Driving just one of the 40 models available on the new Range Rover Velar – a smooth luxury SUV that fits between the small Evoque and Range Rover Sport and sharing its fundamental underpinnings with Jaguar’s F-Pace. As I said earlier the Range Rover Velar is the brand’s most urban-focused wagon – you won’t find one on a bush track, it’s an all-wheel- drive city slicker through and through. Architecturally very appealing with a stunning silhouette it comes in no less than 40 variants with two body variants, each in four grades and no less than six engine choices including a potent 280kW 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6. I tested the 3.0-litre turbo diesel eight-speed automatic D300 SE Velar at $112,850. The Range Rover Velar is sensibly sized, features a light but strong alloy monocoque body structure, intelligent all-wheel- drive, air suspension standard on all six-cylinder model and dynamic damping technology that provides sharp handling yet very comfortable ride characteristics. This is a most appealing luxury SUV. Like all Range Rover’s it has top notch all-terrain capability but as I said few will ever see a dirt road let alone serious off-roading. The appeal of the Range Rover Velar however is its overall design – smooth, classy and architecturally appealing both inside and out – a fine choice of finishes inside including two high-definition 10-inch colour touch screens. It purveys a feeling of luxury in all it does but it’s not perfect – I found the colour touch screens a little too fussy and at times distractive. I’m David Berthon

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