Driving the luxurious Velar in Western Cape
The recent Sub Saharan launch of the luxurious Range Rover Velar was just as glamorous and stylish as the new SUV itself.
The adventurous launch held in Cape Town late last month attracted journalists from as far as Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mauritius.
The Range Rover Velar is one of the most visually stunning and eagerly anticipated cars of 2017. The uber luxurious SUV is strategically positioned between the highly desirable Range Rover sport and the stylish Evoque.
The launch of the Velar saw Land Rover South Africa going all out to give motoring journalists the test drive of a lifetime in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. After a stopover in Johannesburg, journalists were flown to Cape Town where the ultimate test-drive in the new Velar awaited.
To further emphasise the glamour and style associated with the Velar, international motoring media was transported to Stellenbosch upon arrival in Cape Town. The setting for the Velar was an art gallery nestled within a wine estate where drinks and canapés were served.
The Velar was revealed around 8pm and the first glimpse of the new mode was a visual feast as lights fell on the alluring silhouette of the stunning SUV. Following the briefing with Land Rover SA officials, it was time for dinner.
Falling in line with the luxury and taste associated with the Velar dinner was prepared by SA celebrity chef Niel Anthony. Later on journalists were booked to stay at the upscale L’Ermitage Chateau and Villas in the Franschhoek wine estates near Stellenbosch.
The next morning the Velar drive experience began from Franschhoek. Following a driver briefing the lucky journalists were allocated the keys to experience the technological marvel that is the Velar.
A fleet of over ten Velars were parked at the L’Ermitage driveway and the time had come for enthusiastic motoring journalists to get their paws on the ultimate driver’s SUV.
What is most striking about the Velar at first sight is the smooth line and curves all around the vehicle. Even at standstill the aerodynamic Velar conjures up emotions of speed and adventure. The interior of the Velar gets even better. However, this may be an understatement.
Besides the desirable exterior, the Velar interior is simply mind blowing and revolutionary. The Velar interior is like something from a sci-fi movie providing a two seamlessly integrated 10-inch touch screens.
The system, dubbed the Touch Pro technology, reinforces the overall sense of luxury and innovation.
After drooling all over the new wheels journalists finally had the chance to get behind the wheel.
The Land Rover test fleet included three models - the D240 providing 177kw, a 0 to 100km/h time of 7, 3 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h. The D240 comes with massive 500 NM of torque. The D300 was the favourite for most journalists as it comes with a mind blowing 700NM torque.
The D300 was also the most fun to drive as the torque is immediately instant and low revs. The D300 sprints from 0-100km/h in an impressive 6,5 sec before hitting the 241 km/h top speed. The test fleet also included the P380 top of the range petrol.
The petrol version churned out an impressive 280 KW; with a sprint time of 0 to 100 km/h in only 5,7 sec. clearly the fastest of the bunch the P380 reaches a cool 250 km/h while unleashing symphonic screams from the exhaust.
The six hour test drive took the Velar convoy across the scenic Western Cape including both on and off road terrains. The mini adventure took the convoys through mountain passes leading to Worcester and through the famous Cape Town tunnel before heading to the Cape Town international Airport where the fun suddenly stopped.
The Range Rover Velar is currently available at Land Rover, Gaborone.
