The most awful car I've driven
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 2
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The most awful car I've driven
I'veusiast for years, my father worked at Rover Car Company in Fulham in the 1950s and 1960s and I've been a Rover fan for ages. I had a 1962 Rover 2000, nice car, and later restored a 1948 P3. Sadly that got written off in an accident many years ago, and I've had 3 Range Rovers. The latest one, an 08 Vogue was hiy by a bus and is away being repaired and I've currenty got a Velar provided by the hire company.
i find it truly the most difficult and awful car I've driven. OK, the performance is great, the MPG is impressive at about 34 on motorway runs, but the seats are too narrow, I can't easily get my hand in to fasten and unfasten the seat belt, neither can my partner. We are both tall people and have difficulty getting in and out of the car, we're both used to the better headroom of the Vogue and my partner's 03 Discovery with the 256bhp engine. The computer screen in this car is a major distraction, too much time is required to search the screen to do simple thing like select the heaitng ducts, adjust the radio, and neither of us have yet sussed out how to enter a destination on the satnav screen. It's quicker and easier to sue a good old-fashioned map book. I used to think the satnav on my Vogue is a pain in the bum to use, but this one is just as bad.
As for the door handles, if one of these were to be in a crash, how ould any would-be rescuer open the doors? The handles are recessed. The self-raising boot door tends to close down at will with no warning. A couple of times people have been sitting on the tailgate and been hit by the boot lid lowering. We've been unable to find the bonnet relase. I had to make a visit to the car hire depot to ask, and even they struggled to find it as the screen wash needed topping up.
I find the "predictive steering downright dangerous. It is unnerving to be cruising along the motorway, getting within 200m of another car then finding the car slowing down because there's another car on the horizon. Similarly the "lane control" stiffens the steering when trying to change lanes without indicating. i know it's frowned upon, but I indicate if it would benefit other road users, not late at night when there's not much about and I'm approaching a lorry on the motorway. How does one turn this facility off? There's so many "safety features" in this car it has in my opinion made it more dangerous because so much control has been taken away from the driver.
As an experiment I tried out the "predictive steering" an an empty motorway the other night. I breifly let the auto pilot do its own thing and th car veered from one side to another until it eventaully told me I was tired and should take a break.
It's a shame this car carries the Range Rover name.
i find it truly the most difficult and awful car I've driven. OK, the performance is great, the MPG is impressive at about 34 on motorway runs, but the seats are too narrow, I can't easily get my hand in to fasten and unfasten the seat belt, neither can my partner. We are both tall people and have difficulty getting in and out of the car, we're both used to the better headroom of the Vogue and my partner's 03 Discovery with the 256bhp engine. The computer screen in this car is a major distraction, too much time is required to search the screen to do simple thing like select the heaitng ducts, adjust the radio, and neither of us have yet sussed out how to enter a destination on the satnav screen. It's quicker and easier to sue a good old-fashioned map book. I used to think the satnav on my Vogue is a pain in the bum to use, but this one is just as bad.
As for the door handles, if one of these were to be in a crash, how ould any would-be rescuer open the doors? The handles are recessed. The self-raising boot door tends to close down at will with no warning. A couple of times people have been sitting on the tailgate and been hit by the boot lid lowering. We've been unable to find the bonnet relase. I had to make a visit to the car hire depot to ask, and even they struggled to find it as the screen wash needed topping up.
I find the "predictive steering downright dangerous. It is unnerving to be cruising along the motorway, getting within 200m of another car then finding the car slowing down because there's another car on the horizon. Similarly the "lane control" stiffens the steering when trying to change lanes without indicating. i know it's frowned upon, but I indicate if it would benefit other road users, not late at night when there's not much about and I'm approaching a lorry on the motorway. How does one turn this facility off? There's so many "safety features" in this car it has in my opinion made it more dangerous because so much control has been taken away from the driver.
As an experiment I tried out the "predictive steering" an an empty motorway the other night. I breifly let the auto pilot do its own thing and th car veered from one side to another until it eventaully told me I was tired and should take a break.
It's a shame this car carries the Range Rover name.
