Range Rover Velar Gets Updated Look and a Big Screen
Wearing a name that was once used for a series of first-generation pre-production Range Rovers in the 60s, the current Velar is arguably the sexiest SUV currently on the market.
It’s currently in its final few years before a new model, rumoured to be fully electric. That said, the British marque has given its Velar range a subtle update to boost its appeal for the current model year.
By subtle, we mean it gains a set of Pixel LED headlights with jewel-like effect signature daytime running lights while the rear is fitted with a more pronounced overhang, a new lower bumper and new LED taillights with a full-length stop-lamp.
The update comes with two new colour options; Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Grey.
Stepping inside, you are greeted by the brand’s latest Pivi Pro floating curved glass infotainment system that measures 11.4”, new materials and seat designs. There are four new leather colourways; Cloud, Caraway, Raven Blue and Deep Garnet. They are further complemented by a curated choice of details such as new Moonlight Chrome on the steering wheel, centre console surrounds and air vents.
Buyers can choose between Technical Light Anodised or Dark Anodised Aluminium or tactile Shadow Grey Ash wood veneer trim finishers. A Meridian 3D Surround Sound System is offered as an option.
In South Africa, the Velar will be available in four variants, including the plug-in hybrid P400e. There are two petrol and two diesel options on offer.
The P340 is powered by a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine with a mild-hybrid system good for 250 kW and 480 Nm, while the P400e comes with a smaller 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol unit paired with a 105 kW electric motor for a total of 297 kW and 640 Nm.
The P400e has an expected real-world range of up to 64 km on sole battery power, thanks to a larger 19.2 kWh battery pack that can be recharged from 0-80% in 30 minutes when using the rapid 50 kW DC charger. The British marque claims a 7 kW home charger can charge the P400e from 0-100% in about two and a half hours.
As for the oil burners, the D200 packs a 2.0-litre diesel 4-cylinder engine with 146 kW and 430 Nm, while the D300 employs a larger 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 221 kW and 650 Nm.
The entire range shuffles through an 8-speed automatic transmission that shoves power to all four corners. The Adaptive Dynamics system is standard on all 6-cylinder and PHEV models plus Dynamic HSEs 4-cylinder variants.
Though we felt like the Velar has been neglected since its local launch in 2017, it’s a much sharper product than its fraternal twin, the Jaguar F-Pace. The subtle refresh may have again put it on the luxury SUV radar.
The refreshed Range Rover Velar is expected to launch in SA midway through 2023, and pricing will be announced closer to that time.
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