Land Rover hopes that a few tweaks will boost the Velar’s appeal even further - but is that the case? Let’s find out.
In this review we cover?
- What is the Range Rover Velar?
- Updates to the Range Rover Velar
- Performance of the Range Rover Velar
- How does the Range Rover Velar drive?
- Exterior of Range Rover Velar
- Interior Range Rover Velar
- Spec of the Range Rover Velar
- Range Rover Velar verdict
What is it?
Range Rover’s classily-styled Velar was introduced as a sort of halfway house between the Evoque and the full-fat Range Rover Sport. With premium features and touches dotted throughout it, the Range Rover Velar has proved popular, but that hasn’t stopped Land Rover from giving it a mid-life facelift.
It hopes that a few tweaks will boost the Velar’s appeal even further - but is that the case? Let’s find out.
What’s new?
Though on the face of it it’s hard to tell what has changed with the new Velar, the developments under the skin have been quite extensive. The Velar now gets a range of JLR’s latest engines, including 3.0-litre diesel and petrol units incorporating mild-hybrid technology, as well as a new four-cylinder petrol plug-in hybrid.
Active road noise cancellation has also been fitted to ensure that the cabin remains as hushed as possible, while JLR’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system has been incorporated into the cabin, replacing the older setup which was really starting to show its age.
What’s under the bonnet?
As mentioned, there are two petrols and one diesel engine - all incorporating mild-hybrid technology - giving buyers after a more conventional powertrain an option - with a new plug-in hybrid setup sitting alongside.
The plug-in hybrid could be one of the strongest options for the Velar, too. It has 398bhp and 640Nm of torque, which means it’s got more than enough punch to get the Velar up to speed in a quick enough fashion. The diesel, however, is also a great option for those who value high-speed refinement.
What’s it like to drive?
The Velar has never been pitched as an overtly sporty model and that attitude has been retained for this updated version. It’s a relaxing car to drive, favouring a more sedate pace than other cars in JLR’s stable. The noise cancellation technology means that the cabin stays supremely hushed, while the quiet engines settle into the background.
Both the diesel and plug-in hybrid feel well-suited to the Velar, offering easily-accessible performance with a real focus on refinement. The diesel can prove a little grumbly when pushed hard, but this really is a tiny criticism in what is an otherwise well-rounded driving experience.
How does it look?
The Velar has always been the classiest of JLR’s cars in terms of design, so it’s little wonder why things have been kept much the same for this facelifted version. It’s a big car, of course, but it doesn’t feel intimidating or brash, with the car’s rounded panels giving it a softer appearance than other rival SUVs.
This updated Velar features redesigned front lights and redesigned lower front bumpers, but it’s a really subtle change overall.
What’s it like inside?
There were few complaints about the Velar’s interior when it was initially introduced, so many areas of the cabin have been left the same. There’s still a great approach to materials, with high-end finishes used throughout the car’s interior. They combine to make it into a really plush place to sit.
Space-wise the Velar ticks the boxes too, with a good level of knee and headroom available for those sitting in the back - though taller passengers might find it a touch tight. In terms of boot space, the Velar offers 632 litres as standard which can be boosted to 1,690 litres by folding the rear seats down.
What’s the spec like?
Given that it’s a premium vehicle it’ll come as little surprise that the Velar is packed with features. As mentioned earlier it now benefits from JLR’s new Pivi Pro system, which has been incorporated into other facelifted models. It’s a shame that, in the Velar, it’s accessed by a smaller screen than we’ve seen in other cars, though the lower screen for climate control functions looks great and operates well too.
Other standard equipment includes two-zone climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights.
Verdict
The Velar delivers a brilliantly rounded experience and feels like the sweet spot in Jaguar Land Rover’s range of more road-focused cars. It’s got a great interior, classy exterior styling and a host of high-tech functions, too.
The range of engines on offer is good, too, with buyers of all types well catered for.