Evoque-ative new SUV named at Land Rover's 40th birthday bash

Remaining tight-lipped on technical specifications, Land Rover has announced the name of its new, smaller SUV; the vehicle based on the Range Rover LRX concept first seen in 2008.

Evoque, as it will be known, was named at a special event held at The Orangery in London's Kensington Palace to celebrate 40 years of the Land Rover brand. The name was selected because of its ability to be "instantly recognisable through language and cultural barriers around the world."

The new Range Rover Evoque will eventually be sold in 160 countries across the globe.

Managing Director of Land Rover, Phil Popham, said the event was "a very special occasion for Range Rover. Not only are we celebrating 40 years of the brand, we are also demonstrating our exciting future by showing the all-new Range Rover Evoque.

"Range Rover is one of the most highly regarded and iconic vehicles in the history of motoring and has been a continuing success since we first introduced it in 1970. "

The all-new Range Rover Evoque is considered an important step forward for the brand -- the creation of a smaller model seen as a move in the right direction, especially where the environment is concerned. To be available in both two- and four-wheel drive, the Evoque will offer CO2 emissions from below 130g/km to become what Land Rover says is the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever.

Pleasingly, and unlike many concept designs, the Evoque will stay true to the shape and styling seen of the original 2008 show car, whilst at the same time retaining a recognisable Land Rover brand image.

"The Range Rover is an iconic design that has stood the test of time and it's not difficult to see why. Like the current version, the original Range Rover is such a simple and memorable shape that is easily recognisable," explained Land Rover design director, Gerry McGovern.

"The all-new Range Rover Evoque marks a bold evolution of Range Rover design, providing customers with a desirable, premium and compact car like SUV. In 2008 we introduced the LRX concept car: after a positive reception worldwide, the natural step for the business was to turn the LRX concept car into reality. Tonight we wanted to show the world that we have stayed true to our word and delivered a car that completely represents the spirit of the LRX concept.

"The all-new Range Rover Evoque will resonate with customers on an emotional level. Its unique silhouette accentuated by the distinctive falling roof and dramatic rising waistline creates a modern and relevant execution of the familiar Range Rover design language. This car makes a powerful statement of the Range Rover's brand intent to appeal to a wider audience."

The Range Rover Evoque will be officially unveiled at this year's Paris Motor Show in September with the first deliveries to Australian showrooms to commence in late Q3 2011.

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