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's particular requirements. The increased stroke length enhances torque, so that the V8 delivers 315 pound-feet at 4000 rpm. Combined with the electronic six-speed transmission, the V8-equipped LR3 moves out smartly at part throttle, and has passing power in reserve. Land Rover says the V8 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8 seconds, which is respectable performance. The LR3 can be considered a serious tow vehicle for a horse trailer, heavy boat, or full-size camper. In addition, the engine is protected from the special demands of off-highway use by enhanced dust- and water-proofing, with a revised air intake to enable the LR3 to move through up to 27 inches of water. It's also designed to operate at severe side angles without oil starvation.

For owners who don't need heavy-duty power, the V6, with 216 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, is enough for nearly all applications. The ZF six-speed automatic transmission offers a manual mode that allows the driver to hold on to a gear when desired, as when climbing a hill or pulling a load.

Off-road driving schools in the past have spent considerable time describing which lever to push in which direction to accommodate various surfaces and obstacles. The LR3 cuts through all that with its Terrain Response System. Just switch the console-mounted dial to the icon for wet grass/gravel/snow, mud or ruts, sand, or rock crawling, and the vehicle automatically sets itself appropriately. Dial in the Off Road mode, and ground clearance raises from the normal 7.3 inches to 10.6 inches. In fact, only when used as an off-road recreational tool is the LR3's competence fully revealed. Engineering details, such as a larger oil sump to cope with extreme angles of operation, illustrate the extent the LR3 is prepared for the unpaved world.

Our test drive included several hours of operation in low range across Canadian logging trails that had recently been turned into washboards by heavy rains. The terrain was steep, with off-camber rocky stair steps, standing water, and thick, deep mud. Through it all, we never lost confidence in the LR3. Low gearing, high ground clearance, and the adjustability of the air suspension allowed us to progress methodically through the forest without scuffing the vehicle or undercarriage, and without added wear or undue risk. An in-dash GPS unit tracked our progress. Electronic traction control locked and unlocked axles, and eliminated wheel spin.

We expected the wide, high-performance tires to be poorly matched to the muddy terrain, but we were surprised. Our progress was graceful, elegant, and left us aware of nearby deer, bird life and the fern-covered forest floor. This is the part of the design envelope that makes a Land Rover unique. To encourage owners to use their vehicles recreationally, Land Rover offers a series of Land Rover Adventures for its owners in places such as Moab, Utah, and Monterey, California; and through Land Rover driving schools around the world. These can be accessed through Land Rover Centres or landroverusa.com. The Land Rover Centres offer off-road driving courses, expert guidance on equipment and training, driving skill development, and adventure experiences around the world.