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2005 Land Rover LR3 Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2005 Land Rover LR3 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2005 Land Rover LR3 Review
Land Rover's best-selling model is redesigned for 2005 with a new name, new styling, and more power. Replacing the 1994-2004 Discovery is the LR3, which is nearly 14 inches longer in wheelbase, 5.7 inches longer overall, and some 850 lb heavier. Cargo volume increases by 27 cu ft, but passenger space is little-changed. LR3 retains Discovery's raised rear roof section, but the spare tire now mounts inside, and a glass liftgate with drop-down tailgate replaces a swing-out cargo door. Seating is for five, or for seven with an optional 3rd row. Front torso and head-protecting curtain side airbags are standard. The curtain airbags cover all seating rows.
LR3 launched with a 300-hp V8 (Discovery had a 217-hp V8). Released midyear was a base V6 version with 216 hp. The V8 has a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. All-wheel drive with low-range gearing is standard and includes a locking center differential for severe off-road conditions. A locking rear differential is available. Also standard are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid/traction control, and hill descent control. New is Land Rover's Active Roll Mitigation designed to detect an impending tip and activate the antiskid system to reduce the chances of a roll.
The V8 LR3 offers SE and HSE models. HSE has 19-inch wheels vs. SE's 18s, plus additional equipment and unique trim. Replacing the Discovery's solid axles and metal springs, LR3 has an independent air-spring suspension with four available ride heights and automatic load leveling. LR3 also introduces Land Rover's Terrain Response system as standard. Twisting a dial changes suspension and powertrain electronic calibrations to accommodate normal driving, slippery pavement, mud, sand, and low-speed off-roading.
LR3 launched with a 300-hp V8 (Discovery had a 217-hp V8). Released midyear was a base V6 version with 216 hp. The V8 has a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. All-wheel drive with low-range gearing is standard and includes a locking center differential for severe off-road conditions. A locking rear differential is available. Also standard are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid/traction control, and hill descent control. New is Land Rover's Active Roll Mitigation designed to detect an impending tip and activate the antiskid system to reduce the chances of a roll.
The V8 LR3 offers SE and HSE models. HSE has 19-inch wheels vs. SE's 18s, plus additional equipment and unique trim. Replacing the Discovery's solid axles and metal springs, LR3 has an independent air-spring suspension with four available ride heights and automatic load leveling. LR3 also introduces Land Rover's Terrain Response system as standard. Twisting a dial changes suspension and powertrain electronic calibrations to accommodate normal driving, slippery pavement, mud, sand, and low-speed off-roading.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.
Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
News
LR3 gets a rear-seat entertainment system later this year. Otherwise, few near-term changes are expected.
2005 Land Rover LR3 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passing power | Instruments/controls |
| True off-road ability | Fuel economy |
| Passenger and cargo room | Entry/exit (3rd-row) |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
V6 version not yet made available for testing. V8 delivers good, not great, scoot in this weighty SUV. Land Rover says 8 sec 0-60 mph, which is midpack for this class. LR3 has ready power in highway passing, but transmission slow to downshift on hills. Throttle response changes with transfer-case setting, is less sensitive in low range for better off-road control.
| SE | HSE w/Rear Seat Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
V6 version not yet made available for testing. V8 delivers good, not great, scoot in this weighty SUV. Land Rover says 8 sec 0-60 mph, which is midpack for this class. LR3 has ready power in highway passing, but transmission slow to downshift on hills. Throttle response changes with transfer-case setting, is less sensitive in low range for better off-road control.
Fuel Economy
Test SE averaged 12.8-14.1 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Test HSE averaged 15.5 mpg in exclusively freeway travel. Land Rover recommends premium-grade fuel.
| SE | HSE w/Rear Seat Pkg. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 3.3 |
Test SE averaged 12.8-14.1 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Test HSE averaged 15.5 mpg in exclusively freeway travel. Land Rover recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Rear-seat passengers notice some hop on rough roads, but LR3 is comfortably absorbent over bumps big and small overall. Dips, wavy surfaces induce some residual bobbing.
| SE | HSE w/Rear Seat Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Rear-seat passengers notice some hop on rough roads, but LR3 is comfortably absorbent over bumps big and small overall. Dips, wavy surfaces induce some residual bobbing.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Steering nicely weighted, tires grippy, but LR3 feels a bit top heavy on twisty roads and in fast lane changes. Tight turning circle means good parking lot maneuverability. Brakes easy to modulate and have impressive stopping power. Over hills, mud, and rocks, the LR3 is a billy goat, and Terrain Response System takes guesswork out of most off-road driving.
| SE | HSE w/Rear Seat Pkg. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Steering nicely weighted, tires grippy, but LR3 feels a bit top heavy on twisty roads and in fast lane changes. Tight turning circle means good parking lot maneuverability. Brakes easy to modulate and have impressive stopping power. Over hills, mud, and rocks, the LR3 is a billy goat, and Terrain Response System takes guesswork out of most off-road driving.
Quietness
Some highway-speed wind noise is the only demerit of note.
| SE | HSE w/Rear Seat Pkg. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Some highway-speed wind noise is the only demerit of note.
