Range Rover Velar is a beauty
THE Range Rover Velar has been named the most beautifully designed vehicle on the planet, winning the World Car Design of the Year title at the 2018 World Car Awards.
The announcement at the New York International Auto Show signals a design double for Jaguar Land Rover having taken the title last year with the Jaguar F-PACE.
Priced from £44,830, the Velar is available with a choice of six powertrains, ranging from a 180ps 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel to a 380ps supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine.
Positioned between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport in JLR’s luxury 4x4 line up, the Velar was launched last year and was the first vehicle to feature the company’s new-look interior which is dominated by twin display screens.
“The Range Rover Velar is an outstanding, superior SUV. Compelling modernity, eye-catching design, innovative Touch Pro Duo infotainment technology and a clear focus on sustainability – what a combination. This product speaks for itself,” said Dr Ralf Speth, the chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover.
The luxury SUV overcame the Volvo XC60 and the Lexus LC 500 to take the World Car Design of the Year award, as voted for by the World Car Awards jury, comprising 82 influential motoring journalists from 24 countries.
The judging panel praised the distinctive design of the Velar which features perfectly optimised proportions and a stunning silhouette. Its superslim Matrix Laser-LED headlights, flush deployable door handles and sleek Touch Pro Duo infotainment are all hallmarks of Range Rover’s reductionist design philosophy.
Gerry McGovern, chief design officer for Land Rover, said: “The continued evolution of our design philosophy is driven by a relentless focus on creating highly desirable vehicles our customers will love for life. The Range Rover Velar brings a new dimension of modernity to the Range Rover family with an abundance of innovative technologies, all making this vehicle a joy to drive and be driven in.
“We’re honoured that the jury recognised the tireless endeavours of our designers and engineers in delivering a vehicle with compelling design, tailored technology and relevant innovation which come together to create a vehicle of instant desirability.”