Land Rover provided a nicely equipped LR3, not only one of the most capable 4x4s currently available but also my

Land Rover provided a nicely equipped LR3, not only one of the most capable 4x4s currently available but also my favourite by a long shot. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

favourite by a long shot, at least from a styling standpoint. Its tall, clean lines, utilitarian for sure, are oh so chic in an industrial design sort of way. Borrowing details from its more expensive Range Rover sibling, such as the general shape of its slab-sided body panels including the horizontal cutlines separating the hood from the fenders, plus similarities in the two SUV's complex headlight assemblies, the LR3 sports unique details such as its asymmetrical rear liftgate, taller, stepped profile, larger taillight clusters, and up front, a more commonplace bulging hoodline - older Land Rovers featured a reverse-bulge or indented hoodline. Overall, it's a handsome package.

The

The new LR3 is also miles more refined than the old Discovery inside, although not quite as impeccably crafted as the Range Rover. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

new LR3 is also miles more refined than the old Discovery inside, although not quite as impeccably crafted as the Range Rover - the latter is truly and exquisite piece of work that no SUV-maker has ever come close to matching. Granted, the top-line LR is priced in the low six-figure range and the LR3 starts in the mid-fives, $53,900 to be exact, $61,900 when the 4.4-litre V8 is fitted under the hood as was the case with my tester, so it can only be expected that hand polished planks of hardwood might not be standard LR3 issue. The general fit and finish of all interior panels is up to snuff in the entry-level luxury SUV segment that the LR3 competes in, mind you, and while some plastic surfaces aren't anywhere near "soft-touch", others, more prominently placed where arms and hands may rest, have a premium feel.