IN MORE ways than one, the Range Rover Velar D240 R-Dynamic SE is all about balancing the challenges of downsizing.

For many ‘Rangie’ traditionalists the older, smaller Evoque was too far removed from the large, stately models that have long adorned luxury Land Rover badgework.

Perhaps, though, the Velar has enough presence on its side to present a strong case that this medium SUV is closer to its larger, not smaller, siblings.

It also must balance its catwalk-model styling with still being above-average in the countryside, while even this D240 four-cylinder turbo-diesel model grade has to prove that it is not two pots short of the minimum engine configuration standards for a Range Rover.

It is extremely fuel efficient on paper, but can it deliver the expected performance?

At just on $100K before on-road costs and options, the R-Dynamic SE is exactly the middle specification model of the entire range, too, with the cheapest model grade being $30K cheaper and the top brass $30K pricier.

How is all that for several balancing acts?