[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/off-road-cars\/range-rover-velar-reviews\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/off-road-cars\/range-rover-velar-reviews\/","headline":"Range Rover Velar reviews – what the critics think","name":"Range Rover Velar reviews – what the critics think","description":"It\u2019s not every day we get a new Range Rover. Those two words command the respect of everyone from mud-soaked farmers to WAGs, such is their ability to express raw diligence and effortless glam – something most cars can only dream of. Recent research found that Premier League footballers are more likely to own an Evoque compact SUV than any other car. However, that could soon change with the arrival of the Velar, which plugs the gap in the range […]","datePublished":"2017-08-03","dateModified":"2018-12-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Range-Rover-Velar-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Range-Rover-Velar-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/off-road-cars\/range-rover-velar-reviews\/","about":["Land Rover","OFF ROADING"],"wordCount":635,"keywords":["Jaguar Land Rover","Land Rover","Range Rover","Range Rover Velar","SUV"],"articleBody":"It\u2019s not every day we get a new Range Rover. Those two words command the respect of everyone from mud-soaked farmers to WAGs, such is their ability to express raw diligence and effortless glam – something most cars can only dream of.Recent research found that Premier League footballers are more likely to own an Evoque compact SUV than any other car.However, that could soon change with the arrival of the Velar, which plugs the gap in the range between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport – many actually compared the car to a stretched out Evoque when it was revealed back in March.But is it any good? The British motoring press recently got behind the wheel to find out and we\u2019ve scoured all the opinions that matter to give you a balanced picture of its pros and cons.The lookThere are many elements that are common across the Range Rover family, including similar profiles, shared front-ends and carried-over headlights.That doesn\u2019t bother Auto Express though, who complimented the Velar\u2019s \u201cclean and uncluttered style\u201d. They particularly liked the subtle detailing, notably the crease line that runs from the front light to the back through the elongated side vents.It\u2019s little things like this that have cemented design director Gerry McGovern\u2019s status as a master of minimalist car design, AE reckoned.Writing for the Telegraph, Andrew English agreed that the Velar was \u201cintriguing and handsome\u201d, carrying the stamp of the Jeep Wagoneer – the first-ever SUV from the 1960s.Car Magazine appreciated the Velar\u2019s \u201csimple shape\u201d too, hailing it \u201cone of the cleanest, tightest, most cohesive designs on the road today\u201d that is perhaps too slick for its own good, making everything else in the Range Rover line-up \u201clook dated\u201d.Inside, the Velar is just as much of a treat, Car Mag goes on, with a panoramic sunroof lending the cabin a bright airy feel. The dashboard continues the reductive ethos despite integrating a pair of well-honed 10-inch colour touchscreens.Leather upholstery is a given, but the Velar introduces a new textile made from a tough wool blend too, creating an immediately warm Scandinavian comfort.On the roadLand Rover has been shouting for the rooftops how the Velar is the \u201cmost car-like\u201d Range Rover yet without compromising off-roading capability and it seems to have won over the critics.The Velar\u2019s engine range comprises three diesels and three petrols, as well as a tasty range-topping 375bhp supercharged V6 – lifted straight out of the F-Type – that\u2019s good for 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds.Driving the top three-litre V6 turbodiesel, Car Magazine said the Velar made for an effortless drive and came across as \u201ca long-distance GT dressed as an SUV\u201d. They noted how it \u201ccruises fast and clean\u201d, doing track straights brilliantly and confidently. \u201cIt\u2019s built for devouring distances,\u201d they added.Pin-sharp handling has never been a strong point for Range Rovers and the Velar doesn\u2019t change that, What Car? adds. Regardless, the Telegraph described steering as \u201clight but accurate\u201d and ride comfort as \u201coutstanding\u201d.VerdictCar Magazine\u2019s Mark Walton didn\u2019t \u201cjust like it\u201d, he \u201cabsolutely love it\u201d, reserving particular affection for its ability to combine Range Rover\u2019s \u201cadventurous, go-anywhere connotations with the sleek, long-distance confidence of a German supersaloon\u201d. Five stars from Mark.Auto Express\u2019 Steve Fowler gifted it four, hailing the \u201csuper-stylish\u201d Velar as \u201cone of the most desirable SUVs you can buy\u201d.What Car? also dished out four stars and despite complimenting its styling and refinement, reckoned its rivals had better finishing and were more practical.So it looks like the fourth member of the Range Rover family is a winner. Would you like to see the new Velar on your driveway? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section. 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