November 30, 2011. Copyright 2011, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Range Rover Evoque: style and panache versus functional and bland
By Neil Winton

LONDON, November 30, Graphic News: The Evoque is the smallest and lightest Range Rover yet, but its radical styling will create a big impression out on the street.

Its German competitor compact SUVs like the BMW X3, the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK seem almost apologetic with their relatively bland, functional designs. BMW, Audi and Mercedes must think their customers want anonymity.

Range Rover reckons Evoque buyers won't be shrinking violets.

The rising waist line and diving roof shout "look at me". From whichever angle you approach the Evoque there are design touches likely to start arguments. Some models are so-called Coupes which will have some people saying, "what's the point of a two-door SUV?" There are two-wheel drive versions too. This could be the first Range Rover you will see bogged down in the mud.

The interior is typical Range Rover in the traditional sense that invokes leather, luxury and comfort. There is a cockpit feel, with a big centre console built around the driver. There is plenty of room in the back. The sharply angled roof line suggests that normal sized rear seat passengers will be short of headroom, but that isn't the case. Strangely, given the likely Evoque clientele, the trunk isn't big enough to take a golf-bag without folding down a rear seat.

Range Rover has invested heavily in cutting weight using polymer components and composite front bumpers and tailgate, and an aluminium bonnet and roof panels, although much of the Evoque's engineering is based on the similar sized Land Rover Freelander. There is a petrol engine version and two diesels with manual or automatic gearboxes. The Evoque borrows from its sibling company, Jaguar, the idea of a gear selector disc, which rises from a flush level when you press the "start" button. The most powerful engine in the range is surprisingly small -- only two litres -- but thanks to high-tech petrol direct injection and turbo-charging it produces an amazing 240hp which propels this all-wheel drive car from rest to 60mph in seven seconds. In unrestricted Germany, the Evoque could hit 135mph. With the price of fuel rising and government regulation insisting on better fuel consumption, manufacturers generally are investing heavily in making small engines produce an unprecedented amount of power. Petrol engines are becoming as frugal as diesels. A hybrid Evoque is promised in 2013.

Being a Range Rover, you can expect top rate off-road capability, if you eschew two-wheel drive. The Evoque has Hill Descent Control and uses the Terrain Response system from the bigger Discovery and Range Rovers. You can select grass/gravel/snow, mud and ruts, sand, or rock crawl, and let the computer take the strain.

Prices start at around £28,000/€32,500, as sales begin in Europe.

Range Rover has been brave to retain the dramatic styling from the concept model which was unveiled at the Detroit Car Show in 2008. Will style and panache combat the worthy but dull looking German SUVs?
/ENDS

Range Rover Evoque Si4 Dynamic
Engine – 2.0 litre, direct injection turbo-charged petrol 4-cylinder
Power – 240hp
Torque – 340 Nm
Drive – all-wheels
Gearbox – six speed automatic
Acceleration – 0-60mph 7.0 seconds
Top Speed – 135mph-217km/h
Fuel consumption – claimed combined – 40.9mpg-6.9-l/km
C02 – 199g/km
Emissions class – Euro V
Suspension – MacPherson/strut
Length – 4,355mm
Width – 1,965mm
Height – 1,605mm
Wheel-base – 2,660mm
Weight – 1,640kg 
Competition – Audi Q5/Q3, BMW X3, Mercedes GLK
Price £44,320 including lux pack