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Range Rover Velar 3.0 Turbo V6 Diesel (A) First Drive Review
21 Aug 2017|22,538 views
What We Like
700Nm of torque from the 3.0-litre diesel engine!
Refined engine
Cabin insulation is top notch
Highly capable off-road as it is on the tarmac
Very good-looking SUV
What We Dislike
The diesel variants will not be coming to Singapore
Range Rovers have always been known for their glamorous image and machismo presence, with strong associations with soccer superstars, celebrity fashionistas and even the Royal family of England.
While a quick glance at Rangie's current lineup will continue to show you just how strong-footed the cars are in terms of off-road luxury, they are no longer the cars of old where square-cut designs, chunky buttons and a huge gear lever are seen as current, even if the best school is old school.
Cabin of the Velar sports a sense of newfound modernity
The Range Rover Velar, a good-looking mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) that goes against the likes of the BMW X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, continues Rangie's very own modern setting where it effortlessly blends limousine luxury with genuine off-road capability, and then some.
The force is strong with this one
The diesel variant you see here, while irrelevant to Singapore at this point of time, plays a crucial role in demonstrating just how advanced the English marque has become.
On the move, there is nary any diesel clatter, not even at three-digit speeds. This has perhaps got largely to do with the Velar's excellent cabin insulation because even wind and road noises are kept well at bay. The only difference that tells the diesel and the petrol variant apart is the way the two cars accelerates from a standstill. And even then, you'll need to be driving the two different variants back-to-back.
Round bends, the mid-size SUV manages to maintain its composure, even at high speeds
The 3.0-litre diesel, with its mountain-moving 700Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm, is immediately stronger off the line. It punches through the air with a steady surge with no lag whatsoever, allowing you to finish the century sprint in 6.5 seconds. Despite this figure being a second slower than the petrol variant that we tested, it feels a lot faster in real-world driving.
It's a true blue Range Rover and more
For the rest of the part, the car remains to be as capable as the 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged First Edition that we tested and with the different off-road terrains, which we went through on our test routes, there's no reason for us to believe it'll be otherwise for the smaller 2.0-litre petrol variant that will also be introduced to Singapore.
On one occasion, we had to select the Grass Gravel Snow driving mode via the 10-inch Touch Duo Pro and travel over 5km towards the top of a 1,042m mountain, which is more than six times that of Bukit Timah Hill. Although the drive up wouldn't be considered a tough course for off-road junkies, it was the drive down that made it exceptionally challenging.
While a quick glance at Rangie's current lineup will continue to show you just how strong-footed the cars are in terms of off-road luxury, they are no longer the cars of old where square-cut designs, chunky buttons and a huge gear lever are seen as current, even if the best school is old school.
The Range Rover Velar, a good-looking mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) that goes against the likes of the BMW X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, continues Rangie's very own modern setting where it effortlessly blends limousine luxury with genuine off-road capability, and then some.
The force is strong with this one
The diesel variant you see here, while irrelevant to Singapore at this point of time, plays a crucial role in demonstrating just how advanced the English marque has become.
On the move, there is nary any diesel clatter, not even at three-digit speeds. This has perhaps got largely to do with the Velar's excellent cabin insulation because even wind and road noises are kept well at bay. The only difference that tells the diesel and the petrol variant apart is the way the two cars accelerates from a standstill. And even then, you'll need to be driving the two different variants back-to-back.
The 3.0-litre diesel, with its mountain-moving 700Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm, is immediately stronger off the line. It punches through the air with a steady surge with no lag whatsoever, allowing you to finish the century sprint in 6.5 seconds. Despite this figure being a second slower than the petrol variant that we tested, it feels a lot faster in real-world driving.
It's a true blue Range Rover and more
For the rest of the part, the car remains to be as capable as the 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged First Edition that we tested and with the different off-road terrains, which we went through on our test routes, there's no reason for us to believe it'll be otherwise for the smaller 2.0-litre petrol variant that will also be introduced to Singapore.
On one occasion, we had to select the Grass Gravel Snow driving mode via the 10-inch Touch Duo Pro and travel over 5km towards the top of a 1,042m mountain, which is more than six times that of Bukit Timah Hill. Although the drive up wouldn't be considered a tough course for off-road junkies, it was the drive down that made it exceptionally challenging.