Mudding
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 140
Likes: 314
From: England
I'veusiast for years, my father worked at Rover Car Company in Fulham in the 1950s and 1960s and I've been a Rover fan for ages. I had a 1962 Rover 2000, nice car, and later restored a 1948 P3. Sadly that got written off in an accident many years ago, and I've had 3 Range Rovers. The latest one, an 08 Vogue was hiy by a bus and is away being repaired and I've currenty got a Velar provided by the hire company.
i find it truly the most difficult and awful car I've driven. OK, the performance is great, the MPG is impressive at about 34 on motorway runs, but the seats are too narrow, I can't easily get my hand in to fasten and unfasten the seat belt, neither can my partner. We are both tall people and have difficulty getting in and out of the car, we're both used to the better headroom of the Vogue and my partner's 03 Discovery with the 256bhp engine. The computer screen in this car is a major distraction, too much time is required to search the screen to do simple thing like select the heaitng ducts, adjust the radio, and neither of us have yet sussed out how to enter a destination on the satnav screen. It's quicker and easier to sue a good old-fashioned map book. I used to think the satnav on my Vogue is a pain in the bum to use, but this one is just as bad.
As for the door handles, if one of these were to be in a crash, how ould any would-be rescuer open the doors? The handles are recessed. The self-raising boot door tends to close down at will with no warning. A couple of times people have been sitting on the tailgate and been hit by the boot lid lowering. We've been unable to find the bonnet relase. I had to make a visit to the car hire depot to ask, and even they struggled to find it as the screen wash needed topping up.
I find the "predictive steering downright dangerous. It is unnerving to be cruising along the motorway, getting within 200m of another car then finding the car slowing down because there's another car on the horizon. Similarly the "lane control" stiffens the steering when trying to change lanes without indicating. i know it's frowned upon, but I indicate if it would benefit other road users, not late at night when there's not much about and I'm approaching a lorry on the motorway. How does one turn this facility off? There's so many "safety features" in this car it has in my opinion made it more dangerous because so much control has been taken away from the driver.
As an experiment I tried out the "predictive steering" an an empty motorway the other night. I breifly let the auto pilot do its own thing and th car veered from one side to another until it eventaully told me I was tired and should take a break.
It's a shame this car carries the Range Rover name.
i find it truly the most difficult and awful car I've driven. OK, the performance is great, the MPG is impressive at about 34 on motorway runs, but the seats are too narrow, I can't easily get my hand in to fasten and unfasten the seat belt, neither can my partner. We are both tall people and have difficulty getting in and out of the car, we're both used to the better headroom of the Vogue and my partner's 03 Discovery with the 256bhp engine. The computer screen in this car is a major distraction, too much time is required to search the screen to do simple thing like select the heaitng ducts, adjust the radio, and neither of us have yet sussed out how to enter a destination on the satnav screen. It's quicker and easier to sue a good old-fashioned map book. I used to think the satnav on my Vogue is a pain in the bum to use, but this one is just as bad.
As for the door handles, if one of these were to be in a crash, how ould any would-be rescuer open the doors? The handles are recessed. The self-raising boot door tends to close down at will with no warning. A couple of times people have been sitting on the tailgate and been hit by the boot lid lowering. We've been unable to find the bonnet relase. I had to make a visit to the car hire depot to ask, and even they struggled to find it as the screen wash needed topping up.
I find the "predictive steering downright dangerous. It is unnerving to be cruising along the motorway, getting within 200m of another car then finding the car slowing down because there's another car on the horizon. Similarly the "lane control" stiffens the steering when trying to change lanes without indicating. i know it's frowned upon, but I indicate if it would benefit other road users, not late at night when there's not much about and I'm approaching a lorry on the motorway. How does one turn this facility off? There's so many "safety features" in this car it has in my opinion made it more dangerous because so much control has been taken away from the driver.
As an experiment I tried out the "predictive steering" an an empty motorway the other night. I breifly let the auto pilot do its own thing and th car veered from one side to another until it eventaully told me I was tired and should take a break.
It's a shame this car carries the Range Rover name.
Like all new vehicles we develop, the Velar is a 95th percentile vehicle. In other words, it's meant to fit about 95 percent of the public in terms of body size. You say you are tall, but do not cite your specific height. An individual of 193-194 cm should still be able to make themselves comfortable in this vehicle. Did you lower the height of the seat and check all other settings? I have a 90cm inseam and I fit just fine. We also tested the vehicle with hundreds of luxury owners to ensure it met their needs.
