Range Rover Evoque & Velar are great-looking SUVs – just hope infotainment system doesn’t crash on you

YOU might recall I wrote a bit of a love letter to the new entry-level Ford Ranger XL last week.

It’s my new favourite Ford.

A quick reminder why: It’s affordable, cool to drive and doesn’t skimp on the bits you need from both a workhorse and a family SUV — capable off-road, sensible levels of tech and load space for days out.

Admittedly, there’s one glaring flaw with the Ranger. The ­missus will hate parking a pick-up next to snobby Karen’s Audi Q5 at the gym.

So here’s one — sorry, two — for those who need a badge to brag about.

The Range Rover Evoque and Velar have been checked in for their midlife nip ’n’ tucks.

So what’s new?

In terms of design, not a lot.

That’s because these cars — the Velar, especially — are still among the best-looking designer SUVs money will buy you. There are a few bits and pieces — like tweaked grilles and more colours. Window dressing, really.

More electric range

Inside, both models are now equipped with the latest and greatest version of the Pivi Pro infotainment system, which is just that bit quicker to react to prods and is a dash sharper to look at.

The updated infotainment system has removed the last of the tactile dials for things like ­climate control that came with the previous models.

It looks super slick, but you’d better pray the system doesn’t crash on a February morning, or you could end up with a cabin temperature permanently set to 28C and your teenager’s favourite Kiss FM playing all the way to work.

 Both cars have the uncanny ability to handle punchy country-road driving as well as they do motorway wafting or in-town agility courses.

The biggest upgrade for both cars concerns the plug-in hybrid models.

The batteries have been beefed up from 33 miles of leccy range to 40-odd miles. Tidy.

 Both cars have the uncanny ability to handle punchy country-road driving as well as they do motorway wafting or in-town agility courses.

At risk of pointing out the obvious, if you want something primarily for tackling elbows-out city roads, the smaller Evoque is the way to go.

But I would say the Velar is the better all-rounder.

And just look at it — it’s an absolute prom-night princess.

I started this review talking about the Ford Ranger XL — a car that sets you back £31k, excluding VAT.

But despite the gulf in badge prestige, I’m not comparing apples with oranges here.

 The Evoque costs just nine grand more than the Ford, which dissolves into not very much on a monthly deal.

Yes, the Velar starts at £54k, but that’s still around six grand less than the Ford Ranger Raptor.

And you can’t put a price on wiping that smug smile off Karen’s face.