Whatever your opinion about modern Land Rovers, you must admit that some are stunning to behold. Take this handsome devil, the Range Rover Velar. It’s objectively good, too, and although it seems to be aimed more squarely at those living up in town rather than down in the country, it will still do all the rough stuff brilliantly given half a chance.
Underneath its suave exterior, there’s the choice of Land Rover 's 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol in the 247bhp P250 and 296bhp P300 or a 3.0-litre V6 petrol in the 375bhp P380. There’s also a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 in the 542bhp P550. Later models revised the Range Rover Velar line-up to just the P250, P400 and P400e petrol-electric plug-in hybrid.
Of the oil-burners, there was originally a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel in the 178bhp D180 and 237bhp D240, plus a 3.0-litre V6 in the 296bhp D300. Later on, the line-up was trimmed down to just a new D200 and the existing D300.
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While the D180’s 0-62mph time of 8.9sec won’t get you foaming at the mouth, it’s solid enough in the mid-range. Still, if you can afford it, the D300 is nicer, with more mid-range oomph. The P300 has 296bhp so it’s quick flat out, but there’s less shove lower down than the diesels provide, meaning you need to work it much harder. The 247bhp P250 petrol needs even more of a workout but still delivers its power smoothly.
Comfort varies depending on which suspension and alloy wheel option you have. The smallest 19in alloy wheels work best, because the ride can get quite fidgety on rough, pockmarked roads. Air suspension is standard on V6 models and provides a ride to suit your mood; Comfort mode is wafty, while Dynamic stiffens things up.
The Velar dashboard features two touchscreens, with two rotary dials on the lower screen (which deals with climate and driving modes) that control various functions depending on what’s displayed on the screen at the time. The one above looks after the sat-nav and media functions.
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Another JLR second hand promotion, without a single mention of what fails, what to look out for, common issues etc. Is Autocar worried the article will become too long for people to read?
I have to disagree. I thought the Velar was stunning the first time I saw it and still think it is a fantastic design. Beauty, beholder and all that!
I have only seen one since it came out, it was in Shanks White, and looked from the front like it had Mumps, a big fat Chin, maybe it was more popular in different Countries?, anyway, I don't think it was one of there best designs.
God these things look stupid. Like a 12yo's idea of a cool 4WD wagon.
Yeah I'm not keen either, front looks good but the rear and side views make it look ungainly to me. I'd much rather a standard range rover if I were to have such a thing.