You mention headroom as a problem, but with the seat lowered you should still be fine unless you're in the US NBA league.
The Velar is focused on providing a dramatic styling effect unlike any other vehicle on the road and combining that with a great deal of usability and cargo space. However, if maximum head room, interior space and cargo space are your ultimate goal then we have other Range Rover models better suited to that task. We build seven different Land Rover models so that every taste and need can be accommodated.
If you find the screen a distraction I think you should be prepared for disappointment with every new luxury vehicle coming to market right now. I suspect you would be horrified by Tesla. This is what the customers want and this is what we give them. If you prefer a less intrusive screen arrangement we do have other vehicles in our line that are less pronounced.
In regard to the safety features- they are also adjustable and can all be turned off simply in the driver menu. Some people like them and enjoy them and some people do not-you have a choice. In regard to the door handles they are a non-issue. In a minor accident they will operate just fine. In a major rollover or if the vehicle is on its side emergency responders will be breaking glass and using power tools most likely-not relying on a door handle. For the record though- because they are recessed they are LESS likely to be damaged in a roll-over. Standard door handles get destroyed when subjected to thousands of pounds of force. The nail that sticks out gets hammered.
If you don't like the SatNav you are welcome to use Google Maps through Apple CarPlay. It costs nothing and works superbly.
The boot lid is foot sensitive and designed to close when you move your feet in the appropriate direction and location. Perhaps this is what happened. The system requires some type of activation to close.
Sorry to hear you feel this is the worst car you've ever driven, but it sounds like it's not a good fit for your needs or preferences. However, it has been an immensely popular vehicle for us that has won many awards and continues to sell well. It appeals more to younger buyers, families with small children, singles and people near Urban environments who enjoy new technology and adventurous styling. It's intended to push the envelope, but it's not for everyone.
I suggest you try a new Defender, Discovery or the existing L405 Range Rover before it is discontinued as those might be a better fit. However, please do not suggest that the Velar is a bad vehicle. I might not like Strawberry ice cream- but I can't blame the local ice cream shop for selling it when they offer many other flavors.
Last edited by The Insider; Feb 16, 2022 at 04:24 PM.
Overlanding
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
On the other hand, I think it's one of the best cars out there. It's lighter than the Disco and it's visually attractive. Velar feels more car-ish, which is the thing I like about it. Not too big, not too small, just about right. However, I think Discovery is much more comfortable in terms of ride quality, seats and storage. I'm seriously thinking about it as a second car. I'm 29 though 😅
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 2
My new P400 HSE was delivered this week, after over 12 months’ wait, and my experience is the opposite of the OP. This is by some distance the best car I’ve ever driven. I’m still experimenting with Pivi Pro versus CarPlay, and both seem to work very well. I had a Jaguar XF when CarPlay was first released on JLR cars and the software was far less mature than it is now. Very impressive.
Not knocking the OP, but I haven’t found the door handles a worry. I cant really see a difference from any door handle of the last 50 years. If the doors are unlocked, they will be able to be opened. If the car doors are locked, they won’t. I don’t see the issue (I presume OP didn’t realise you could press the handle to get access if unlocked).
The performance - particularly acceleration in Hybrid mode - is incredible. Charging is quick (I only recently learned that rate of charge is a function of the car as well as the charger). Using a 32A charger the car was fully charged in just over 2 hours.
I’m going to stop because I’m in danger of sounding like a fanboy, but for me, this car is very special.
Not knocking the OP, but I haven’t found the door handles a worry. I cant really see a difference from any door handle of the last 50 years. If the doors are unlocked, they will be able to be opened. If the car doors are locked, they won’t. I don’t see the issue (I presume OP didn’t realise you could press the handle to get access if unlocked).
The performance - particularly acceleration in Hybrid mode - is incredible. Charging is quick (I only recently learned that rate of charge is a function of the car as well as the charger). Using a 32A charger the car was fully charged in just over 2 hours.
I’m going to stop because I’m in danger of sounding like a fanboy, but for me, this car is very special.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 33
Likes: 16
I’m with OP. I had it as a loaner while my RRS was in service and I couldn’t wait to return it. I think it looks much like a mallard duck with the elongated front end too 🤭 (fair warning: once you Google it you won’t be able to unsee it!)
