Range Rover has officially revealed the Velar, the vehicle that fills 'the gap' between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport.

The Velar will officially debut at the Geneva motor show next week, but Range Rover has already taken the covers off for its internet debut. The Velar sits on the same platform as the Jaguar F-Pace, featuring a light and stiff aluminium structure. Intrinsic to Range Rover's philosophy is all-terrain capability, which the Velar is imbued with. All-wheel drive is standard fitment and there's the option to add Range Rover's legendary Terrain Response 2 system. There are further off-road systems available with All Terrain Progress Control, Low Traction Launch, Hill Descent Control and Gradient Release Control. Ground clearance is impressive with the air suspension models sitting 251 mm off the ground and the coil spring versions 213 mm off the ground. Air suspension is standard on the V6 models and available as an optional extra on the other models. All models have adaptable dynamics to adjust the ride comfort.

Engine lineup

There are both turbodiesel and turbopetrol engines available in 4 and 6-cylinder configuration. At the entry end of the Velar engine range there is a 2-litre turbodiesel engine available with 132 kW/430 Nm. The upgrade of this is the twin-turbo Ingenium engine which delivers 176 kW/500 Nm with little effect on the fuel consumption compared to the entry engine. The third diesel option in the range is the 3.0-litre V6, similar to the F-Pace. It delivers 221 kW and 700 Nm of torque. Two petrol engines are also an option with the new 2.0-litre Ingenium engine putting out 184 kW and 365 Nm. The top of the range petrol is the supercharged V6 that cranks out 280 kW and 450 Nm of torque. This engine rockets the large SUV to 100 kph in just 5.3 seconds. all engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

New infotainment system

Range Rover is debuting a new technology which it calls Touch Pro Duo. The system features two 10-inch high-definition touchscreens one above the other. The top screen deals with all the infotainment requirements such as media, navigation and phone connections. This screen also tilts by up to 30-degrees so the driver can set it at the right angle if there's sun or glare coming off the screen. The bottom screen now includes what used to be button controlled options on Range Rovers. The touchscreen deals with climate control and terrain response settings. There are 2 USB ports up front and another two for the rear occupants and three 12V socket ports throughout the Velar. A waterproof activity key is available, much like what first debuted on the F-Pace, it allows the key to be left in the car whilst the owner wears a shock and waterproof transponder that when pressed to the badge on the tailgate, will open the boot.

Interior

The Velar claims to have ample space for all occupants and features a large, 632-litre boot. Once the seats are folded flat, it opens up 1 731-litres of load space. The rear seats can be lowered from the boot with 2 levers that quickly unlock the seats allowing them to flop down. The boot has a gesture operated tailgate that opens with a kick action below the rear bumper.

The Velar will be headed to our shores in the 4th quarter of 2017 with pricing being announced closer to the time.

Previously

The Range Rover family is expanding with the imminent reveal of the Velar SUV to be shown at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

There’s a new SUV on its way from Range Rover and it’s called the Velar. The new Velar SUV will take its place in the Range Rover stable, slotting between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport. The Velar is derived from the Latin name verlare meaning veil or cover, originally used to conceal the identity of Range Rover prototypes of 1969. The new model will make its public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show early in March 2017.

“We call the Velar the avant-garde Range Rover. It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything,” said Land Rover Chief Design Officer, Gerry McGovern.

The Velar will sit between the Evoque and Sport in Ranger Rover's vehicle range.

According to Land Rover, the Velar embodies “elegant simplicity, a visually reductive approach and pioneering consumer technology”. Furthermore, the new model is said to adopt sustainable materials and advanced engineering and will be capable for any occasion and terrain.

More details regarding the Range Rover Velar will be revealed on 1 March 2017 and we will surely keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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