Review: Land Rover L319 Discovery 3 (2005-09)

Overview

Released in April 2005, the Land Rover L319 Discovery 3 was a four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Solihull, UK, the Discovery 3 was available with 2.7-litre turbo-diesel, 4.0-litre V6 petrol and 4.4-litre V8 petrol engines. Beyond the engines, the Discovery 3 range consisted of S, SE and HSE editions; while the S variant was fitted with five seats, the SE and HSE had an additional row of seats for a total of seven.

Engines

Of the engines,

• The 2.7-litre TdV6 diesel engine had a compacted graphite iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, common-rail injection (maximum pressure of 1650 bars), piezo injectors, a single turbocharger, an air-to-air intercooler, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 17.3:1;
• The 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block, single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder, a variable length intake manifold and a compression ratio of 9.75:1; and,
• The 4.4-litre AJ-V8 V8 petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), variable cam phasing, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Dimensions and development

Compared to the Discovery II , the Discovery 3 was 145 mm longer (at 4849 mm), 25 mm wider (1915 mm), 59 mm lower (at 1882 mm) and had a 345mm longer wheelbase (2885 mm). Significantly, the Discovery 3 was constructed using an ‘Integrated Body Frame’ (IBF) method which manufactured the engine bay and passenger compartment as a monocoque which was then mated to a ladder-frame chassis.

Suspension

The Discovery 3 had independent, double wishbone suspension front and rear. The SE and HSE editions, however, were fitted with cross-linked, air spring suspension for variable ride heights (ranging from 135 mm to 240 mm).

4WD system

The Discovery 3 had a permanent four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer box, lockable centre differential and an electrically-controlled rear differential. The SE and HSE editions were also fitted with Land Rover’s ‘Terrain Response’ system which enabled the driver to select from five terrain settings: 1) general; 2) grass/gravel/snow; 3) mud and ruts; 4) sand; and 5) rock crawl. For each setting, the system adjusted the differential locking ratio, traction control system, hill descent control, anti-lock system and suspension height.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Discovery 3 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags for front and second row occupants, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Discovery 3 received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 31.39 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver, while there was a moderate risk of serious leg injury for the front passenger.

Features

Standard features for the Discovery 3 S included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, split and folding second row seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, power-operated park brake, height adjustable steering wheel, cargo cover, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Discovery 3 SE was further equipped with dual-zone climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, bi-xenon headlights with washers, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, courtesy lamps, footwell lamps and trip computer.

Beyond this, the Discovery 3 HSE added 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings and a four-way adjustable passenger seat.

April 2006: Discovery 3 update

In April 2006, the range was revised with the 4.0i S and 4.4i SE discontinued; furthermore, leather seats and dual-zone climate control air conditioning were made standard across the (reduced) range.

August 2007: Discovery 3 update

The range was again updated in August 2007, with refreshed interiors for the S and SE editions (revised painted trim mouldings, metallic highlights and ebony finish for the centre dash and console). The HSE was also equipped with an eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, driver’s seat memory settings, console cooler box and the option of either grained walnut or black lacquer interior trim.

December 2008: Discovery 3 update

The Discovery 3’s final update arrived in December 2008 with new interior trims for all models. The TDV6 S gained air suspension and Terrain Response, and all SE editions were fitted with the ‘Hi-ICE’ sound system, an eight speaker Harman Kardon sound system with six-stack CD player. Furthermore, the HSE was fitted with the Premium Hi-ICE system, consisting of a thirteen speaker Harman Kardon sound system and Logic 7 surround system.

Visually, the post-December 2008 models could be identified by their clear-lens indicators, body-coloured bumpers, revised rear bumpers and wheel-arches (body-coloured for the SE and HSE) and body-coloured tailgate. Furthermore, SE and HSE also received ‘tungsten’ coloured side vents and new 19-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels.

Discovery 3 HSE: Technology and Bright Pack

From February 2009, HSE editions were fitted with a ‘Technology and Bright Pack’ which added a satellite navigation system (with back-tracking technology), Bluetooth phone integration, premium carpet mats and chrome treatment for the grille, door strips, tread plates, roof rails and gearshift surrounds.

Related links

• Brochure: Land Rover L319 Discovery 3 (December 2007)
• Brochure: Land Rover L319 Discovery 3 (August 2008)
• Wikipedia.org: Land Rover L319 Discovery 3