Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Summary

Land Rover, Tata Motors owned British luxury SUV brand, launched the Range Rover Evoque compact luxury crossover with 2WD and FWD drive system in 2011. Designed to appeal urban buyers, this award-winning crossover received its first update, in 2014, with a new ZF-9HP automatic transmission and several additional features. Though, the cosmetic changes were minimal. The new Evoque is available in two engine options - a 236.7bhp, 2.0-litre, Si4 turbo petrol and a 187.4bhp, 2.2-litre SD4 turbo diesel.

Further to this, read Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Road Test details by our expert.

Exterior

On the exterior, the Evoque crossover received minimal changes. It gets a new Land Rover badge and four new alloy wheel designs, along with new color options. The car wears bold stances and sporty design. It gets a double slat chrome grille, projector lamps, honeycomb metal mesh, muscular shoulders, a low slung rear sloping roofline, pronounced wheel arches with large wheels and sharp windscreen.

Interior

From inside, the new Range Rover Evoque is plusher and more comfortable than its predecessor. The crossover gets some additional features such as park assist, lane departure warning, a water wading sensor and traffic sign recognition. The interior design and equipment remain largely unchanged. Features on offer are oxford leather steering wheel, 10/8 way electric driver’s adjustment, surround camera system, automatic climate control with air filtration, 11-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in and Audio connectivity system, etc.

Engine & Transmission

Power for the Range Rover Evoque comes from a 2.0-litre, Si4 turbo petrol and a 2.2-litre SD4 turbo diesel engine. The former delivers a maximum power of 236.7bhp at 5, 500rpm with 340Nm at 1, 750rpm, while the latter offers 187.4bhp at 5, 200rpm with 420N at 2, 000rpm. Transmitting power to the wheels is a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Performance & Handling

The new Evoque gets an optional Active Driveline (only on all-wheel drive variants) that helps it drive over 35kmph by means of front wheels, if any loss in grip is sensed. It’s capable to deliver an impressive on and off-road performance. The new 9-speed automatic gearbox not only makes it 10% more fuel efficient, but reduces its carbon emission as well. Both the engines are highly-refined, and help the car attain a top speed of 195kmph. It takes 8.5 seconds to achieve 0-100kmph. The NVH levels are well-controlled, but it gets slightly noisy at highways.

Braking System

The crossover has strong on-road and off-road braking capabilities. The car gets powerful disc brakes with highly-efficient calipers on all four-wheels. Along with this, it comes equipped with several advanced braking systems such as ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency brake assist system, cornering brake control (CBC) and hill decent control (HDC).

Mileage

The 1999 cc Diesel - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 10 kmpl in city and 12 kmpl on highways.

Safety Features

The Range Rover Evoque is one of the most well-equipped and safest cars in its segment. It comes equipped with plenty of safety fitments such as six airbag and restraint system, ABS (anti-lock braking system), dynamic stability control, roll stability control, hazard warning lights under heavy braking, front height adjustable seat belts, seat belt reminder, child seat ISOFIX anchor points, range rover smart key controls - remote lock/ unlock/ double lock/ lights on/ tailgate open and many more.

Verdict

With compact design, high ground clearance and sedan-like handling, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is an absolute fun-to-drive car. The car appeals with its sporty and cute styling, while its plush interior and agile suspension give an immense sense of comfort.

Competition

The Volvo XC60 is the closest rival of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. Though, it also takes on the likes of Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz C250.

Pros

1. Stunning design
2. Plush interior and equipment
3. Plenty of safety features
4. Engine performance
5. Driving comfort
6. Capable On and Off-road

Cons

1. Less spacious than competitors
2. Slightly noisy at highways
3. High running cost of petrol variant
4. Attractive accessories add cost

Awards

1. World Car Design of the Year 2012 - World Car Design Of the Year Awards
2. Crossover Car of the Year 2012 - Bloomberg
3. 2012 Best of the Best Truck 2012 - AutoWeek Magazine
4. 2012 Women’s Overall World Car of the Year
5. Women’s Top World Luxury Car of the Year
6. Car of the Year 2011 - Top Gear and Auto Express
7.  2010 Best Production Car - Car Design News