Land Rover Upgrades LR3 for 2009

Keeping things fresh, Land Rover has just shown off the updated 2009 model

year version of its seven-seater, go anywhere, do anything off-roader, the LR3. The SUV was quietly unveiled in Geneva back in March, having slipped through the cracks, but nevertheless, here it is.

The updates for '09 are fairly mild and of the same caliber as the transition between last year's LR2 SE and this year's LR2 HSE. The new LR3 gets restyled bumpers up front and in back, and the wheel arches are larger, rounder and body colored. In addition, the grille bumpers and the handle for the asymmetrical tailgate will also be body colored, a step away from the current matte black. These give the LR3, which has a strong reputation for off-road skill and capability, a slicker, urban-oriented look.

Other mild changes include the fitment of Tungsten-colored door handles,

which match the equally metallic-looking fender vents. New 19-inch alloy wheels with a seven-spoke pattern will serve as an upgrade rim on certain models.

The changes are rounded out by the addition of three new colors: Santorini Black, Galway Green, and Bournville, which Land Rover describes as black, but with a hint of brown. Inside, a new Ivory color scheme is now available. As a final upgrade, Land Rover has improved the Bluetooth system, which is currently standard on the V8 HSE, and optional on V8 SE and V6 SE models.

The new LR3 will arrive in dealerships this autumn.