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 43
Likes: 8
I feel like it was built for the name and look of it. But, the buyers don't seem to care about much else. A family friend had one as a rental and I of course asked him to drive it. It seemed not a whole not different than a 2001 Ford Taurus. There was no soul and nothing special about it. Not even close to the experience my LR3 gives. it is what it is, but yeah it's a vehicle designed to make money and it seems to be doing exactly what it was designed to do.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
2021 Velar RDynamic HSE P400 with inline 6 cyl (USA). I love my Velar, although I do find the vehicle's desire to take over the steering function with the "lane assist" feature to be troubling. For crying out loud, if you're going to drive at high speeds, you ought to be able to pay attention sufficiently enough to control the vehicle.
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
From: England
Sir, I work for JLR and read your comments with disappointment and some confusion. It sounds like you've made up your mind, but I'll go ahead and offer my thoughts.
Like all new vehicles we develop, the Velar is a 95th percentile vehicle. In other words, it's meant to fit about 95 percent of the public in terms of body size. You say you are tall, but do not cite your specific height. An individual of 193-194 cm should still be able to make themselves comfortable in this vehicle. Did you lower the height of the seat and check all other settings? I have a 90cm inseam and I fit just fine. We also tested the vehicle with hundreds of luxury owners to ensure it met their needs.
You mention headroom as a problem, but with the seat lowered you should still be fine unless you're in the US NBA league.
The Velar is focused on providing a dramatic styling effect unlike any other vehicle on the road and combining that with a great deal of usability and cargo space. However, if maximum head room, interior space and cargo space are your ultimate goal then we have other Range Rover models better suited to that task. We build seven different Land Rover models so that every taste and need can be accommodated.
If you find the screen a distraction I think you should be prepared for disappointment with every new luxury vehicle coming to market right now. I suspect you would be horrified by Tesla. This is what the customers want and this is what we give them. If you prefer a less intrusive screen arrangement we do have other vehicles in our line that are less pronounced.
In regard to the safety features- they are also adjustable and can all be turned off simply in the driver menu. Some people like them and enjoy them and some people do not-you have a choice. In regard to the door handles they are a non-issue. In a minor accident they will operate just fine. In a major rollover or if the vehicle is on its side emergency responders will be breaking glass and using power tools most likely-not relying on a door handle. For the record though- because they are recessed they are LESS likely to be damaged in a roll-over. Standard door handles get destroyed when subjected to thousands of pounds of force. The nail that sticks out gets hammered.
If you don't like the SatNav you are welcome to use Google Maps through Apple CarPlay. It costs nothing and works superbly.
The boot lid is foot sensitive and designed to close when you move your feet in the appropriate direction and location. Perhaps this is what happened. The system requires some type of activation to close.
Sorry to hear you feel this is the worst car you've ever driven, but it sounds like it's not a good fit for your needs or preferences. However, it has been an immensely popular vehicle for us that has won many awards and continues to sell well. It appeals more to younger buyers, families with small children, singles and people near Urban environments who enjoy new technology and adventurous styling. It's intended to push the envelope, but it's not for everyone.
I suggest you try a new Defender, Discovery or the existing L405 Range Rover before it is discontinued as those might be a better fit. However, please do not suggest that the Velar is a bad vehicle. I might not like Strawberry ice cream- but I can't blame the local ice cream shop for selling it when they offer many other flavors.
Like all new vehicles we develop, the Velar is a 95th percentile vehicle. In other words, it's meant to fit about 95 percent of the public in terms of body size. You say you are tall, but do not cite your specific height. An individual of 193-194 cm should still be able to make themselves comfortable in this vehicle. Did you lower the height of the seat and check all other settings? I have a 90cm inseam and I fit just fine. We also tested the vehicle with hundreds of luxury owners to ensure it met their needs.
You mention headroom as a problem, but with the seat lowered you should still be fine unless you're in the US NBA league.
The Velar is focused on providing a dramatic styling effect unlike any other vehicle on the road and combining that with a great deal of usability and cargo space. However, if maximum head room, interior space and cargo space are your ultimate goal then we have other Range Rover models better suited to that task. We build seven different Land Rover models so that every taste and need can be accommodated.
