THIS IS THE handsome new Range Rover Velar.
The mid-sized luxury SUV slots in between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport for size and price. However, it doesn’t use the same platform as its siblings, it actually uses the same aluminium architecture as the Jaguar F-Pace. The Velar has a 2,874mm wheelbase – as a comparison the Evoque wheelbase is 2,660mm and the Range Rover Sport has a wheelbase of 2,923mm.
External features of the new luxury SUV include super-slim Matrix Laser-LED headlights and flush deployable door handles. Inside, the cabin gets a Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, featuring two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens. These are integrated behind black panels and are kept ‘secret-until-lit’.
As you’d expect from a Range Rover, there is a full suite of advanced safety systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Reverse Traffic Detection and Driver Condition Monitoring, as well as a whole host of traction technologies including Terrain Response 2, All Terrain Progress Control, Low Traction Launch, Hill Descent Control and Gradient Release Control.
In Ireland, there will be six powertrains to choose from – three petrols and three diesels – ranging from D180 to P380. This new badging indicates fuel type and max horsepower.
The diesel engines are four-cylinder Ingenium units offered in 180hp and 240hp variants and a V6 with 700Nm of torque.
The petrol engines are four-cylinder Ingenium units offered in 250hp and 300hp variants and a supercharged V6 with 380hp.
All engines are matched to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive, Intelligent Driveline Dynamics and active locking rear differential. Air Suspension is standard on six-cylinder models.
Towing capacity is up to 2,500kg with towing made that bit easier thanks to the Advanced Tow Assist function – the driver reverses the vehicle with trailer attached using the Touch Pro Duo rotary controller, and with no need to counter-steer.
The Velar and Velar R-Dynamic are available in Standard, S, SE and HSE specifications with the option to specify Black and Luxury Exterior Packs.
The most exclusive Velar model will be the First Edition, which is available worldwide for one model year only. Even more fancy than the HSE models, it is powered solely by the 3.0-litre V6 petrol and diesel engines and features an extended leather trim to complement the perforated Windsor leather seats in Light Oyster or Ebony, a 1,600W Meridian Signature Sound System, Matrix-Laser LED headlights and 22-inch split-spoke wheels with diamond-turned finish.
The new Range Rover Velar is available to test drive and is on sale now, priced from €62,240 excluding delivery and related charges. The First Edition models are priced from €129,950.
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