of the few that can get the job done.

What's New
A personal telephone integration system with Bluetooth connectivity is now standard. Otherwise, the Range Rover Sport carries over with only minor changes for 2008.

Pro
Solid and refined road manners, powerful supercharged V8 engine, theoretically able to handle off-road conditions, distinctive styling.

The SE version launched as a 2008 model earlier this year - but Land Rover is already updating the LR2 compact SUV with a new HSE edition. The HSE shares all of the basic running gear with the LR2 SE, which TheCarConnection.com reviewed earlier this year. Those basics include a 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine making 230 hp, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The combination pushes the LR2 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, Land Rover says. The transmission features manual gearchanging and a sport mode for better response.A full-time four-wheel-drive system with a Haldex center differential and Gradient Release Control (as well as standard Terrain Response system on all but base models) form the basis of the LR2's off-road credentials. However, the system does not include four-wheel-drive Low gearing, as in the previous model. The exterior of the five-door LR2 resembles its bigger brothers, the LR3 and Range Rover Sport; it's smoother and less boxy than previously with styling touches such as dual fender vents that first appeared on the Range Rover adding to the more aggressive posture. Both storage and passenger space have increased, too - though the LR2's exterior dimensions are only slightly larger than the previous Freelander, which the LR2 replaces. Features and options on both the SE and HSE models include a keyless starter button, bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and park distance control (front and rear). A two-part panoramic sunroof is also available and air conditioning is standard on all models. A full color touch-screen DVD satellite navigation system is available. The choice of top-level audio systems includes DAB digital radio and twelve-speaker Dolby Pro Logic IIx Surround Sound with fiber-optic interconnects. An auxiliary audio connection (for iPods and other MP3 players) is standard on all versions. Separating the HSE from the base model is a range of cosmetic upgrades, including body-color bumpers and side sills; a rear spoiler; titanium door handles and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, there are new power seats with more adjustments and a storage box complete the upgrades. The HSE goes on sale in November 2007. The 2008 Land Rover LR2 represents a meaningful advance over its predecessor, but alongside present-day competition in the compact luxury SUV class, it comes up short in performance, handling and cabin quality. What's New for 2008, Replacing the old Freelander, the 2008 Land Rover LR2 is an all-new small luxury SUV tuned for a compromise between on- and off-road performance. Because pedigree comes from prowess, every Land Rover must be made from the absolute toughest stuff, ready to rough it up on the world's toughest trails at a moment's notice. So goes the old thinking, anyway. More recently, the company's vehicles have been increasingly able to provide on-road comfort and performance as well. For a prime example of this shift in philosophy, look no further than the 2008 Land Rover LR2.Land Rover clearly designed its new LR2 compact SUV for a life on pavement, but the company tried to preserve a modicum of off-road capability in the process. As a replacement for the now discontinued Freelander, the 2008 Land Rover LR2 comes to life with lots of mechanical DNA from parent company Ford's Volvo S40 and European-market Ford Focus. The resulting lightweight unibody construction, all-independent suspension, and new inline six-cylinder engine make this the easiest Land Rover to drive in history, while leather seats, wood trim, dual sunroofs, and room for four are meant to keep the brand's upscale luxury image intact.In addition, this all-new LR2 still packs enough tools to handle light- and even medium-duty off-highway trails. Among them are a healthy 8.3 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which provides four driver-selectable modes tailored for varying terrain. Each mode specifies different settings for the engine, transmission, center differential, suspension, traction and stability control system and hill descent control system. During our testing of a 2008 Land Rover LR2, Terrain Response proved its worth as the LR2 scaled rutted dirt trails with considerably more gusto and poise than most car-based sport-utilities.However, as small luxury SUVs go, Land Rover's latest is not the ultimate on-roader. Among the LR2's flaws are soft handling on pavement and just-adequate acceleration. Inside, its cabin looks more utilitarian than it does elegant, and materials are unimpressive for a premium-brand sport-utility. To its credit, the LR2 does have more off-road capability and a more forgiving ride than firmly tuned rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Infiniti EX35. But these competitors provide better performance, sportier handling, higher-grade interiors and more in the way of overall refinement. Accordingly, we think most compact luxury SUV shoppers will be happier with an X3, EX35 or RDX than they will with the 2008 Land Rover LR2.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Land Rover LR2 is a small, four-door luxury SUV offered in SE and HSE trim levels. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a dual-panel sunroof, leather seating, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a nine-speaker Alpine stereo with a six-disc MP3/CD changer and auxiliary input jack, push-button ignition, automatic headlights and wipers, and rear parking sensors. The LR2 HSE adds 19-inch wheels, body-colored bumpers and side sills, upgraded power front seats and an interior storage box.Additional equipment is bundled into three options packages. The largest of these is the Technology Package, which contains a navigation system, an upgraded surround-sound audio system, satellite radio, rear-seat audio controls and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The Lighting Package offers adaptive xenon headlights, and driver-seat memory, while the Cold Climate Package provides heating for the front seats, windshield and washer jets.

