Watch out Porsche Macan, because Land Rover has finally churned out a decent contender. Introducing the 2017 Range Rover Velar, which is the most aerodynamic and “car-like” SUV that Land Rover has ever created.
Sharing the same aluminium underpinnings with the Jaguar F-Pace (same wheelbase as well, at 2,874mm), the new Velar slots between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The bold front fascia aside, the Velar is easily differentiated by its slimmer headlights. The taillights are also slimmer and stretches throughout the entire rear section. And have you seen the panoramic glass roof?!
The Velar’s cabin however, seems to take a drastic departure from the current crop of Land Rovers. New here is the Touch Pro Duo, a dual-screen setup housed in the centre console for infotainment purposes. Separately, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster is also new. Boot space measures at 673 litres, but expands to 1,731 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
A total of six engines are currently offered – three turbocharged petrols and three turbodiesels, and all are paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Below are the figures for all six engines:
| Name | 2.0L D180 | 2.0L D240 | 3.0L D300 | 2.0L P250 | 2.0L P300 | 3.0L P380 |
| Engine | 2.0-litre Ingenium turbodiesel | 2.0-litre Ingenium turbodiesel | 3.0-litre V6 diesel turbo | 2.0-litre Ingenium turbo | 2.0-litre Ingenium turbo | 3.0-litre V6 petrol supercharged |
| Max Power | 178 hp | 237 hp | 296 hp | 247 hp | 296 hp | 375 hp |
| Max Torque | 430 Nm | 500 Nm | 700 Nm | 365 Nm | 400 Nm | 450 Nm |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 8.9 seconds | 7.3 seconds | 6.5 seconds | 6.7 seconds | n/a | 5.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 208 km/h | 216 km/h | 240 km/h | 216 km/h | n/a | 250 km/h |
The Velar is also available as an all-wheel drive only. It benefits from Configurable Dynamics that customises suspension settings, throttle response and power steering assistance. As with all Land Rovers, the Velar goes off-road but benefits from the newer Terrain Response 2 system.
A total of six trims is offered, including the sportier R-Dynamic and First Edition variants. The latter, offered for the first time by Land Rover, bundles the usual luxury bits together with a 1,600W sound system and 22-inch alloy wheels, though it’s available only for the 3.0-litre V6 petrol. A selection of 13 exterior colours are available.
The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Velar begins from £44,830 to £85,450.0 (approximately RM245k to RM467k), with deliveries beginning sometime by July this year.
Now, if you’re wondering if the Velar will make it to Malaysia, it will. Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has already indicated their intention of introducing it here by updating their website, so all we have to do now is sit back, relax and try not to be tempted by the Porsche Macan.
IMAGE GALLERY
