Range Rover has added its high-performance HST trim to the Velar, making it a luxurious SUV with an extra touch. And it is that the well-known model is full of improvements, which will position it as one of the most striking alternatives of this first quarter of the year.
The mechanical qualities of the car
JLR’s new inline-six Ingenium will provide motivation for the SUV, with a 3.0-liter displacement and pumping 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The petrol engine is connected to a mild hybrid system, the same as we find in the Jaguar F-Pace. It’s noteworthy that in the F-Pace, the hybrid system can provide 33 miles or about 53 kilometers of electric-only range, but Range Rover didn’t specify how far the Velar can be driven without tailpipe emissions.
What it shows from the outside
Starting from the R-Dynamic S model, the HST receives a black contrast roof and a full exterior Black Pack, and is also available in all the colors of the catalog, in addition to the new and exclusive Arroios Grey. The new color and 21-inch alloy wheels in Gloss Black add subtle touches of performance to the Velar’s exterior, while the interior is elegantly decorated with the Black Suedecloth roof lining and steering wheel, as well as a sliding panoramic roof.
This is how we notice from its front that it is a very striking car, which has a wide and somewhat flat hood, with descending lines that are paired towards the optics and the grille of the car. The manufacturer’s name appears right in the center. On the sides appear the optics or lights of the car, both day and night, and all with advanced LED technology. The grille of the car comes in the form of a grille and in black. On the sides of the bumper it brings with it two air inlets that go directly to the engine, which provide support to the central low air intake, taking care of keeping the engine in optimal temperature conditions.
On the sides of the car we have new black alloy wheels or wheels, hiding the calipers and discs that make up the brake system in each of its wheels. The door locks come in the same body color, while the mirror housings are shown in black.
The rear has a radio antenna in the form of a shark fin, brake or stop lights in LED, auxiliary lights embedded in the bumper, two exhaust outlets among other details.
HST focuses on performance, but that doesn’t mean travelers have to deal with a firm ride; after all, this is a Range Rover. The Velar gains Electronic Air Suspension with Adaptive Dynamics, which monitors the road ahead and makes the necessary changes accordingly.
High quality air filters
Today, air filtration is one thing, especially in premium products, and Range Rover has taken care of that with Cabin Air Purification Plus. The technology can detect when CO2 levels have reached their threshold and introduce fresh air into the SUV.
Security cannot be missed
To top it off is the latest version of Range Rover’s safety package, which includes adaptive cruise control with power steering, which helps keep the Velar centered in the lane. The Park Assist Pack also does what it says on the box with the help of a 3D surround camera. The high-performance HST trim was first introduced on the Range Rover Sport and Evoque models and will be available on the Velar by 2023. The price for the models that will arrive in the United States has not been published, but in the United Kingdom the Velar HST is priced at 73,815 pounds sterling or what is similar to about 96,247 US dollars.
