Rarely has an award been so deserved as the one bestowed on the Range Rover Velar - World Car Design of the Year.

That is some honour, but I reckon the global panel which awarded it were bang-on in their decision. 

If I had been with them in New York (maybe they’ll invite me next year, hint, hint), the luxury motor would have got my vote too.

Why? Well, I don’t usually stand and admire cars, but giving the Velar a long look is a rewarding experience. Svelte yet muscular, the exterior is a triumph of the designer’s art, looking both graceful and mighty at the same time. 

It has to be said that premium rivals, mainly emanating from Germany, look clumsy in comparison.

The exterior lines are complemented by an interior that gives new meaning to the phrase ‘high-quality’.

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The roomy cabin is a harmonious mix of beautifully tactile finishes – piano black, brushed aluminium and suede – while controls fall easily to hand, especially the circular auto-transmission selector, which rises from the centre console on start-up.

It’s a piece of automotive theatre, the main event after a curtain-raiser from the flush-fitting, backlit, exterior door-handles, which pop out to greet you when the key-fob is pressed, and pop back as the car gets underway.

And that impressive interior plays host to a wealth of features.

Here is just a taste of the equipment on our road test car, an HSE D300: dual-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, air quality sensor, auto-dimming interior rear view mirror, DAB radio, ‘Luxtec’ and suedecloth seats with 20-way driver/passenger memory, massage, heated and cooled function, 16-speaker sound system, two-piece sliding front centre armrest, 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat, posh satnav, rear parking aid and rear view camera, cruise control with speed limiter, powered tailgate, power socket pack, fixed panoramic roof, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights and power-folding door mirrors with signature puddle lights.

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Safety is enhanced by an array of high-tech kit, including hill descent control, hill launch assist, gradient release control, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control and cornering brake control.

The driving experience is peerless. The elevated seating position makes for a superior view of the road ahead, while progress is effortless thanks to the smooth swathe of power from the 300bhp V6 twin-turbo three-litre diesel engine, mated to a slick eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Performance figures are 0 to 60mph in six seconds, with a top speed of 150mph, while returning a combined fuel consumption of 44mpg (manufacturer’s figures).

Although I did not have the opportunity to try the car off-road, I have previously driven its siblings in testing conditions and the capability of such luxurious cars to tackle tough terrain is awesome – and reassuring in road use when winter weather comes along. 

From its super-slim matrix laser-LED headlights and versatile dashboard touch-screen to its sophisticated looks, the Velar is an accomplished blend of top technology, style and driving pleasure. 

Price: £68,110 OTR.