RANGE ROVER VELAR

The updated Velar lives up to the tag of being a highly desirable Range Rover and a driver's SUV

- ABHAY VERMA

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VELAR HSE DYNAMIC 2.0 DIESEL

► Engine: 2.0-litre diesel engine ► Power: 204PS @ 3,750rpm ► Torque: 430Nm @ 1,750rpm ► Weight: NA ► 0-100kmph: 8.3 seconds (claimed) ► Price: ₹94.3 lakh ex-showroom

The Velar may be the newest model to wear the coveted Range Rover badge, as it was launched only in 2017. But the SUV has been rather quick to scale the popularity charts and make a name for itself with those wanting a heady mix of style and substance, thanks to its alluring design and uber-rich feel.

And now, for 2024, Land Rover has launched the updated Range Rover Velar in India, which promises heightened levels of panache, while staying true to its roots of being a Range Rover. Heck, in my books, it's still too early for the Velar to get a midlife update - that's how good the SUV looks even today! But of course, a lot has changed over the seven years that the Velar has been around for now. More importantly, things in the luxury car space have been evolving very rapidly, which meant Land Rover just had to update the Velar to ensure it stays relevant.

Thankfully, cosmetic changes to the Velar's design are minimal, ensuring it still looks as stunning. So all you get in the name of design changes is a new grille inspired by the Range Rover to ensure the Velar gets the current 'family look', besides a new DRL design for the sleek looking LED pixel headlamps. Headlamp washers have been done away with, which in my books marks a move away from the more hardcore, 'ready for mucking around' feel, thus making for a more sophisticated and upmarket look. Of course, there's new alloy wheels to complete the update, besides a redesigned rear bumper.

That's it, thankfully, except for couple of very minor design changes, meaning the Velar continues to look gorgeous from all angles.