Amongst the crowd when Range Rover unveiled its Evoque model in Sydney were stylists from rival automotive companies. When questioned, they all acknowledged Range Rover’s first compact has raised the bar.
Should we have expected anything less from England’s SUV geniuses?
Evoque might be headlined as the smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever produced, but its pure, bold styling deserves star billing as well. Like the full-size Range Rover, inside and out the Evoque is brilliantly executed and looks just beautiful.
Due on-sale next year, the current Evoque is a three-door but a five-door version is following. In its current guise, Range Rover has managed to introduce almost coupe-style looks to the SUV segment.
With its sharply rising beltline, muscly 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels and low-riding seating position, the Evoque is like no Range Rover before.
Evoque will offer two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive derivatives powered by two versions of the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine or a 2.0-litre petrol. Employing fuel-saving technology like Stop/Start, fuel consumption is as low as 4.9l/100kms and exhaust emissions get down to 130g/km.
Inside, the Evoque is thoroughly modern but still provides the hallmark Range Rover luxury. The gloriously sculptured front seats are a standout.
And underneath is exactly the sort of chassis technology you’ve associated with Range Rover for decades, including Adaptive Dynamics featuring MagneRide and Terrain Response.
File this one under ‘S’ for star!