We had to activate the Hill Descent Control for this. The Velar, with all its technology and size, handled the steep slope down like a walk in the park. It wasn't long before I could place my foot off the brakes. In fact, with the Hill Descent Control system set at an average speed of 13km/h, I found myself accelerating on gentler parts of the mountain drive.
Heading down the steep gravel slope with the Hill Descent Control system switched on gave us a sense of just how competent, reliable and safe the Velar is
For a vehicle weighing two tonnes, the Velar's composure is nothing short of amazing. It's not about how advanced the technology is or how reliable the safety features are. Instead, it's more about the high levels of confidence the Rangie has during rough and tough situations that's somehow comforting for the driver.
Diesel power
While the car you see here will not be coming to Singapore due to restructured diesel taxes, it's key that both you and I understand that the average affluent Joe who will spend well over $250k on the Range Rover Velar over the usual big brands remains to be the sort of buyer who knows what he's getting himself into.
The Velar provides a comfortable ride even when you're heading down slope on rough grounds
That's not to say he's an exception rather than the norm, considering the English marque has launched several models over the past couple of years and a fair number of them can be seen running around on our roads - with no doubt the Velar included when it arrives here at the end of this year.
There'll be a total of seven different trims from the 2.0-litre as well as the 3.0-litre petrol models then, with prices ranging from $288,999 for the 2.0-litre four-pot base model right up to $428,999 for the 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged First Edition.
Whatever variant and trim you decide on, we are quite certain you'll be blown away. It's a Range Rover after all, and a damn good-looking one at that.
For a vehicle weighing two tonnes, the Velar's composure is nothing short of amazing. It's not about how advanced the technology is or how reliable the safety features are. Instead, it's more about the high levels of confidence the Rangie has during rough and tough situations that's somehow comforting for the driver.
Diesel power
While the car you see here will not be coming to Singapore due to restructured diesel taxes, it's key that both you and I understand that the average affluent Joe who will spend well over $250k on the Range Rover Velar over the usual big brands remains to be the sort of buyer who knows what he's getting himself into.
That's not to say he's an exception rather than the norm, considering the English marque has launched several models over the past couple of years and a fair number of them can be seen running around on our roads - with no doubt the Velar included when it arrives here at the end of this year.
There'll be a total of seven different trims from the 2.0-litre as well as the 3.0-litre petrol models then, with prices ranging from $288,999 for the 2.0-litre four-pot base model right up to $428,999 for the 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged First Edition.
Whatever variant and trim you decide on, we are quite certain you'll be blown away. It's a Range Rover after all, and a damn good-looking one at that.
What We Like
700Nm of torque from the 3.0-litre diesel engine!
Refined engine
Cabin insulation is top notch
Highly capable off-road as it is on the tarmac
Very good-looking SUV
What We Dislike
The diesel variants will not be coming to Singapore
Range Rovers have always been known for their glamorous image and machismo presence, with strong associations with soccer superstars, celebrity fashionistas and even the Royal family of England.
While a quick glance at Rangie's current lineup will continue to show you just how strong-footed the cars are in terms of off-road luxury, they are no longer the cars of old where square-cut designs, chunky buttons and a huge gear lever are seen as current, even if the best school is old school.
The Range Rover Velar, a good-looking mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) that goes against the likes of the BMW X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, continues Rangie's very own modern setting where it effortlessly blends limousine luxury with genuine off-road capability, and then some.
The force is strong with this one
The diesel variant you see here, while irrelevant to Singapore at this point of time, plays a crucial role in demonstrating just how advanced the English marque has become.
On the move, there is nary any diesel clatter, not even at three-digit speeds. This has perhaps got largely to do with the Velar's excellent cabin insulation because even wind and road noises are kept well at bay. The only difference that tells the diesel and the petrol variant apart is the way the two cars accelerates from a standstill. And even then, you'll need to be driving the two different variants back-to-back.
The 3.0-litre diesel, with its mountain-moving 700Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm, is immediately stronger off the line. It punches through the air with a steady surge with no lag whatsoever, allowing you to finish the century sprint in 6.5 seconds. Despite this figure being a second slower than the petrol variant that we tested, it feels a lot faster in real-world driving.
It's a true blue Range Rover and more
For the rest of the part, the car remains to be as capable as the 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged First Edition that we tested and with the different off-road terrains, which we went through on our test routes, there's no reason for us to believe it'll be otherwise for the smaller 2.0-litre petrol variant that will also be introduced to Singapore.