Controls
Small print makes gauges difficult to read at a glance. Controls a somewhat confusing jumble of switches, knobs, buttons. Radio, navigation, climate systems hard to decipher. Off-road settings trigger graphic display of front-wheel angle--a useful feature. Interior materials of high quality, but lack of wood, fancy trim leans to upscale outdoorsy rather than uptown opulent.
| SE | HSE w/Rear Seat Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6.3 |
Small print makes gauges difficult to read at a glance. Controls a somewhat confusing jumble of switches, knobs, buttons. Radio, navigation, climate systems hard to decipher. Off-road settings trigger graphic display of front-wheel angle--a useful feature. Interior materials of high quality, but lack of wood, fancy trim leans to upscale outdoorsy rather than uptown opulent.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Commanding driving position. Comfortable, upright seats. Ample head, leg room. Excellent visibility aided by rear obstacle detection on HSE. Step-in SUV-acceptable when vehicle set to lowest suspension setting; difficult at highest setting.
| SE | HSE w/Rear Seat Pkg. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.6 |
Commanding driving position. Comfortable, upright seats. Ample head, leg room. Excellent visibility aided by rear obstacle detection on HSE. Step-in SUV-acceptable when vehicle set to lowest suspension setting; difficult at highest setting.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Second, 3rd-row seats unusually comfortable, with ample head, leg room. Three adults fit in 2nd row, but we wouldn't recommend it on long drives. Climbing to 3rd row complicated by tall step-in, narrow pass-through.
| SE | HSE w/Rear Seat Pkg. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Second, 3rd-row seats unusually comfortable, with ample head, leg room. Three adults fit in 2nd row, but we wouldn't recommend it on long drives. Climbing to 3rd row complicated by tall step-in, narrow pass-through.
Cargo Room
Tall cargo hold has ample volume with five seats, reasonably good load space with seven. Both rear rows fold flat to create spacious load floor, but are awkward to fold/unfold. Clamshell-style tailgate open to debate: some testers say it complicates loading/unloading, others praise its versatility. Numerous useful bins, cubbies in cabin, but glovebox difficult to open if passenger seat occupied.
| SE | HSE w/Rear Seat Pkg. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Tall cargo hold has ample volume with five seats, reasonably good load space with seven. Both rear rows fold flat to create spacious load floor, but are awkward to fold/unfold. Clamshell-style tailgate open to debate: some testers say it complicates loading/unloading, others praise its versatility. Numerous useful bins, cubbies in cabin, but glovebox difficult to open if passenger seat occupied.
Value within Class
In a class trending toward ever-more-carlike SUVs, the tall, off-road-oriented LR3 aims to satisfy the traditional tastes of the landed gentry. In reality, it's used exactly the way its more-carlike competition is, and in that capacity, delivers good passenger and cargo room and unexpected comfort. Ultimately, it's compromised by old-school-SUV handling and ergonomics. Fuel economy is subpar, too, and so is Land Rover resale value.
| SE | HSE w/Rear Seat Pkg. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 5.9 |
In a class trending toward ever-more-carlike SUVs, the tall, off-road-oriented LR3 aims to satisfy the traditional tastes of the landed gentry. In reality, it's used exactly the way its more-carlike competition is, and in that capacity, delivers good passenger and cargo room and unexpected comfort. Ultimately, it's compromised by old-school-SUV handling and ergonomics. Fuel economy is subpar, too, and so is Land Rover resale value.
Total Score
| SE | HSE w/Rear Seat Pkg. | Class Average |
| 57 | 55 | 59.8 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 59 | |
| High Score | 70 |
2005 Land Rover LR3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/28/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door wagon | $38,285 | $34,839 | $665 |
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| SE 4-door wagon | $44,330 | $40,340 | $665 |
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| HSE 4-door wagon | $49,330 | $44,890 | $665 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel traction control, locking center differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, roll-stability control, hill descent control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power front seats, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, height-adjustable and load-leveling air suspension.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear fog light.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/60HR18 tires, alloy wheels.
SE adds to Base:
Powertrain
4.4-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/alcantara upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Harman/kardon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls, glass roof panels.
HSE adds to SE:
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Memory system (driver seat, mirrors), navigation system, upgraded sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, 255/55HR19 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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SE Premium Pkg.
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Base
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$3,000
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$2,730
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Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, front-seat folding armrests, Harman/Kardon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, glass roof panels.
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Convenience Pkg.
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SE, HSE
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$175
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$159
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35/30/35 split folding 2nd-row seat, additional front cupholder, cargo net.
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Rear Seat Pkg.
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Base, HSE, SE
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$1,250
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$1,138
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Convenience Pkg. plus 3rd-row curtain side airbags, 3rd-row split folding seat, rear map lights and auxiliary power outlet. Base requires automatic rear climate control.
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Cold Climate Pkg.
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Base, HSE, SE
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$1,050
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$956
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Heated front and 2nd-row seats, heated windshield, heated washer jets.
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Lighting Pkg.
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SE
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$1,050
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$956
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Bi-xenon headlights w/washers, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights.
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Heavy-Duty Pkg.
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SE, HSE
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$625
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$569
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Active-locking rear differential, full-size spare tire w/alloy wheel.
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Tow Pkg.
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SE, HSE
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$500
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$455
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Class III hitch receiver, remote rear height adjuster.
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Safety |
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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SE
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$350
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$319
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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SE
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$2,650
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$2,412
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Automatic rear climate control
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Base, HSE, SE
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$950
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$865
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Includes additional rear vents.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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Base, HSE, SE
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$400
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$364
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2005 Land Rover LR3 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Land Rover LR3 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5426 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 90.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /245 | 4.4 /268 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 216 @ 3000 | 300 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 269 @ 3000 | 315 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed automatic | 14/19 | 14/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Land Rover LR3 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | LR3 and Range Rover only. |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
England
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Cold Climate Pkg., Rear Climate Control, Rear Seat Pkg. Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 12.84 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Rick Cotta Though slightly more mainstream than the Discovery, LR3 still sacrifices too much dollar value for its Land Rover cachet, and too much on-road performance for its off-road abilities--which few owners will ever fully use. Tom Appel Certainly a classy way to go, and robust off-road talent is a nice thing to have handy. Price seems stiff and fuel economy is dismal, however. No mistake here, just know what your getting into. |
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Also in the 2005 Land Rover LR3 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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