GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: 2016 Range Rover Evoque breaks cover

Last week motoring.com.au hinted that Range Rover was set to debut its 2016 Evoque at the Geneva motor show and now the rumours have been confirmed with the British marque revealing the highlights of its updated compact SUV.

As the signature LED daytime running lights in last week's teaser images suggested, the Evoque receives a makeover of the front fascia, including the option of two new grilles. The vehicle also features full-LED adaptive headlight technology too, a first for the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) brand.

The revised 2016 model year will also introduce an uptick in offroad ability with the introduction of Land Rover's All-Terrain Progress Control system – as found on Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models – capable of maintaining preset speeds in forward or reverse of between 1.8 and 30km/h.

According to Land Rover Australia the 2016 Range Rover Evoque is expected to go on sale in Europe toward the end of 2015. Australian deliveries will commence in "either December 2015 or January 2016" said a company spokesman.

Specifics of model availability and pricing are yet to be determined though it is unlikely we'll see much movement from the current range. The current Evoque (L538-series) is priced from $49,995 for the eD4 Pure, through to $81,470 (plus ORCs) for the top-shelf Si4 Prestige.

A list of equipment improvements see the new Evoque adopt an 8.0-inch InControlTM touchscreen infotainment system which Land Rover says is easier to navigate. Mimicking the functionality of a smartphone, the system will offer SD-card based sat-nav, digital radio and six speakers. Higher grades will receive an InControl Touch Plus unit with HDD-based navigation, rear seat entertainment (including wireless headphones) and a choice of 11- or 17-speaker Meridian premium audio.

The Evoque will also include an electrically-operated handsfree tailgate, revised interior trim and upholstery details, and a range of minor exterior tweaks that include three new alloy wheel designs, bonnet vents on three-door models and a new-look rear spoiler with slimline high-level LED brake-light.

With five trim levels and 11 option packs, the refreshed Evoque will offer a greater level of personalisation while new engine choices – including Land Rover's Ingenium diesels – are said to deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions and fuel consumption as low as 109g/km and 4.4L/100km respectively.

The Euro 6-compliant turbocharged four-cylinder powerplants are all aluminium and are the product of JLR's new £500 million($A980 million) UK engine facility. Badged as 'TD4' variants, the new units are said to be up to 30kg lighter than their predecessors yet are stiffer and with fewer vibrations. To further distinguish their environmental focus, effiecient Evoque models will be designated 'E-Capability', with a blue-coloured Evoque badge reinforcing its status as one of Land Rover's most efficient vehicles.

Petrol power will remain the duty of Land Rover's Si4 engine, with 177kW and a 0-100km/h claim of 7.6 seconds. Jaguar Land Rover says Evoques fitted with the petrol engine are capable of combined fuel consumption of 7.8L/100km and CO2 emissions of 181g/km.

"The Range Rover Evoque first established and then dominated the luxury compact SUV sector generating worldwide acclaim and sales success," said Land Rover design director and chief creative officer, Gerry McGovern. "Our challenge has been to evolve the Evoque design without diluting its distinctive character."

In addition to its new look, engines and added equipment, the updated Evoque will also receive additional safety technology which includes lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking and an audible driver fatigue monitor Land Rover calls Attention Assist Estimation.