Powertrains and Performance
Every Land Rover LR2 comes with a 3.2-liter inline-6 providing 230 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with sport and manual shift modes. Land Rover claims the LR2 can reach 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, but during our own instrumented testing, an LR2 tester did no better than 9.3 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system sends nearly all of the engine's power to the front wheels by default, though it can redirect most of it to the rear wheels to maximize traction in off-road situations. The AWD has no low range ("4 Lo") for serious off-roading, but for casual off-roaders, the LR2's Terrain Response system largely compensates by providing meaningful changes in engine and transmission behavior when the driver switches from the default "General Driving" mode to any of the three off-road modes (Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand). Fuel economy is 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, which is disappointing considering its modest acceleration.

Safety
The 2008 Land Rover LR2 comes with side airbags for the driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers and a driver's knee bag. Antilock brakes, traction control and stability control with a rollover sensor are also standard.
For more Safety information, see our Safety page.

Interior Design and Special Features
The LR2 has an unmistakable Land Rover feel to it, which means plenty of leather and wood to go around, plus a traditional upright seating position and a utilitarian control layout with numerous buttons. Materials are average in quality and the overall look isn't very elegant, and the busy instrument panel is a little hard to read at a glance. Although the climate and audio controls are clunky to use at first, the optional navigation system's touchscreen interface couldn't be simpler. Cupholders and storage slots are sprinkled liberally throughout the cabin.
The LR2's front seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, and the steering wheel's wide range of telescope adjustment makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The backseat has ample room as well, but the low-mounted bench compromises comfort for adults. Cargo space behind the rear seats is a bit small at 27 cubic feet due to the LR2's high cargo floor. Maximum capacity is only 59 cubic feet, but the rear seats do fold completely flat (though the seat-bottom cushions must be folded up separately).

Driving Impressions
The 2008 Land Rover LR2 is easily Land Rover's most accessible SUV to date, thanks to its relatively modest size and weight that make it easy to toss around and park. On the downside, acceleration is mediocre for a luxury SUV, due to the engine's minimal low-end torque and the transmission's sluggish response off the line. Handling on pavement is unimpressive, as the LR2 exhibits considerable body roll around turns. The steering is well weighted but low on feedback, and more demanding drivers may be put off by its unusually quick response just off center. The brakes are strong with a progressive pedal feel, but the suspension allows a bit too much front-end dive. One advantage the Land Rover does offer is a comfortable ride quality, as it's more compliant than either the RDX or X3. The LR2 is also a superior off-road vehicle, but we doubt most compact luxury SUV buyers will see this as a significant advantage.

Pros
Advanced technology gives it uncommon all-terrain skills for a car-based SUV, comfortable ride, roomy passenger quarters.

The Land Rover Range Rover was one of the first luxury SUVs, and in many ways, it remains one of the segment's defining vehicles. In past years, the brand's biggest selling point was its status-symbol cachet; Land Rover's products were actually mediocre, but buyers eager to enjoy its upper-crust image flocked to the marque in droves. A 2003 redesign brought with it significant improvements for Range Rover, and today this Land Rover SUV offers just as much quality as it does prestige. Range Rover buyers may choose between the very well-appointed HSE model and the performance-oriented Supercharged trim. HSE buyers get a wealth of standard features, including a power sunroof, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, power front seats, full power accessories, three-zone climate control and a Harman Kardon sound system. Supercharged models get performance upgrades like bigger wheels and a more powerful engine. The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover is an excellent choice for those seeking premium SUV transportation, but there are others worth considering. Our pick is the Lexus GX 470. Though it lacks the prestige of the British marque, it offers outstanding all-around refinement for thousands less. The Porsche Cayenne is also worth a look. Still, the Range Rover shines when the tarmac turns to gravel and is about as premium as it gets. If these factors are important to you, then the 2008 Land Rover Range Rover is your best bet.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover SUV comes in two trims: HSE and Supercharged. The HSE is decked out with a long list of standard features that includes 19-inch wheels, xenon HID headlights, an air suspension, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, wood trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12-way power-adjustable driver seat, a 10-way power front passenger seat, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview parking camera and a navigation system. Entertainment is provided by a 14-speaker, 710-watt Harman Kardon sound system. Step up to the Supercharged edition and you're rewarded with a more powerful V8, 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, an electronically locking rear differential and ventilated 14-way power-adjustable front seats with upgraded leather upholstery. These features are all optional on the HSE. Available for both trims is a rear-seat entertainment package that adds a six-disc DVD changer with twin monitors mounted in the back of the front headrests.

