… Range Rover Velar …
Once upon a time it was easy to select a Land Rover. If you wore tacketty boots you went for the Defender, the pony club lot went for a Freelander, welly wearers had a Disco and the shiny boots crowd opted for the Range Rover. Yup, life was much simpler then.
Then came the Evoque and now the Velar. Not only that, but the ever lengthening Options Lists for each model further complicates the simple matter of choice. With significant improvements in manufacturing technology, more flexible productions lines and ‘Just In Time’ deliveries, the huge scope for individual specifications and personalisation has started to make life hugely complicated all over again.
Take the new Velar for instance. The base model starts from 34 grand and goes up to 55, but if you start playing around with the Options List you can easily more than double those prices and that takes you well into Range Rover territory.
Apparently, the Velar was supposedly introduced as a more road focused carriage, although it still has impressive off-road credentials and capability. Think town car and cruiser that likes to get down and dirty every now and again.
Having sorted that out – some hope, eh? – the press car which turned up on the doorstep was a 2 litre twin turbo diesel HSE with automatic transmission sitting on 19 inch alloys. This really is a horse for all seasons. It is supremely comfortable on the motorway and main road cruise, equally comfortable and assured on cross country B and C roads and is an accomplished off-roader protecting the occupants from the worst of British pot holes, gravel tracks and grouse moors.
This is a serious all-rounder, but so is every other Land Rover product!
There is however one attribute that separates it out from the family. It’s the best looker in the range. Compared to its siblings, this is the one with the looks, if not the brawn or the brains.
It’s not a one trick pony though. It has power and performance to match its looks even with a modest 2 litre oil burner under the bonnet. The twin turbo four pot pushes out an impressively smooth 237 bhp and even with 1800 kgs to punt it along the roads it doesn’t feel underpowered.
Given that this is a Ranger Rover, the power, performance and delivery is what one would expect and just as you’d expect supreme luxury inside the cabin, you won’t be disappointed. The seats and seating position for a start are far better than some bespoke armchairs that sensible people have in their homes, while the dashboard and its display has more options and functionality than a Smart TV and games console.
On first climbing aboard, it looks for all the world like the designer forgot to fit instruments and controls. The flush mounted display panels are completely blank and blend darkly into the surrounds, till you fire it up. The three screens light up to reveal the Speedo and Rev Counter dead ahead with two more large information and touch control screens in the central console. Really clever.
Given the quality of the fit and finish, the comfortable seating and climate, and all the electronic wizardry, there is one drawback. When you reach your destination and climb out you won’t want to go back into an ‘ordinary’ car again. The Velar ruins you for accepting the ordinary.
The only fear I have concerns running costs. In taking the effort out of driving, there is so much going on with the electronic management of transmission, traction, steering, lighting, cameras and entertainment that maintenance must be a costly nightmare. But then again if you’re spending this sort of money then you can afford to be the dealer’s best friend.
Although the price of the test car was costed at just over £64,000, it had a few more extras! Extended leather upgrade pack, panoramic sunroof and an 825W Meridian Surround Sound system with 16 speakers! Mind you, the heated leather steering wheel was a most welcome extra when coming out of the hotel in Inverness on a cold and frosty February morning to get to the Snowman Rally.
When trying to justify the expense, there is one more consideration. Peace of mind. When you climb into one these you have the knowledge that this car has a better chance than most of coping with road and weather conditions. That means you have a better chance of getting where you need to be regardless of rain, hail, sleet or snow. And it’s safer.
Give me one of these and I’d look down my nose at ordinary mortals in their ordinary cars, even if they have a dancing horse or a rampant bull on the grille. This is a car for all seasons and all reasons.