Exterior with a Smooth Design

It's not an exaggeration to say that this is the most strikingly styled car announced in 2017. The Range Rover "Velar" could be said.

As the fourth model for Range Rover, it is positioned between the "Sport" and the "Evoque". In terms of design consciousness, it could be said to be closer to the Evoque.

However, the Evoque has a unique ruggedness that forms its styling identity. The Velar takes a different approach.

I attended the unveiling event at the Design Museum in London. I was surprised at the time. The body, described with the term "reductionism," was novel with its smoothness, like an egg with almost no protrusions.

I've seen it at shows since then, but this test drive event in Karuizawa is my first opportunity to experience it firsthand. The fact that a mass-produced car with such styling has been created was, upon experiencing the actual vehicle, once again shocking.

The Velar sold in Japan comes in a rich variety of trims. Two types of 2-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engines with different outputs (250ps and 300ps), a 3-liter V6 engine, and a 2-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine will be introduced.

The specifications are divided into two main lines: "Core" and "R-Dynamic." The Core is the standard specification, while the R-Dynamic is characterized by "Burnished Copper" accents on the hood's air outlets, side air vents, and around the front air dam.

Furthermore, depending on the equipment level, there are four specifications: Basic, S, SE, and HSE. This means you can choose from 32 models.

Equipment common to all models primarily relates to driving. These include Hill Launch Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Low Traction Launch, Electronic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Torque Vectoring by Braking, and Hill Descent Control.

The Appeal Felt Just by Sitting in the Seat

The model test-driven was the 3-liter R-Dynamic SE. Compared to the S, this model adds Blind Spot Monitor, Driver Condition Monitor, and Reverse Traffic Detection.

Additionally, 360° Parking Aid, Matrix LED Headlamps, 20-inch wheels, a TFT Virtual Instrument Panel, and an 825-watt Meridian Surround Sound System are standard on the SE.

The HSE, in addition, is equipped with Blind Spot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Park Assist, perforated leather seats, 21-inch wheels, and extended leather interior.

It is combined with a full-time 4WD system that normally distributes torque 50:50 but can vary the torque distribution to the front or rear wheels up to 100% depending on the situation.

One of the great things about Range Rover is the appeal you feel even before you start driving. In the Velar, too, when you sit in the slightly elevated seat, you're captivated by the novel design of the all-black glass-resin LCD screen.

Like the exterior, the interior is full of a special feeling that can only be obtained with this car. The unity of materials, the restrained color scheme, and the texture of the materials used at key points. The superb finish truly appeals to the owner's pride.

Satisfying Off-Road Capability on Rough Roads and in the City

The Velar R-Dynamic SE is equipped with the 3-liter V6 engine. This V6 is a unit originally designed by Ford, which Land Rover has refined and installed in the Range Rover.

It used to be an uninspiring engine. I recall it having significant noise and vibration, and not being enjoyable to rev. However, in the Velar, it feels very luxurious. They must have made skillful improvements.

The torque is delivered generously in response to the accelerator pedal input. As a result, the acceleration is quite good. Even when the revs rise, it's not unpleasant to the ear, and the vibrations are well suppressed.

Velar R-Dynamic S

Strong power begins to emerge just above 1000 rpm, and it reaches astonishing speeds in no time. Because it's so quiet, it's best to keep a close eye on the speedometer when driving it for the first time.

The steering wheel accurately communicates the road conditions. The vehicle's response is quick when turning from the neutral position to either side. It can be driven with a passenger car-like feel.

Even when driving on the narrow roads of a villa district in Karuizawa, I didn't feel anxious about the vehicle's delayed response to steering. It's set up to be thoroughly enjoyable in the city, not as an off-road vehicle.

While its off-road performance is also a point of pride, it seems there are no inconveniences when used as a passenger car. In terms of styling, it seems most suited for urban environments.

The ride quality feels somewhat firm. Perhaps it's due to the tires. There are selectable drive modes: Sport, Comfort, and Eco, but Comfort might be best for non-highway driving.

It has a soft, floating sensation, which is my personal preference. It's a good feeling, characteristic of its heavy upper body. As a postscript, even in Eco mode, it's sufficiently fast.

The Appeal Lies in the Elegant Interior and Abundant Choices

The Range Rover Velar is, above all, a car that catches the eye. Its meticulously crafted styling also exudes a sense of hospitality.

As I touched upon briefly earlier, the interior quality is high. I believe the touch of each part has been carefully considered. There are no rough textures or unnecessarily cold sensations.

Another characteristic of the Velar is its seats. While there are leather seats, there are also fabric seats, considered as luxurious as leather, from the Danish company Kvadrat.

When you actually sit in them, they have a warm feel and suit the Velar very well. They feel like a high-quality suede jacket, gently cradling your body when you sit down. It reminded me that truly high-end home furniture is also often upholstered in fabric.

Meanwhile, when the engine is off, the dash panel with only four circular dials is novel and bold. One of these is the automatic transmission gear selector. The design is unified.

It is said to have been developed by a major Japanese electronics manufacturer, and when you touch it, the display lights up as if it has come to life. The dials are multi-functional, allowing you to select drive modes or adjust the temperature.

The wide range of body colors and interior colors and materials is also a major attraction. The floating roof, with all pillars blacked out, is a stylistic identity of the Range Rover.

Personally, if I were to choose, I would focus on the "Black Contrast Roof" rather than the body color, as it gives a sportier atmosphere.

Prices start from 6.99 million yen for the 4-cylinder diesel in the basic model. The 250ps 4-cylinder gasoline model starts at 7.15 million yen. The 300ps 4-cylinder model starts at 7.78 million yen. The 3-liter V6 model starts at 9.08 million yen. The R-Dynamic is 480,000 yen more expensive than the Core. The V6 R-Dynamic SE I test-drove is 11.29 million yen.