If you find the screen a distraction I think you should be prepared for disappointment with every new luxury vehicle coming to market right now. I suspect you would be horrified by Tesla. This is what the customers want and this is what we give them. If you prefer a less intrusive screen arrangement we do have other vehicles in our line that are less pronounced.
In regard to the safety features- they are also adjustable and can all be turned off simply in the driver menu. Some people like them and enjoy them and some people do not-you have a choice. In regard to the door handles they are a non-issue. In a minor accident they will operate just fine. In a major rollover or if the vehicle is on its side emergency responders will be breaking glass and using power tools most likely-not relying on a door handle. For the record though- because they are recessed they are LESS likely to be damaged in a roll-over. Standard door handles get destroyed when subjected to thousands of pounds of force. The nail that sticks out gets hammered.
If you don't like the SatNav you are welcome to use Google Maps through Apple CarPlay. It costs nothing and works superbly.
The boot lid is foot sensitive and designed to close when you move your feet in the appropriate direction and location. Perhaps this is what happened. The system requires some type of activation to close.
Sorry to hear you feel this is the worst car you've ever driven, but it sounds like it's not a good fit for your needs or preferences. However, it has been an immensely popular vehicle for us that has won many awards and continues to sell well. It appeals more to younger buyers, families with small children, singles and people near Urban environments who enjoy new technology and adventurous styling. It's intended to push the envelope, but it's not for everyone.
I suggest you try a new Defender, Discovery or the existing L405 Range Rover before it is discontinued as those might be a better fit. However, please do not suggest that the Velar is a bad vehicle. I might not like Strawberry ice cream- but I can't blame the local ice cream shop for selling it when they offer many other flavors.
Love my D300.
Winching
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 599
Likes: 317
As he said, the Velar is not for everyone. That's why there are other models in the range.
Personally l didn't get on with the Evoque that l test drove, but it was in no way a bad car.
l am not a fan of huge media screens in cars. The one in the Tesla l drove was (in my opinion) just too big and unnecessary
Ive got a new Defender and the standard media screen is great, but others want the larger screen option.
The Velar is very popular around here, as is the Evoque (although that's popular everywhere) and the Defender is becoming a regular sight.
Personally l didn't get on with the Evoque that l test drove, but it was in no way a bad car.
l am not a fan of huge media screens in cars. The one in the Tesla l drove was (in my opinion) just too big and unnecessary
Ive got a new Defender and the standard media screen is great, but others want the larger screen option.
The Velar is very popular around here, as is the Evoque (although that's popular everywhere) and the Defender is becoming a regular sight.
Last edited by lightning; Jun 20, 2023 at 01:57 AM.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 2
This is quite possibly the most ludicrous thing I have ever read in a forum and that's saying something.
I am not small person, I am 6'2" and about 240lb, so I'm not exactly slim. Unless you are morbidly obese, the Velar seats are plenty wide.
I have back problems, so am not as able to twist as most people, but I can find the seatbelt without issue. I would suggest that you perhaps try lowering the seat - it might be a good place to start with your headroom and access issues.
I find the satnav easy to use, but I prefer to connect my phone and use WAZE, which displays on screen clearly. The other items, while a little slow are no worse than any other vehicle. If you feel that getting a paper map out while driving is a better option, then perhaps you shouldn't be driving.
The recessed door handles can be popped out by pressing at the side.
I really can't be bothered explaining any more of these simple items
To be honest, I think that either you are a troll, or mentally dimwitted in the extreme.
I am not small person, I am 6'2" and about 240lb, so I'm not exactly slim. Unless you are morbidly obese, the Velar seats are plenty wide.
I have back problems, so am not as able to twist as most people, but I can find the seatbelt without issue. I would suggest that you perhaps try lowering the seat - it might be a good place to start with your headroom and access issues.
I find the satnav easy to use, but I prefer to connect my phone and use WAZE, which displays on screen clearly. The other items, while a little slow are no worse than any other vehicle. If you feel that getting a paper map out while driving is a better option, then perhaps you shouldn't be driving.
The recessed door handles can be popped out by pressing at the side.
I really can't be bothered explaining any more of these simple items
To be honest, I think that either you are a troll, or mentally dimwitted in the extreme.