Powertrains and Performance
The HSE gets a 4.4-liter V8 with 305 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the Supercharged accordingly gets a supercharged 4.2-liter mill that boasts 400 hp and 420 lb-ft. The only transmission is a six-speed automatic, featuring a sequential-shift manual mode. Maximum towing capacity stands at 7,700 pounds. A permanent four-wheel-drive system and a height-adjustable suspension are standard features, along with low-range gearing and a maximum of almost 11 inches of ground clearance for serious off-roading. Range Rovers also offer a Terrain Response system that allows the driver to customize powertrain, suspension and electronic systems to best handle off-road conditions.

Safety
Standard safety items on this Land Rover SUV include antilock brakes, stability control, side airbags for front occupants, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag and front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera.

Interior Design and Special Features
Inside, the Range Rover's unique personality comes through, as it has the upscale ambience of a luxury sedan and the rugged feel of a serious off-road vehicle. Most materials are premium-grade, and buyers have their choice of cherry or walnut wood accents. The seating position is notably upright, but both front and rear passengers will find the accommodations supportive and roomy. Rear-seaters get their own climate controls and power-adjustable headrests. The Range Rover offers 74 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Driving Impressions
Built for the bush but bought for bragging rights, Range Rovers are more likely to be found in Beverly Hills than Botswana. Acknowledging that reality, the 2008 Range Rover employs a unibody design and has a self-adjusting air suspension that monitors vehicle loads and road conditions. When driven on pavement, the Range Rover feels stable and comfortable. In terms of boulder-bashing, it still has few equals, thanks to its generous ground clearance and wheel articulation.

What's New
For 2008, the Range Rover's cabin has been revised to offer enhanced luxury and storage space. Buyers get twin gloveboxes, new cupholders and a revamped center console, along with a more stylish, intuitively organized dash trimmed in wood and metal. Existing airbags have been relocated for improved performance and a driver's knee airbag has been added. The climate control system has been revised to operate more quietly and with improved capability. Ventilated front seats are now available, and heated seats are now standard on all Land Rovers. Other updates include the addition of customizable settings for the 4WD system ("Terrain Response"), an upgraded rear differential said to improve off-road dexterity, and an electronic parking brake.

Pro
Powerful performance with Supercharged model, comfortable ride and handling on and off the pavement, classy yet rugged interior, spacious backseat, high level of off-road capability.

The LR3 in an impressive achievement. While other mid-luxury SUVs are surrendering off-road competence, the LR3 continues to combine responsive on-road performance with go-anywhere off-road capability in a single comfortable, safe and secure vehicle. The LR3 offers the competence of the Range Rover and some of its luxurious feel. Underway, the LR3 feels composed and secure, with little noise and vibration transmitted into the cabin. The brakes are excellent. The LR3 incorporates the latest in electronic systems, which select the best combination of traction, power, gearing, and braking to suit any type of terrain and surface, to put serious off-road trekking within the reach of most enthusiasts. Simply twisting a knob to Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, or Rock Crawl optimizes the settings for the LR3's mind-boggling array of electronic controls and traction aids. In short, the LR3 can go just about anywhere on the planet. And it does it in style. The LR3 has a spacious, airy cabin with comfortable seats and intuitive controls. It can seat up to seven passengers with the optional third row, and the seats fold flat into the floor individually, making this a versatile utility vehicle. The LR3 comes with a choice of V6 and V8 engines. For 2007, Land Rover has added more standard equipment for the V6, including leather upholstery, a power lumbar adjuster for the driver's seat, a power glass sunroof, and a 240-watt Harman/Kardon stereo with steering-wheel controls. The 4.0-liter, all-aluminum V6 produces 216 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The V8 is a 4.4-liter engine from Jaguar that, with variable cam phasing, develops 300 horsepower and delivers strong throttle response with 315 pound-feet of torque. The third-row seat and rear-seat heating and air conditioning are standard on all V8 models. All models come with a six-speed automatic transmission, two-speed transfer case and permanent four-wheel drive. The LR3 comes with a remote-controlled rear suspension height adjuster that's useful for towing. A dealer-installed Class III hitch gives the LR3 a 7700-pound tow rating.

