When the Range Rover Evoque was first introduced some nine years ago, it took the SUV segment by storm. With more than 217 international awards, the new Evoque is a sophisticated evolution of the original that combines unrivalled Range Rover heritage with cutting-edge technology to meet the needs of today’s customers.
Building on the original’s instantly-recognisable design, the new Evoque is a sophisticated evolution of the distinctive coupé-like silhouette, typified by its distinctive fast roofline and rising waist that identify the Range Rover family.
The outstanding volume and proportions are amplified by its pronounced shoulders and powerful wheel arches that, alongside 21-inch wheels, combine to create a strong and dynamic attitude.
The introduction of jewel-like elements such as super-slim Matrix LED headlamps provides a more sophisticated front and rear lamp graphic. Flush door handles add to the smooth, sculpted aesthetic, while sweeping directional indicators create a purposeful signature. Optional R-Dynamic details and burnished copper accents add to the unique appeal.
Inside, the finely crafted design integrates uncluttered surfaces and simple lines with carefully curated premium materials to create a luxurious, minimalist, digital cabin. Technical textiles that use recycled plastics are offered as premium alternatives to leather, such as a Kvadrat wool blend and Dinamica suedecloth, as well as Eucalyptus and Ultrafabrics options.
The cabin is designed to be a calm and serene space, ensuring comfortable, healthy and happy occupants, with technologies such as the twin touchscreen Touch Pro Duo system, featuring new, faster software, and 14-way seat controls that complement the increased interior space.
The compact footprint is almost identical at 4.37m, yet built on Land Rover’s new Premium Transverse Architecture, there is more interior space than before. A longer wheelbase yields 20mm extra rear kneeroom and an increase in small item stowage – the larger glove box and centre cubby can now fit tablets, handbags and bottles with ease.
The luggage space is 10 per cent larger as well as much wider and easily fits a folded pram or set of golf clubs, with space increasing to 1,156 litres when the flexible 40:20:40 second-row seats are folded.
The new architecture has been developed for electrification, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid available at launch. The mild hybrid powertrain is a first for Land Rover and works by harvesting energy normally lost during deceleration thanks to the engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator, storing it in the under-floor battery.
At speeds below 17km/h, the engine will shut off while the driver applies the brakes. When pulling away, the stored energy is redeployed to assist the engine under acceleration and reduce fuel consumption. The result is a refined, quiet and efficient drive in built-up traffic heavy areas, in addition to efficiency savings.
The All-Wheel Drive, automatic transmission vehicles, come with the four cylinder Ingenium petrol engine. This is where the 48-volt mild-hybrid system is used to reduce CO2 emissions to as low as 178g/km and fuel economy from 7.9l/100km.
New Evoque features All-Wheel Drive, as well as a second-generation Active Driveline with Driveline Disconnect to enhance efficiency and Adaptive Dynamics to deliver the optimum balance of comfort and agility. Terrain Response 2 – technology first found on full-size Range Rover – automatically detects the surface being driven and adjusts the set-up accordingly, while Evoque can now wade through water up to 600mm (previously 500mm).
Combining all-terrain capability with on-road composure, the Evoque’s new MacPherson Hydrobush front and Integral Link rear suspension and Adaptive Dynamics technology deliver not only improved refinement and stability in all conditions, but enables the agile handling that makes Evoque ideal for the tight city streets of many countries around the world.
The famed Range Rover command driving position has jumped into the digital age, with a segment-first ‘ClearSight rear view mirror’ that transforms into an HD video screen. If rear visibility is compromised by passengers or bulky items, the driver simply flicks a switch on the underside of the mirror and a camera feed from the top of the car displays what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. The screen provides a wider (50-degree) field of vision and superior visibility in low light.
The new Evoque is also the first in the world to feature ClearSight Ground View technology, which effectively makes the bonnet invisible by projecting camera imagery onto the upper touchscreen to show the driver a 180 degree view under the front of the vehicle. This is useful when negotiating difficult parking spaces, navigating high city centre kerbs or tackling rough terrain.
There is a reverse camera as standard on all models, alongside a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, which centres the vehicle in the lane based on road markings as well as maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Active safety features such as Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor are all available to keep occupants safe.
Evoque is also the first Land Rover with Smart Settings, which uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn the driver’s preference and acts as an onboard butler. In addition to seat position, music and climate settings, Evoque can also control steering column preferences to maximise comfort.
