2011 Range Rover Evoque review
2011 Range Rover Evoque Coupe
By Ian Lynas, 24th October 2011
Stylish and practical describes the Evoque; however the latest vehicle to emerge from the Range Rover stable is much more than just the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient vehicle from this manufacturer.
Style led, with a very bold on-road presence, it comes as no great surprise to learn that the company already has orders totalling 25,000 and will be sold in 160 countries and it comes in two bodystyles: coupe and five door.
New Range Rover Evoque
I drove both the coupe and five-door versions on some excellent road routes in the Borders of Scotland. For good measure, Land Rover had also arranged an off road section. No vehicle should be worthy of this company‘s famous badge if it were not able to cope with all driving conditions.
Fair enough, it was not the most demanding off road course I have ever driven on but it did give a taste of what this newcomer can do. I suspect that the Evoque will be seen more often in the high street than off-road. Land Rover and Range Rover have other vehicles which fit that bill.
New 2011 Range Rover Evoque
Emissions-wise, Evoque is class leading with a possible sub 130g/km CO2 figure and the eD4 manual can deliver 56.3mpg on the combined fuel cycle. Diesel engines will play a major role with this vehicle. There is a choice of diesel power units with outputs ranging from 150 to 190bhp as well as the Si4 petrol engine delivers 240bhp.
My time in Scotland allowed me to try two engines; the more powerful of the diesels and the petrol. The power delivery afforded by the petrol engine was silky smooth.
Range Rover Evoque review
Four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive versions will give customers maximum choice, however after the last couple of winters we have had to endure, I can see a large number of buyers looking very seriously at the four-wheel drive option. Having experienced the Evoque in 4WD guise over the off road course with its palette of technical features to tackle the really tough terrain, I would be very happy to spend my winter motoring behind the wheel of one of these vehicles.
Agile handling, regardless of the terrain is aided by Adaptive Dynamics featuring MagneRide and all-weather surface capability comes courtesy of well-proven Land Rover Terrain Response. An outstanding feature of Evoque is the way in which you can spec your vehicle.
There are three trim levels, or as the company prefers to call them, "themes" - Pure, Prestige and Dynamic. A huge array of options to suit the needs of every customer, including body colours, interior colours and trims.
New Evoque
Those who are familiar with Range Rover products will immediately feel at home in the cabin, whilst first time buyers will not fail to be impressed by the quality.
Sales initially will be divided equally between the two bodystyles; however in the long-term it seems that the five-door version will emerge as the most popular choice.
Prices start at £27,955 to £39,995.
