2017 Range Rover Velar teased ahead of Geneva debut

Land Rover has provided a small glimpse of its all-new model, the Range Rover Velar, alongside promises that it will be a game changer for the brand.

Set for an official public debut on March 7 at the Geneva motor show, the Velar will fill the gap between Land Rover's range-opening Evoque and mid-range Range Rover Sport.

The car-maker has also revealed that the new model is scheduled to go on sale locally later this year, with Australian pricing and specification to be announced at a London event next week.

An aerial view of the Velar's rear-end offers the best insight of the teaser images into the new SUV's exterior and interior design, but the Range Rover influence is evident throughout.

The new model's design is less boxy than that of Land Rover's existing line-up, with its wider rear wheel arches offering a more muscular look.

However, a reinterpreted dashboard design can be seen through the Velar's full-length panoramic sunroof, which is headlined by a large-size display for the SUV's multimedia system.

Externally, the new model's design is less boxy than that of Land Rover's existing line-up, with its wider rear wheel arches offering a more muscular look.

The entire Land Rover family – including the Velar – is depicted in another of the images released, clearly positioning it as being taller and wider than the Evoque, but shorter and narrower than the Range Rover Sport.

According to Land Rover, the Porsche Macan competitor will pioneer consumer technology and unique sustainable materials, as well as using advanced engineering to ensure that it will be an all-purpose, all-terrain SUV.

Off-road driving prospects are likely to be better than that of the smaller Evoque, which is more passenger car-like when compared to the larger Range Rovers that employ low-range transfer cases and a more rugged suspension setup.

The Velar will reportedly be similar to the Range Rover Sport with its longitudinally mounted powertrain – which differs from the transverse arrangement in the Evoque –  as well as being offered only as a 4x4.

Velar – which is Latin for cover or veil – is steeped in Range Rover history as it was used as early as the 1960s by development engineers to disguise the true identity of development mules.

Jaguar Land Rover's IQ platform – which is currently employed by the Jaguar F-Pace –  is expected to be used for the Velar, suggesting it will also be built at the Solihull factory in England's Midlands.

Do you think there are more holes for Range Rover to fill in their current model line-up? Tell us what you think in the comments below.