Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
Reviews

2018 Range Rover VELAR

By Benjamin Yong, 20 Mar, 2018 04:12 PM

    AN SUV never looked so good

     
     
     
    With formerly only three products under the Range Rover umbrella, it’s clear the brand is all about quality over quantity. However, the family grows a little bigger with the introduction of a fourth member: the Velar mid-size luxury SUV.
     
    Designed to fill the gap between the smaller Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, the Velar – recently taking honours for the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada (AJAC) Best Small Premium Utility Vehicle – is the first example to display a so-called visually reductive approach that will define the next generation of models.
     
     
    “We call the Velar the avant-garde Range Rover. It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything,” says Land Rover chief design officer Gerry McGovern. “Velar is now the compelling, stand-out design in the class, showcasing perfectly optimised volume, powerful, taut surfaces and a stunning silhouette.”
     
    The profile of the vehicle is clean and minimalistic, making every other previous offering look like a box on wheels, with little clutter on the body between the long 2,874-millimetre wheelbase to distract the eye. Even the door handles are flush-mounted and deploy in an electronic pop-out manner similar to the Jaguar F-TYPE. All the pillars and side mirrors are blacked out, and the sleekest headlamps ever created by the brand sit at the front, housing full LED lighting. 
     
     
    It’s a similar story in the cabin as well. Many physical switches as possible have been done away with, with many controls relocated to a futuristic take on the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, now complete with dual 10-inch high-definition touch screens. The displays are hidden away and do not appear until they are activated and lit. 
     
    The top unit is gently curved and is responsible for relaying navigation, media and phone information and even news and weather. Below, there are digital controls for changing climate settings. Inputs happen lightning quick, especially compared to prior versions of the software, which product engineering executive director Nick Rogers attributes to major strides in hardware. 
     
     
    “Our cutting-edge, consumer technology developed by our pioneering engineers provides an intuitive interface with unrivalled performance and functionality. Touch Pro Duo’s super-fast quad core processor and stunning graphics mean that the driver always has the best information needed exactly when they need it,” says Rogers.
     
    Two engines are available: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel developing 180 horsepower and a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 with 380 horsepower, the latter which I borrowed to drive for a week. Both mills are mated to the seamless shifting Jaguar Land Rover standard eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. 
     
    The Velar isn’t just pretty, but is designed to be just as off-road capable as its siblings. All-wheel drive is standard, and when equipped with the optional air suspension, the SUV gains a ground clearance of 251 millimetres a maximum wading depth of 650 millimetres. Terrain Response 2 is also present, a traction control system that optimizes grip on a variety of driving surfaces including gravel, mud, sand and rock.
     
     
    Prices start at $62,000 for the S diesel trim. During this first year of sales, Canada receives 50 units of a grade-topping First Edition model bundled with the V6 and premium interior finishes, a 1,600-watt stereo and three exclusive paint colours: Corris Grey, Silicon Silver, and a unique Flux Silver satin finish hand sprayed at the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations centre in the U.K.
     
     
    HIGHTLIGHTS:
     
    MSRP(as tested): $73,000  
    Motor: 3.0-litre supercharged V6
    Horsepower: 375 @ 6,500 rpm  
    Torque (lb-ft): 332 @ 3,500 rpm   
    Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic   
    Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive   
    Fuel economy: 18.6 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

    MORE Reviews ARTICLES

    Wax On, Wax Off: Tips to wax your car

    Wax On, Wax Off: Tips to wax your car
    Learn how to wax your car fast without paying a detailer top dollar

    Wax On, Wax Off: Tips to wax your car

    Dealing with stubborn winter build-up on cars

    Dealing with stubborn winter build-up on cars
    What you use to treat your car is your best weapon against stubborn household grime

    Dealing with stubborn winter build-up on cars

    2017 Jaguar F-PACE: F-TYPE meets SUV

    2017 Jaguar F-PACE: F-TYPE meets SUV
    “We designed the all-new F-PACE to be first and foremost a Jaguar. That’s why it has exciting proportions, a dynamic stance, pure surfaces and a beautiful sensuality about it. 

    2017 Jaguar F-PACE: F-TYPE meets SUV

    Mercedes-AMG C63 S: Second-gen C63 S sportiest C-Class ever 2017

    Mercedes-AMG C63 S: Second-gen C63 S sportiest C-Class ever 2017
    Calling the 2017 C63 S Coupe the “sportiest C-Class ever,” as Mercedes-AMG has done, is a big statement, as the outgoing version launched in 2011 wasn’t exactly a boxy slouch.

    Mercedes-AMG C63 S: Second-gen C63 S sportiest C-Class ever 2017

    2017 Honda Accord Hybrid: Return of the two-motor hybrid

    2017 Honda Accord Hybrid:  Return of the two-motor hybrid
    When the Honda Accord Hybrid burst onto the scene in 2014 with a classically handsome appearance and innovative two-motor design, it stood out in its class. 

    2017 Honda Accord Hybrid: Return of the two-motor hybrid

    2017 Volkswagen Golf R

    2017 Volkswagen Golf R
    The 2017 R is built on the current generation Mk7 Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, shared throughout the Golf range and with subsidiary brands such as Audi, Seat and Skoda.

    2017 Volkswagen Golf R