The Range Rover Velar 2.0 P250 Dynamic HSE proves you don’t have to go home just because you didn’t go big.
Singapore - There never used to be any question when you mentioned “Range Rover”, because to many folks, there’s just THE Range Rover for all your stealth wealth urges.
Of course, we’re referring to the OG, oversized, anti-fashion model – the plush and lush 4x4 that pretty much defined the genre of luxury off-roaders when it was first launched over 50 years ago.
These days, there are other models under Range Rover’s big umbrella that work their magic downstream.
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This includes the entry-level Evoque (also, the smallest of the range), the Range Rover Sport and its gorgeous counterpart we tested – the Velar – which was recently updated with minor nips and tucks.
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Most notable among the updates is a new front grille, which gives the svelte Velar a modern, minimalist (or “reductive” as the brand calls it) air, especially in combination with the model’s characteristic “floating” roof and familiar retractable door handles.
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If you find the full-fat Range Rover too big and the Evoque too small, the Velar could well be the sweet spot, both in terms of size, silhouette and specifications. It doesn’t have its big brother’s imposing stature, but the Velar cuts a sleek and elegant figure as it eases its way through traffic.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre produces 250hp and 365Nm, with a nice wave of torque to ride-on from just 1300rpm. This translates to spritely performance from standstill, which is no mean feat given the Velar’s two-tonne kerbweight.
Even if it is no performance track star, the Velar never feels laggardly, as the 8spd automatic gearbox’s well-spaced ratios brings the stylish 4x4 briskly to cruising speed.
As with its big brother, a lot of the Velar’s magic lies in the tranquillity of the cabin, especially given the supple nature of its well-damped suspension. It is more contemporary comfort than old world opulent, with the occupants ensconced in a sophisticated refuge that helps detract from the drudge of the daily commute.
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The hushed progress isn’t your imagination either, because the Velar employs an Active Road Noise Cancellation technology, which is touted to reduce interior noise levels by a minimum of 4dB.
The physical controls have mostly gone – leaving only the stubby gear selector – with the car’s driving, comfort and convenience features accessed via the central “floating” 11.4-inch Pivi Pro curved glass touchscreen.
These migrations from physical to touchscreen tend to be cyclical, as some brands bring them back after they discover (through customer feedback and/or real-world test-use) certain essential controls should be controlled by physical buttons.
The minimalist look is chic, but finding an exact position on a slippery touchscreen whilst travelling on far from perfectly smooth roads can be distracting – worst if you’ve ventured off-road and can’t afford to look away from the road.
So far, we’ve found that the touchscreen on the Maserati Grecale is a masterclass in UX and has been intuitive enough to use without taking one’s eyes off the road.
As a brand with such a rich heritage, we’ve always felt that Range Rover’s evergreen cachet and appeal transcend fashion and the hype brigade, especially given its instantly recognisable design, regardless of model.
People love the big Rangie because it’s anti-cool and anti-establishment, and with no real substitute, the OG pretty much sells itself and it’s now available in all-electric guise to boot, which only adds to its waft-worthy performance.
Further downstream though – like in the cases of the Evoque and this Velar for instance – its models often face competition from the usual suspects: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche et al.
However, the reality is, when you’re looking for a Range Rover, you’re never really looking for anything else.
PHOTOS BY JLR
RANGE ROVER VELAR 2.0 P250 DYNAMIC HSE
Engine 1997cc, inline4, turbocharged
Power 250hp at 5500rpm
Torque 365Nm at 1300-4500rpm
0-100km/h 7.5secs
Top Speed 217km/h
Transmission 8spd Auto