Model Lineup
The 2007 Land Rover LR3 is available in V6 SE ($41,435), V8 SE ($48,235) and HSE ($53,235) trim levels. The V6 SE is powered by a 4.0-liter engine, while the V8 SE and HSE feature a 4.4-liter V8. Trim in the V6 is basic, though Land Rover hasn't stinted on equipment or capabilities. Safety equipment standard across the line includes four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and emergency Brake Assist. Seven-seat models come with eight airbags; five-seat models come with six airbags. For 2007, all models are equipped with leather upholstery. Also standard: dual-zone automatic climate control; driver's seat power lumbar adjuster; power glass sunroof; power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors; cruise control; programmable key fob; and a folding second-row seat, split 65/35 in five-seat LR3s and 35/30/35 in seven-seat models. A three-flash lane-change feature has been added to the turn signal switch. Standard audio in the V6 SE is now the previously optional 240-watt Harmon/Kardon unit with nine speakers, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, and steering wheel controls. Also standard are 18-inch aluminum rims (re-styled for '07) with 255/60HR18 mud-and-snow radials. Options for the V6 SE include a third-row seating package ($2,200) with second-row AC and heating controls; additional second and third-row AC and heat outlets; third-row side-curtain airbags, map lights, and accessory power outlet; a rear luggage net; and an additional front cupholder. The V8 SE adds standard seating for seven with auxiliary rear climate control; plus fog lights, rear Park Distance Control, headlight washers, rain sensing wipers, auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, Homelink garage door opener, and puddle and footwell lights. An optional Technology Package ($3,500) includes the navigation system, telephone integration system, Sirius Satellite Radio, and a cooler box in the center console. Another V8 SE package combines bi-xenon headlights with front Park Distance Control ($750). The HSE adds GPS/DVD on/off-road navigation with voice-activation and touch-screen capabilities, a Personal Telephone Integration system with console cradle and Bluetooth connectivity, bi-xenon headlights, and a Park Distance Control system that operates in both the front and rear. HSE also upgrades to a 550-watt Harman/Kardon Logic7 digital surround-sound system with 14 speakers, second and third row personal remote audio outputs, and auxiliary iPod jack; and 255/55HR19 mud-and-snow radials on 19-inch wheels. A Luxury Package ($1,750) combines the Cold Climate Package with a center console cooler box and adaptive front lighting. HSE buyers can also add Sirius Satellite Radio ($400). Options for all models include a Cold Climate Package ($1,300) consisting of dual-stage heated seats in the first and second rows, heated windshield, and heated windshield washers. Also available on all models is a Heavy-Duty Package ($625) that combines an active locking rear differential with a full-size spare tire on its own aluminum-alloy wheel. Stand-alone options include personal telephone integration with Sirius Satellite Radio ($800) and Java Black Pearl paint ($400).

Walkaround
The Land Rover LR3 presents a contemporary design, but one that still conveys a sense of functionality. Land Rover styling has always been distinctive, generally driven by real-world functional requirements. The LR3 is no exception. Most distinctive is the stepped roof line, a recognized brand element preserved from the previous-generation Discovery, re-named the LR3 when it was redesigned for 2005. The stepped roof offers a distinct visual profile, but also creates headroom for rear-seat passengers while compensating for the high floor. The high floor is required to clear the center differential and to give the LR3 sufficient ground clearance to cross a savannah. Another example of distinctive Land Rover design is the asymmetric tailgate, which operates as an easy-open clamshell for the top half, and a standard tailgate for the bottom half. The result is exceptional ease of access, and reduced load lift height, while preserving a sheltered fold-out tailgate surface for true tailgating at a campsite or stadium parking lot.Also noticeable is a functional air intake on the right of the engine bay; it's only on one side because that was all that was needed. The 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels fitted to the V6 SE and V8 SE are new designs for 2007. The LR3 is considerably larger than the previous Discovery. The LR3's wheelbase of 113.6 inches is as long as a Ford Explorer's. That not only gives LR3 ample room for three-row seating, but better highway stability, particularly when towing.

