Introducing the Range Rover Evoque
When it was first launched, the Range Rover Evoque was a total revelation and completely redefined the compact SUV segment with its stunning design and premium build quality. With the latest generation, Land Rover have chosen to refine and improve what was already there, rather than start all over again - purely because the Evoque has been incredibly popular from day one.
Interestingly, the Evoque is the first Land Rover to utilise the firm's all-new Premium Transverse Architecture, which is designed to offer more scope for technical progress over the lifetime of the car.
With the changes made and the potential for advanced progression over the coming years, this new phase of the Evoque's life is looking bright.
Design and Practicality
The appearance of the Evoque has been freshened up to move with the times. Although, to be quite frank, the Evoque did not really need a complete re-design because the original concept still looks a cut above the rest.
That distinctive sloping roofline still features alongside a smooth body shape that cleverly incorporates sharply styled features. Gaze hard enough though, and the design tweaks that have been made make themselves known. They definitely come together to make a big impact visually.
Up front, the grille and LED headlights have been changed for a slightly narrower setup, very similar to what can be seen on the Range Rover Velar, which is a real head-turner in itself. The rear of the vehicle wears revised taillights and a bumper that has been redesigned, both of which combine to make the car look wider and sportier.
Technology and Safety
Besides the innovative hybrid drivetrains that are available with the Evoque, Land Rover have added a host of other features that are very enticing. Featuring the award-winning Terrain Response 2, an intelligent computer system that detects the road surface and adjusts the rest of the car accordingly, the Evoque is ready to tackle any terrain.
Clearsight Groundview uses cameras on the side mirrors and front axle to provide a 'through-the-bonnet' view on the infotainment system, meaning the driver is never tackling a gradient in blind faith.
Elsewhere, the Evoque's Pivi infotainment system gains Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®. Connectivity is enhanced even further thanks to Amazon Alexa voice-control.
As part of its intuitive nature, the system uses algorithms to learn the driver's preferences; including favoured seating positions, music tastes and climate control configurations.
Engines and Performance
There are a range of petrol engines and diesel units to choose from. The petrol engines are all Ingenium turbocharged 4-cylinder units, each variant producing between 158bhp for the entry-level engine up to 265bhp for the range topping P270e Plug-In hybrid.
On the flip side, Land Rover have extracted 161 and 201bhp out of the diesel engines on offer, which all feature a useful amount of torque. Each engine comes with a slick 9-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Perhaps the biggest revelation is the introduction of the mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems. The P270e Plug-In Hybrid is the most fuel efficient Evoque, combining a petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver an outstanding 265bhp. The intelligent 48V mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) harvests energy that is usually lost when decelerating and redeploys it to assist the engine with acceleration.
Charging
Located on the rear wing, on the opposite side of the vehicle to the fuel filler flap, is the charge port. You can fully charge the vehicle from a plug socket at home or work in 6 hours 42 minutes.
Faster charging methods are available; plugging-in to a 7kW AC domestic wall box or AC public charge point you can charge from 0 to 80 percent in just 2 hour 12 minutes.
However, the quickest 0 to 80 percent charge can be achieved using the public charging network of DC charge points at 32kW where it takes just 30 minutes.
Land Rover Charging provides drivers with exclusive access to the wide range of charging points around the UK, making charging your Range Rover Evoque a quick and easy task.
Test drive the Range Rover Evoque
The Evoque has never had an issue making a statement upon arrival, but the upgraded version has reaffirmed its place as a class leader in its segment. Factor in the introduction of the hybrid systems that reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, and the Evoque becomes a compelling ownership proposition.
Please contact your nearest Stratstone Land Rover retailer to arrange a test drive.
