Land Rover has revised the Range Rover Velar line-up in South Africa to include 13 models including plug-in and mild hybrids, and the reintroduction of the popular Velar Edition first seen in 2020.
Based on the R-Dynamic SE, the special edition is again available and now includes the full Velar paint palette with a black contrast roof complemented by Black Pack exterior detailing and 20-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels. A sliding panoramic roof and privacy glass complete the enhancements.
ELECTRIFIED POWERTRAINS
The award-winning mid-size luxury SUV, which sits between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport in the family line-up, offers customers the perfect balance of design and technology. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder P400e plug-in hybrid offers a smooth and refined drive, producing a combined 297kW and 640Nm of torque from its 221kW petrol engine and 105kW electric motor, and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds.
A 17.1kWh lithium-ion battery, located under the boot floor, can be charged to 80 percent in just 30 minutes*** using a DC Rapid charge point, or 1 hour 40 minutes using a standard 7kW home wallbox. With zero tailpipe emissions in electric mode, an impressive real-world all-electric range of up to 53km, fuel economy as low as 2.2 litres/100km and CO2emissions from just 49g/km*, the Range Rover Velar is even more sustainable by design.
The Velar is also available with 48-volt Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for reduced fuel consumption and heightened refinement. This 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, badged as P340, features latest technologies for efficient performance.
The MHEV system uses a Belt integrated Starter Generator (BiSG) in the engine bay to harvest energy usually lost under deceleration, which is then stored in a 48-volt lithium-ion battery located beneath the rear loadspace. It is able to redeploy the stored energy to assist the engine when accelerating away, while also delivering a more refined and responsive stop/start system.
The P340 generates 250kW and 480Nm to deliver an impressive 0-100km/h time of 6.3 seconds.
Additional engine options include a next generation four-cylinder Ingenium D200 diesel with 147kW, a straight-six D300 diesel which delivers 221kW and a hefty 650Nm torque, and a 184kW petrol four-cylinder P250 with a 0-100km/h figure of 7.5 seconds.
PIVI INFOTAINMENT
Velar features a reductive design, emphasised with beautifully integrated digital screens that are fitted with Land Rover’s state-of-the-art infotainment system, Pivi and Pivi Pro. The intelligent and intuitive system, offered as Pivi Pro from an S-specification pack, transforms the digital experience inside Velar.
Pivi is designed around ease of use, with a simple interface reducing the number of interactions to enhance safety. Crisp graphics and super-fast responsiveness are enabled with an advanced electrical architecture under the surface, ensuring the screens and navigation system are ready to go in seconds, thanks also to a dedicated power source. Customers can access software updates ‘over-the-air’ reducing the need to visit a retailer. An embedded data connection means customers have access to the most up-to-date apps, maps, services and vehicle software with updates scheduled via the touchscreen at a time to suit them.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
The entire Range Rover Velar range has been enhanced to deliver the most rewarding and refined driving experience. Active Road Noise Cancellation** technology is accompanied by Cabin Air Purification Plus which optimises interior air quality, and the expanded Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) now include Rear Camera as standard and Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist.
The experience inside the Range Rover Velar is an even calmer sanctuary enhanced by Active Road Noise Cancellation. The intelligent technology works like a pair of high-end noise cancellation headphones, constantly monitoring vibrations from the road surface and calculating the opposite phase sound wave needed to remove the noise heard by the occupants. The effect is subtle, but the minimum reduction of four decibels ensures an even more refined and calming interior space. The system is even able to adjust the level and position of sounds played into the cabin based on the number of passengers and their position inside the vehicle by using the seatbelt sensors. This advanced system delivers a more serene experience inside Velar, even reducing driver tiredness, which can be brought about by extended exposure to low-frequency sound on long journeys.
Cabin Air Purification Plus for Land Rover offers improved air quality for all occupants. Building on the existing Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 filtration, the system optimises cabin air quality by automatically introducing fresh external air when sensors detect CO2 levels fall outside of acceptable levels, something which can occur in the event of air recirculation being on for extended periods for example in polluted areas, or with several occupants. High concentrations of CO2 can cause drowsiness, reducing driver alertness, so the feature is intended to provide both wellbeing and safety benefits.
Another air quality feature is Purify, which allows users to schedule an air cleaning cycle inside the vehicle. This is achieved via the climate control system’s fans and recirculation function, which runs as part of climate pre-conditioning. The driver can simply set a departure time using the Land Rover Remote App, or via the infotainment system, to automatically schedule a Climate Pre-conditioning and Purify cycle, ensuring the cabin air is cleaned and not stale before any journey.
Customers can monitor interior and exterior air quality on the central touchscreen, activating the Purify mode whenever required.
The Range Rover Velar is enhanced with an expanded range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Rear Camera as standard and Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist enhances driver comfort, especially on long motorway journeys, by gently assisting steering, acceleration and braking to centre the vehicle in lane while maintaining a set distance from vehicles ahead. The feature is fitted as standard to HSE models and is available as part of the Driver Assist Pack.
Also available is the second-generation wearable Activity Key, which can totally replace the traditional key fob when necessary. The water-resistant and shock-proof wrist device incorporates an LCD watch and allows customers to start, stop, lock and unlock the vehicle, with no need to take a traditional key fob out with them.
The South African Range Rover Velar model line-up from the second half of 2022 will comprise the following models:
D200 R-Dynamic SE
D200 R-Dynamic HSE
D200 Velar Edition
D300 R-Dynamic SE
D300 R-Dynamic HSE
D300 Velar Edition
P250 R-Dynamic SE
P250 R-Dynamic HSE
P250 Velar Edition
P340 R-Dynamic SE
P340 R-Dynamic HSE
P400e R-Dynamic SE
P400e R-Dynamic HSE
Pricing for the revised Velar range will be available in the second half of 2022.
* All emissions, fuel economy and EV-only range figures are EU–WLTP (TEL) Combined
** Active Road Noise Cancellation is standard on vehicles fitted with Meridian sound systems but subject to vehicle specification
*** Charge time possible with up to 100kW DC Rapid chargers (actual charge into the vehicle will be limited to 32kW). Actual charge times may vary according to environmental conditions and available charging installation