LAND Rover has a reputation for leading the way with its tough mud-plugging off-roaders. But most Land Rover owners have a sad reputation for not tackling anything bumpier than a town kerb.

Well, Land Rover has now come to the rescue of those too nervous to rise to even that challenge.

The new Land Rover Discovery 3 is fitted with a switch system that allows the driver to tell the car what terrain it is about to tackle ... and then to sit back and let the car do the rest (more or less).

The driver simply chooses one of five terrain settings from a rotary switch on the centre console: a general driving programme, plus one for slippery conditions (known as grass/gravel/snow) and three special off-road modes (mud/ruts, sand, rock crawl). Terrain Response then automatically selects the most appropriate settings for the vehicle's advanced electronic controls and traction aids - including ride height, engine torque response, hill descent control, electronic traction control and transmission settings. And it's all systems go.

"With Terrain Response, it's like having an expert alongside you, to help you get the best out of the vehicle whatever the conditions, on-road or off," says Land Rover boss Matthew Taylor.

Discovery 3 is an all-new, premium sports utility vehicle (SUV) with lots of user-friendly technology, as well as a spacious interior that can comfortably seat up to seven adults.

Another innovation is the Integrated Body-frame structure, which has allowed Land Rover to deliver all the comfort, refinement and on-road attributes of a single shell car, while continuing to set new standards in off-road performance. It also features adaptive headlights that swivel with the direction of travel to illuminate the road ahead.

What Land Rover calls "dynamic on-road performance" is a priority for the Discovery 3. The top-of-the-range engine is a specially developed 4.4-litre version of Jaguar's acclaimed V8 petrol engine. Changes for Land Rover use include increased capacity (from 4.2-litres), more low-end torque, enhanced dust- and water-proofing, and revised engine breathing to enable the car to wade rivers as well as cruise highways. In Land Rover guise, the engine must also be able to run at acute angles for extreme off-road use.

The top-selling engine in Europe is likely to be Land Rover's new 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel, a clean and economic common rail unit, while the third engine in the line-up is a petrol 4.0-litre V6, a version of one of the world's best-selling SUV powerplants now further developed for Land Rover use.

All three engines offer strong on-road performance, with full-time four-wheel drive. Both petrol derivatives are matched to a six-speed automatic intelligent shift transmission, also available with the diesel though this is offered with a six-speed manual as standard.

There is fully independent suspension all round, using air springs on most models. This is height adjustable, to assist with entry and exit, and to boost ground clearance to help off-road performance.

"The design of the Discovery 3 is derived from its capability. Everything you see has been done for a reason," says design director Geoff Upex. "The priority was to give the passengers and driver a superb cabin environment, with more headroom and greater comfort. It has big, deep glazing, because that provides greater airiness and a better view."

It is also unambiguously a Land Rover. Unique Land Rover design cues include its stepped roof (to boost headroom); its asymmetric rear tailgate (to reduce load height when the lower part of the tailgate is closed, and reduce "reach in" distance when opened); the use of an air intake on only one side of the body (it's all that was needed); and its large glazed areas.

The driver keeps the traditional "command" seating position, while all the rear passengers get stadium seating - progressively higher than the seats in front, offering a clearer view. The optional third row of seats also serve up great comfort, and are big enough to accommodate most adults.

Large doors provide easy access, with both second and third row seats entered from the centre doors. The fold-flat rear seats in both second and third rows can add to huge load-carrying possibilities.

The Discovery 3 replaces Land Rover's segment-defining Discovery, the best-selling large SUV in many European countries since its launch in 1989. The new vehicle goes on sale later this year.

Updated: 11:11 Friday, April 09, 2004