Facial for Range Rover Evoque

A mild facial for the 2016 model Range Rover Evoque is given extra substance with a swathe of fresh safety and convenience features, plus two new Ingenium diesel engines that enable the company to claim this is the most efficient Land Rover ever.

The more efficient of the new, lighter (by 20-30kg) 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesels, the 110kW eD4, claims a miserly fuel economy of 4.4L/100km and a CO2 output of just 109g/km. The more powerful 132kW Td4 version isn’t too shabby either with 4.8L/100km fuel economy and a tailpipe figure of 133g/km.

The all-alloy, British-built Ingenium engines employ technology such as decoupled injectors to help lower overall noise and smoothness of operation, variable valve timing, low-friction technology and a new low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system that “significantly” reduces NOx emissions.

They are transverse versions of same engines which Jaguar is making the star of its XE sedan roll out.

The Evoque update also offers a petrol alternative. The carried-over 177kW Si4 manages the zero to 100km/h sprint in a lively 7.6sec while returning a fuel consumption of 7.8L/100km and CO2 emissions of 181g/km.

Transmissions include a paddle-shift nine-speed automatic or, on five-door eD4 and Td4 150 Pure models only, a six-speed manual. All versions of the Evoque, bar the entry-level eD4, are 4WD.

The latest Evoque also comes with a refreshed interior complete with new seats, trim and an infotainment system based around an eight-inch InControl touch-screen that is claimed to offer a more intuitive interface with the driver.

The system can be upgraded to include SD-card based satellite navigation and DAB+.

HSE versions feature HDD-based navigation, while it’s possible to up-spec to a rear-seat entertainment system complete with a pair of eight-inch video screens, wireless digital headphones and Meridian audio with 11 or 17 speakers.

Available as before with the choice of five-door or three-door ‘coupe’ body styles, the compact Rangie offers four trim levels and 10 option packs, as well as a range of safety, functional and convenience features.

In early 2016 Land Rover is expected to launch a convertible version of the three-door. Yes, you read that right…

Other changes/equipment upgardes across the Evoque line-up include the All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) AWD system (on SE models upwards), electronic safety aids including all-model Autonomous Emergency Braking (that helps to avoid collisions below 50km/h while reducing impact severity at speeds below 80km/h), optional lane-keeping assist, adaptive LED headlights and Attention Assist Estimation that determines whether or not the driver is fully alert behind the wheel and emits audible and visual warnings if that’s not the case.

The Evoque also adopts hands-free tailgate-opening technology in which activation is managed by waving a foot underneath the rear bumper.

The 2016 Land Rover Evoque’s trim levels include the base Pure version, followed by the SE, which is similar to the outgoing Pure Tech, the HSE that virtually replaces the previous Prestige and the top-spec HSE Dynamic.

Coupe variants favour the top of the status ladder and come in 4WD HSE and HSE Dynamic form only.

The latest Evoque has not yet been given an ANCAP safety rating. Although the previous version only managed four stars, the 2016 model could benefit from all that new safety tech.

Deliveries of the upgraded Evoque are due to begin in Australia from November 1.