2020 Range Rover Velar Review: HSE D300
Content
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
- How practical is the interior space? 7/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 8/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10
- What is it like to drive? 8/10
- Verdict
The Land Rover Range Rover Velar looked fast just standing in my lane. He also looked big. And expensive. And also not a very Range Rover.
So, was the Velar R-Dynamic HSE really fast, big, expensive, and a real Range Rover, or is this SUV just a look?
I found out when this one moved in with us for a week to live with my family.
| Land Rover Range Rover Velar 2020: D300 HSE (221 kW) | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 3.0 L turbo |
| fuel type | Diesel |
| Fuel efficiency | 6.8l / 100km |
| Landing | 5 Places |
| Price from | $101,400 |
Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10
Can you believe there is actually someone who doesn't think Velar is amazing? It's true, I met him. And for fear of retribution, I'll keep his identity a secret, but let's just say he looks more like a Suzuki Jimny. And while I can appreciate the aesthetic solidity of the microscopic Jimny, the Velar couldn't be more different.
The design of the Velar is also very different from the traditional giant brick styling of the Range Rover.
The design of the Velar is also very different from the traditional giant brick design of the Range Rover, with its swept-back profile and smooth surfaces almost devoid of lines. Look at how those front and rear lights sit almost completely flush with the panels around them - wow, this is pure car porn.
When the Velar is locked, the door handles fit snugly into the door panels, like a Tesla, and open when the car is unlocked—another theatrical hint that the Velar designers wanted this SUV to look more slippery than a bar of wet soap.
The Velar designers wanted this SUV to look more slippery than a bar of wet soap.
The pictures I took don't do justice to the Velar. The side shots are taken with the air suspension at its highest position, while the front and rear three-quarter shots are taken with the Velar on at its lowest setting, giving it a stiffness.
The Velar I tested had an HSE badge on the back, which means it's top of the line. If you look closely, you'll see another badge, tiny, that says R-Dynamic, which is a sports package that adds air intakes at the front, vents in the hood, and gives them a "Shiny Copper" paint job that looks like a rose. gold. Inside the R-Dynamic package are bright metal pedals and sill plates.
Salon Velar R-Dynamic HSE is beautiful and modern. In Land Rover style, the cabin looks robust with large dials and a clear layout, but the double-deck displays and multifunction switchgear are technologically sophisticated.
Light Oyster (let's call it white) Windsor leather seats round out the upscale interior, and if you look closely at the perforation, the Union Jack pops up in front of you. Not literally, it would be very dangerous while driving, but the pattern in the shape of the flag of the United Kingdom will become apparent.
A sliding panoramic sunroof, tinted glass and "Santorini Black" paint were options, and you can read about how much they cost, as well as the Velar's list price below.
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
The Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic is on sale for $126,554. It comes standard with the exterior trims that come with the R-Dynamic package mentioned above, as well as matrix LED headlights with DRL, a power tailgate with gestures, and 21-inch spoked wheels in “Satin Dark Gray” finish.
The Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic retails for $126,554.
Also standard are touchless unlock, 20-way adjustable heated and cooled front seats, Windsor leather upholstery, power steering column, leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, Meridian stereo system, satellite navigation and dual touchscreens.
Optional features on our Velar included a sliding panoramic roof ($4370), head-up display ($2420), "Driver Assistance Package" ($2223), metallic black paint ($1780), "Road Driving Package" ( $1700). ), "Convenience Package" ($1390), electronic differential ($1110), digital radio ($940), privacy glass ($890), and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ($520).
Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic received 21-inch 10-spoke wheels.
Prices checked for our car were $144,437 excluding travel expenses.
You don't need all of these features, and often Land Rover will customize our test vehicles to showcase what's available extra, but still, charging for Apple CarPlay is a bit cheeky when it's standard on a $30k hatchback.
How practical is the interior space? 7/10
The Velar looks big, but measurements show it is 4803mm long, 1903mm wide and 1665mm high. It's not that much, and the cozy cabin is a cozy reminder that this is a midsize SUV.
The cozy interior is a cozy reminder that this is a midsize SUV.
There's plenty of room in the front for the driver and co-pilot, and things get a little cramped in the back, but even at 191cm tall, I still have about 15mm of legroom behind the driver's seat. Headroom in the second row is excellent, even with the optional sunroof that the test Velar wore.
The Velar is a five-seat SUV, but that uncomfortable middle space in the back wouldn't be my first seating choice.
