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Disco in the boondocks

The Land Rover Discovery is a mid-size luxury SUV first introduced in 1989. An updated version followed in 1998. The third generation which was named Discovery 3 or LR3 was launched in 2004 followed by the LR4 five years later. The current generation Discovery was introduced in 2017.

Now, let's talk about the most significant of the lot - the LR3. It was so packed with upgrades that it revolutionized off-road driving and on-road dynamics.

The LR3 features, first and foremost, a full independent suspension(FIS) which is an air suspension system, which enables ride-height adjustment by simply pumping up or deflating the air bags. The vehicle can be raised to provide ground clearance when off-road, but lowered at high speeds to improve handling. 

The LR3 was also fitted with multiple electronic traction control systems such as the Hill Descent Control (HDC) which prevented vehicle 'runaways' when descending steep gradients and the 4-wheel Electronic Traction Control (4ETC) which prevented wheel spin in low-traction conditions. An on-road system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) was also installed. The DSC prevents skidding when steering and braking at speed. Finally, the vehicle was the first to use the 'Terrain Response' system. The Terrain Response attempted to take away as many of the difficulties if off-roading as possible. All the driver has to do is select a terrain type - "Sand", "Grass, Gravel & Snow", "Mud & Ruts" and "Rock Crawl" - on a dial, the on-board computer system then selects the correct gearbox settings, adjust the suspension height, adjust the differential lock settings, and even alter the throttle response of the engine suitable for the terrain.

The vehicle was such a joy to drive that it was lauded by the press especially the Terrain Response system which vastly improved on-road dynamics.

Jeremy Clarkson of the BBC's Top Gear drove an LR3 to the top of Cnoc an Fhreiceadain, a 1,007 ft. mountain near Tongue, Northern Scotland, where no vehicle has previously been. 
Richard Hammond, also of Top Gear, praised it as the "Best 4X4 of all time". In Australia, the vehicle was awarded "4WD of the Year" by the 4WD Press.

Before you go Disco-dancing on the trail, makes sure your LR3 is fitted with, aside from a mirror ball, these Britpart off-road accessories.

Sump guard

http://britpartph.com/part/312

Transmission plate

http://britpartph.com/part/313

Sump plate

http://britpartph.com/part/314

Front lamp guards

http://britpartph.com/part/315

Rear lamp guards

http://britpartph.com/part/316

Headlight protector

http://britpartph.com/part/317

Rock slider

http://britpartph.com/part/318