Judging by the sheer number you see on the roads, the Range Rover Velar is a big hit. And that’s no accident. Land Rover has been building prestige off-roaders since the 1970s, and the company has rather perfected the art of it.

The Velar was conceived to plug the gap between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, and was designed to combine a more driver-focused attitude with a premium-market feel you might expect from a full-sized Range Rover. It also looks the part – it sits low and wide, but is underpinned by Land Rover’s undoubted expertise in 4x4 technology.

It’s up against some very impressive rivals – the Porsche Macan, BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe spring to mind. But it makes these rivals look positively frumpy in comparison, let alone other Range Rovers.

As is the way with all Range Rovers these days, the Velar range is split into two varieties – standard Velars and the sportier R-Dynamic versions. ‘Normal’ Velars are available as they come, or with S, SE or HSE equipment packs. The R-Dynamic comes as it is, or in S form – and all have larger wheels and a more aggressive-looking front bumper.

They’re all well-equipped, with even the entry-level Velar featuring LED headlights, heated front seats. leather steering wheel, twin-screen Pivi Pro infotainment system, keyless entry and 3D Surround Camera. The S models adds in-built navigation and a Meridian premium audio system, making this the one to go for.

So, would you have one over and above a Porsche Macan, BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe? In terms of showroom appeal, the Velar has a great deal going for it – but this is a very tough crowd.

Over the next few pages we’ll be scoring the Range Rover Velar in 10 key areas to give it a score out of five. They’ll take into account the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer and what it’ll cost you.