Headroom in the second row is excellent, even with the optional sunroof that the test Velar wore.
Trunk volume is 558 liters, which is 100 liters more than the Evoque and about 100 liters less than the Range Rover Sport.
Air suspension is standard on D300-powered Velars and not only provides a comfortable ride, but also allows you to lower the rear of the SUV so you don't have to carry bags so high in the trunk.
Trunk volume is 558 liters, which is 100 liters more than the Evoque.
Storage in the cabin could be better, but you have four cup holders (two in the front and two in the second row), four pockets in the doors (small), a basket on the center console (also small, but with two USB ports and 12 - volt socket) and a strange square hole next to the switch. You will find another 12-volt socket in the second row and another one in the luggage compartment.
At this price point, we'd like to see more outlets like rear USB ports and wireless phone charging as standard equipment.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10
Land Rover offers a wide range of engines, trims and features... probably too many to choose from.
The Velar I tested was HSE class, but with a D300 engine (the most powerful diesel).
The Velar I tested was HSE class but with a D300 engine (the most powerful diesel) and a 6kW/221Nm turbo V700. You don't have to upgrade to an HSE to get this engine, you can install it on an entry-level Velar too.
The D300 is very quiet for a diesel, but it's still noisy, and if you can see that bothering you, then there are two petrol engines that make even more power. The fact is that no gasoline engine in the Velar lineup develops the same high torque as the D300.
The Velar is an all-wheel drive car and wouldn't be a true Range Rover if it didn't have off-road capability, which it does. There are several off-road modes to choose from, from mud ruts to sand and snow.
The head-up display also shows axis articulation and tilt angle. Our Velar was equipped with an off-road package, which you can read about below.
Velar has a trailer towing braking capacity of 2400 kg.
The eight-speed automatic shifts beautifully, decisively, smoothly, but a little slowly.
How much fuel does it consume? 8/10
Land Rover claims the Velar's fuel consumption on open and city roads is 6.6 l/100 km. I couldn't match it but measured 9.4L/100km at the pump. Still not bad - if it was a gasoline V6, then the figure would be higher.
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
In 2017, Velar received the highest five-star ANCAP rating. It comes standard with six airbags, high speed AEB, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and lane keeping assist.
On the second row you will find two ISOFIX anchor points and three anchor points for the top tether for child seats.
Under the boot floor is a compact spare wheel.
Under the boot floor is a compact spare wheel.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10
The Velar is covered by a three-year Land Rover or 100,000 km warranty with 3.0-litre V6 diesel options recommended yearly or every 26,000 km.
130,000/2200 roadside assistance is also available throughout the warranty period. A five-year XNUMX km service plan is available for the Velar with a maximum cost of $XNUMX.
What is it like to drive? 8/10
Put your foot up and you'll see the hood lift up and 100 km/h rush towards you in 6.7 seconds. This is something I never get tired of during a week with the Velar R-Dynamic HSE. I also didn't get tired of the light, precise steering or the excellent visibility.
The Velar R-Dynamic HSE D300 is excellent and easy to drive.
But the ride, while comfortable on that air suspension when cruising smooth motorways, had a sharp edge on speed bumps and potholes, which I think was the fault of the 21-inch rims and 45-profile Continental Cross Contact tires.
The turbodiesel engine is prone to a bit of lag at times, and while this isn't a big deal, it did occasionally ruin a moment during sporty driving when the Velar shifted up and I had to wait a bit for the mumbo to come back.
That peak torque range is narrow too (1500-1750rpm) and I found myself controlling the shifting with paddle shifters to stay in it.
However, the Velar R-Dynamic HSE D300 is excellent and easy to drive.
If you're ditching bitumen, Velar has more to offer than meets the eye. Our test car was equipped with the optional Off-Road Pack, which includes Terrain Response 2 and All Terrain Progress Control. The fording depth of 650 mm is also not frail.
Verdict
I think the Velar R-Dynamic HSE D300 is the most beautiful Range Rover ever made and one of the most stylish SUVs money can buy. It's also fast, not too expensive, and a true Range Rover. However, it's not big, and if you're looking for a seven-seater, you'll have to step up to the big daddy Range Rover.
Do the right thing, don't skimp on the engine and opt for the D300 diesel with its mammoth torque and the Velar will give you driving pleasure as good as it looks.
I don't think it's necessary to upgrade to the HSE level at all and it's a free option to go for smaller wheels wrapped in higher profile tires - just saying.
