The Range Rover Velar will go on sale in Summer, priced from £44,830, with a choice of six powertrains including a frugal 2.0-litre diesel.
Land Rover felt the gap between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport was too big and therefore this new model will slot in between the two, bringing extra luxury and refinement to the mid-size SUV segment.
It is closely related to the Jaguar F-Pace, which is likely to be a key rival.
The most frugal, known as D180, develops 180PS and 430Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-60mph takes 8.4 seconds, with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 52.5mpg and 142g/km respectively.
A more powerful D240 employs two turbochargers boosting power to 240PS and 500Nm. This enables acceleration from 0-60mph in only 6.8 seconds while returning 48.7mpg and 154g/km CO2.
There will also be a 300PS V6 diesel, a four-cylinder ingenium petrol and a supercharged V6 petrol with 380PS. All models use and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Standard equipment includes keyless entry, LED headlights and heated seats. There are four further trim levels: S,SE, HSE and R-Dynamic.
Moving through the range will gain larger alloy-wheels (up to 22-inch), electric seats, air-suspension and semi-autonomous driving tech.
Flush deployable door handles – a Range Rover-first – feature subtle LED illumination and quickly deploy when the doors are unlocked via the key fob, or by pressing a discreet button set into the handle. They retract seamlessly into the doors when the car is locked, or at speeds above five mph, improving aerodynamic efficiency for improved fuel efficiency.
Inside the Velar features two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens of the new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. The infotainment system features two multi-function rotary controllers and are distinguished by their tactile, rubberised outer surface, Satin Chrome bezels and seamlessly-integrated digital display screens.
In front of the driver are twin-analogue dials with a five-inch TFT display between them, or, as standard from SE specification and above, a 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display. This high-definition virtual instrument cluster delivers a rich, high-technology experience and allows the driver to prioritise key information: a two-dial layout with an information panel in the centre, a one-dial layout flanked by dual information displays, or a full-map view when navigation features.
For those interested in practicality luggage compartment volume is 632 litres, which grows to 1,731-litres with the rear seats folded, plus maximum towing capacity is 2,500kg.
The Velar is equipped with a range of advanced technology to deliver composure and agility on-road, and class-leading capability off-road.
The most significant of these is an intelligent, efficient, torque on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which provides the optimum torque distribution to suit the conditions, whether dynamic driving on tarmac roads or pulling away on polished ice.
Land Rover’s Terrain Response system allows the driver to adjust vehicle settings to suit prevailing surface conditions, with a choice of Eco, Comfort, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand, and – on R-Dynamic models – Dynamic mode. Each alters the calibration of the engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system, suspension, and stability control systems for optimum traction and composure.
More articles on:
Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
Login to comment
Comments
No comments have been made yet.