On one occasion, we had to select the Grass Gravel Snow driving mode via the 10-inch Touch Duo Pro and travel over 5km towards the top of a 1,042m mountain, which is more than six times that of Bukit Timah Hill. Although the drive up wouldn't be considered a tough course for off-road junkies, it was the drive down that made it exceptionally challenging.
While a quick glance at Rangie's current lineup will continue to show you just how strong-footed the cars are in terms of off-road luxury, they are no longer the cars of old where square-cut designs, chunky buttons and a huge gear lever are seen as current, even if the best school is old school.
The Range Rover Velar, a good-looking mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) that goes against the likes of the BMW X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, continues Rangie's very own modern setting where it effortlessly blends limousine luxury with genuine off-road capability, and then some.
The force is strong with this one
The diesel variant you see here, while irrelevant to Singapore at this point of time, plays a crucial role in demonstrating just how advanced the English marque has become.
On the move, there is nary any diesel clatter, not even at three-digit speeds. This has perhaps got largely to do with the Velar's excellent cabin insulation because even wind and road noises are kept well at bay. The only difference that tells the diesel and the petrol variant apart is the way the two cars accelerates from a standstill. And even then, you'll need to be driving the two different variants back-to-back.
The 3.0-litre diesel, with its mountain-moving 700Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm, is immediately stronger off the line. It punches through the air with a steady surge with no lag whatsoever, allowing you to finish the century sprint in 6.5 seconds. Despite this figure being a second slower than the petrol variant that we tested, it feels a lot faster in real-world driving.
It's a true blue Range Rover and more
For the rest of the part, the car remains to be as capable as the 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged First Edition that we tested and with the different off-road terrains, which we went through on our test routes, there's no reason for us to believe it'll be otherwise for the smaller 2.0-litre petrol variant that will also be introduced to Singapore.
On one occasion, we had to select the Grass Gravel Snow driving mode via the 10-inch Touch Duo Pro and travel over 5km towards the top of a 1,042m mountain, which is more than six times that of Bukit Timah Hill. Although the drive up wouldn't be considered a tough course for off-road junkies, it was the drive down that made it exceptionally challenging.
We had to activate the Hill Descent Control for this. The Velar, with all its technology and size, handled the steep slope down like a walk in the park. It wasn't long before I could place my foot off the brakes. In fact, with the Hill Descent Control system set at an average speed of 13km/h, I found myself accelerating on gentler parts of the mountain drive.
For a vehicle weighing two tonnes, the Velar's composure is nothing short of amazing. It's not about how advanced the technology is or how reliable the safety features are. Instead, it's more about the high levels of confidence the Rangie has during rough and tough situations that's somehow comforting for the driver.
Diesel power
While the car you see here will not be coming to Singapore due to restructured diesel taxes, it's key that both you and I understand that the average affluent Joe who will spend well over $250k on the Range Rover Velar over the usual big brands remains to be the sort of buyer who knows what he's getting himself into.
That's not to say he's an exception rather than the norm, considering the English marque has launched several models over the past couple of years and a fair number of them can be seen running around on our roads - with no doubt the Velar included when it arrives here at the end of this year.
There'll be a total of seven different trims from the 2.0-litre as well as the 3.0-litre petrol models then, with prices ranging from $288,999 for the 2.0-litre four-pot base model right up to $428,999 for the 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged First Edition.
Whatever variant and trim you decide on, we are quite certain you'll be blown away. It's a Range Rover after all, and a damn good-looking one at that.
For a vehicle weighing two tonnes, the Velar's composure is nothing short of amazing. It's not about how advanced the technology is or how reliable the safety features are. Instead, it's more about the high levels of confidence the Rangie has during rough and tough situations that's somehow comforting for the driver.
Diesel power
While the car you see here will not be coming to Singapore due to restructured diesel taxes, it's key that both you and I understand that the average affluent Joe who will spend well over $250k on the Range Rover Velar over the usual big brands remains to be the sort of buyer who knows what he's getting himself into.
That's not to say he's an exception rather than the norm, considering the English marque has launched several models over the past couple of years and a fair number of them can be seen running around on our roads - with no doubt the Velar included when it arrives here at the end of this year.
There'll be a total of seven different trims from the 2.0-litre as well as the 3.0-litre petrol models then, with prices ranging from $288,999 for the 2.0-litre four-pot base model right up to $428,999 for the 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged First Edition.
Whatever variant and trim you decide on, we are quite certain you'll be blown away. It's a Range Rover after all, and a damn good-looking one at that.
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