Interior Features
The Land Rover LR3 is a comfortable vehicle. Driver and front passenger get power-adjustable seats with adjustable armrests, and the second-row seats have generous headroom and legroom. Even the third-row seats can be considered habitable for adults. The large windows, long wheelbase, and overhead Alpine windows create a spacious, airy interior. The low beltline, with window sills well below shoulder level, not only helps lower the center of gravity, but also improves forward and downward vision, an important advantage when driving through rugged terrain or traversing narrow tracks, especially those with exposures to seemingly bottomless ravines. The instrument panel is clean, modern, and in keeping with the geometric exterior design. Controls are good sized, tactile, and significantly more intuitively arrayed than Land Rovers of the past. In fact, LR3's interior design gives up nothing to other SUVs in practical flexibility. The second-row seats fold down into the footwell, leaving a perfectly flat surface. Many SUVs do not offer the benefit of flat cargo areas. The optional third-row seats can also fold flat, creating a six-foot load floor. Each rear seat folds independently, leaving numerous options for seating and cargo. Several thoughtful touches have been added for '07. The Harman/Kardon stereo, which comes standard for 2007, incorporates a time display. Yet a separate clock has been added to the information center in the instrument cluster making it easier for the driver to tell time at a glance. A three-flash lane-change function has been added to the turn signals. The front passenger's power window opens and closes with one touch, and the front power seat adjusters operate without having to have the key in the ignition switch. As with every previous Land Rover, practicality in the outback is reflected in functional interior appointments. For the variety of stuff carried on a camping trip, there are four glove boxes, readily accessible stash zones and numerous drink holders. Flip-down grab handles are located at all four doors, and comfortable, solid grab points built into the front-seat headrests give occupants something to hold on to when the driver is exploring the LR3's impressive tilt, climb, and descent limits.

Driving Impressions
Driving the Land Rover LR3 down flooded forest trails, curving mountain roads and high-speed freeways reveals a class-leading combination of capability, utility, luxury and style. The LR3 handles the toughest of off-road obstacles brilliantly, yet is comfortable on rush-hour freeways. Though far from best in class in terms of on-road handling dynamics, the LR3 is much better on paved roads and in daily driving than the previous-generation Discovery. Yet it gives up nothing in off-road capability. Driving on paved surfaces, the immediate sensation is of security, composure and protected personal space. The driver is seated high above the average car, and insulated from outside noises, vibrations or intrusions. Steering is notably solid and progressive, and very little road vibration is transmitted through the thick steering wheel. The LR3 is the first Land Rover built with what the company calls integrated body-frame architecture, which combines hydroformed steel frame rails with a rigid monocoque body shell. Rubber mounts and dampers between the frame and body provide isolation from noise, vibration and harshness. Premium materials such as aluminum, magnesium, and high-tensile-strength alloy steel are used in key areas to save weight. Outer steel body panels are two-side galvanized to prevent corrosion. The two-piece tailgate is aluminum for ease of opening and closing. This new approach accounts for much of the LR3's (relatively) light weight, crisp handling, and solid feel. Granted, the LR3 doesn't feel as taut as a BMW X5, but it's more comfortable than the X5 on dirt roads. The LR3 will reliably hold a given line through a tight corner, but the air suspension allows some body travel. On corners, the body leans, but the grip of the tires is readily apparent, creating a feeling of hanging out over the edge of the road. Nevertheless, with rack-and-pinion steering, independent double-wishbone suspension at all four corners, stiff wheels, wide tires and the latest in electronic stability control, the longer we drove, the more confident we became of the LR3's capabilities at speed. It takes a set in corners and rewards smooth driving techniques. It's not as forgiving of poor driving technique as, say, a Lexus RX. Braking is remarkable, both in terms of overall feel and sheer stopping power. The pedal is progressive, with no vibration coming through, and it always feels like there is more stopping power readily at hand. The brakes themselves on V8 models are large 13.3-inch discs in front and 13.8-inch discs at the rear, with four-channel ABS. (Brakes on the V6 SE measure 12.5 and 12.8 inches in the front and rear, respectively.) The anti-lock brake system is designed to work off road, as well. An array of electronic systems help the driver to better control the vehicle in emergency stopping and handling situations. Among them: Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control, and Active Roll Mitigation. Essentially, all of these systems track driver input at the steering wheel, throttle, and brake pedal and compare it to what is happening at each road wheel. When a tire loses grip or an emergency braking situation is sensed, one or more of these systems react to improve the vehicle's operating position. In many cases, these adjustments will be transparent to the driver. Two brake-based systems, Hill Descent Control (HDC) and all terrain Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) work to enhance driver control off road in rugged terrain. The Hill Descent Control system, used to restrict downhill speeds on steep, slippery grades, is adjustable through the steering wheel cruise control buttons. It works amazingly well. The LR3 offers strong throttle response, a departure from older Land Rovers. The 4.4-liter V8 rated at 300 horsepower is a stroked version of Jaguar's 4.2-liter, adapted to the LR3