The Range Rover Velar – Unveiling Success.

By Chad Luckhoff

Topping a sales-success like the Range Rover Evoque is a challenge that not too many would be up for, but Jaguar Land Rover is tackling this head-on with their new mid-size SUV, the Range Rover Velar. It's relatively easy to see where the inspiration for the Velar comes from and it would have been foolish to try and reinvent the wheel, when your last wheel did so well.

Stylish Starts

The new Velar certainly presents a striking argument for style, tapping into a niche in a segment that has been left relatively untapped - that of the style-orientated mid-size SUV. An SUV for those who want to be noticed and need others to be aware that appearances are as important as luxury and success.

Simplicity was key with the approach to the design of the new Velar. Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's Chief Design Officer, adopted the blank-slate approach when it came to the Velar, but this posed its own set of problems; how do you keep the look and feel of premium Range Rover product, while incorporating simplicity? I believe that they have managed to strike a well-executed balance of form and function in the new Velar without losing any of the Range Rover DNA, that makes the brand recognisable on the road. It appears to borrow heavily from the Evoque, only ironed out and smoothed over. It's larger than the Evoque, but without looking swollen – it seems to be more muscular, more purposeful, while exuding an air of elegance and class.

Go to match the show

While four engine derivatives will be made available when the Velar goes on sale on 20 October, I managed to get to grips with three of the four. The Range Rover Velar is available with either a 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre engine, either petrol or diesel. I managed to work my way through the range, starting with the 2.0 Diesel HSE D240, a diesel-fuelled unit producing 240hp (177kW).

In all honesty, and I have no problem admitting this, I initially thought that this was a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel. The initial impressions certainly lead me to think this, until the press buff dictated otherwise. Extracting 177kW and 500Nm from a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel is certainly commendable, but is possible thanks to the new range of Ingenium diesel engines that Range Rover employs in the Velar. The good news is that for once, South Africa is not being short-changed when it comes to the engine outputs made available locally – we are finally getting the high-output derivatives.

For me, this engine offers the best blend of affordability, fuel consumption, power and smoothness when one thinks about the Velar with their sensible shoes strapped tight.

The next engine in the line-up was the most powerful made available on launch, the 3.0 Petrol HSE R-Dynamic P380, where the P380 informs us that the engine drinks petrol and produces 380hp. The power-hungry consumer will naturally gravitate towards this model with its 0 – 100km/h acceleration time of 5.7-seconds and top speed of an electronically limited 250km/h. Don't expect it to be frugal though, as Land Rover claims a combined consumption of 9.4l/100km, but a heavy foot will return figures closer to 14l/100km.

Those looking for a little sauce underfoot with slightly better consumption will appreciate the final version that was tested; the Velar 3.0 Diesel HSE R-Dynamic D300, where the naming convention follows suit indicating diesel fuel and 300hp. That translates into 221kW, but it is the torque that will surprise: 700Nm from as low as 1500rpm.

This one was just as surprising with strong acceleration and an effortless gathering of speed. Your eyes need to be constantly scanning the speedometer to ensure that you don't end up with a set of shiny new bangles for the evening. This model claims to return consumption figures of 6.4l/100km on the combined cycle, and a top speed of 241km/h.

All of the models above plumb the power through to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and a sport function. The Terrain Response system is standard fare across all models, allowing for peace-of-mind for when the road surface changes. The Terrain Response system also allows for driver selected modes for rugged terrain and when paired with the optional Electronic Air Suspension, can raise or lower the vehicle to improve ground clearance.

The Range Rover All Wheel Drive system is complemented by Intelligent Driveline Dynamics that offers improved traction in low-grip conditions and brake-based torque vectoring for improved cornering stability.

Interior dynamics

While I found the cabin ergonomics a little strange at first with the driving position favouring the centerline of the vehicle, it wasn't long before it felt natural enough to live with on a daily basis. It's in the interior where more of the simplistic, yet well thought out design approach can be felt.

The dashboard and layout echo that of the Evoque, and yet again I will maintain that this isn't a bad thing. The sloping dash and horizontal lines create the sense of space, while the controls have a solid and purposeful feel to them. The seamless blend from one tactile surface to the other is effortlessly done.

The latest Touch Duo Pro infotainment and control surfaces are stylish and intuitive, offering two screens that allow the driver to access multiple functions and switch between the two screens. This multi-function approach it carried through to the rotary dials that serve different purposes, depending on the function selected on the screens. The steering wheel controls mimic this as well, offering touch control and various functions for different displays.

Customisation is the name of the game

Unfortunately, I have neither the space here, nor you the inclination, to read all about the multitude of customization options that are afforded you when it comes to speccing a new Range Rover Velar. It's available in standard flavour, or R-Dynamic. Furthermore, you can then choose from S, SE or HSE trim levels for varying levels of standard trim. Then you can go to town with the options. They may be pricey, but they allow for near infinite combinations of tech, safety, trim and convenience that you may create a Velar that is truly unique and to your own personal preferences.

Verdict

While it may appear too feminine for some, I don't care. I genuinely like the package on offer and would comfortably drive one every day. It's stylish, striking, drives well and is surprisingly capable. It has more than enough tech to satisfy and comfortable enough to make even the longest journey less daunting. I don't doubt that we will see more Velars on the road over the next few months.

Pricing

Pricing on the Velar starts at R947 700 for the Range Rover Velar 2.0 D 132kW D180 and will climb all the way to R1 539 800 for the Range Rover Velar 3.0 P 280kW P380 First Edition. Expect a sizeable bill for the optional extras though, as some of our launch examples had approximately R270 000 added to the base price.

All Range Rover Velars carry Land Rover's Five-Year Care Plan, comprising a 5-year / 100 000km service plan, 5-year / 100 000km maintenance plan and a 5-year / 100 000km warranty.