Range Rover Evoque 2011 Review - International

Range Rover Evoque

Great photos of Evoque taking on England's oldest underground tunnel

OVERVIEW

First impressions of the prestige, compact SUV are good, both from our drive experience during the international launch in Wales, and for the brand. According to Land Rover execs, "18,000 orders, sight unseen" had been received for the new addition, immediately upon confirming the 2008 Detroit show LRX concept would see production.

Motoring.com.au was also told that Land Rover expects up to 80 per cent conquest sales: that is, most Evoque buyers will be new to the brand and coming out of rival products.

In other words, this is not necessarily an affordable Range Rover, nor does the maker want it to be. With that in mind be aware that the really good stuff available from the brand, like the Terrain Response offroad system (see MECHANICAL), comes at the top end of the price scale which ranges from around $50,000 to $78,000.

Cheapest in the line-up is Land Rover's first-ever front-wheel drive model, the eD4. Arriving in March next year, the eD4 features stop/start function and starts at $49,995 in the base-level 'Pure' specification. The turbodiesel offerings begin at $53,395 for the TD4 version and $57,395 for the SD4 (add $2480 for a six-speed automatic with paddle shift). An auto-only petrol model, the Si4, is also available.

Three specification levels are offered: Pure, Prestige and Dynamic. For the entry-level Pure, you get as standard 17-inch alloys, LED foglights, rear parking guidance (aural), hill start assist, and an eight-speaker sound system with colour audio display. If ordered in 4WD form, even the base spec Evoque comes with the abovementioned Terrain off-road system.

For an additional $13,500, the Prestige spec brings 19-inch alloys, top-end Meridian audio system (11 speakers; two USB ports) and smarter, larger (8.0-inch versus 5.0-inch) audio interface, chrome sill plates and xenon headlights. At the top end, the Dynamic spec (for another $15,500 to start prices) boasts a more distinguished appearance including striking tailpipe finish, black high-gloss side mirrors and wider choice in interior trim colours.

The models are subtly distinguished by different coloured (black, silver or red) badges on the tailgate but otherwise buyers are able to customise their Evoque via a range of option packs, no matter which spec they order. Buyers of the baby Rangie can also opt for upgrades that include features like the clever dual-view screen from its big brothers, Sport and Vogue.

MECHANICAL

Scheduled for local showrooms in November, the line-up includes two diesel models; both 2.2-litre units but in different states of tune (110kW/400Nm or 140kW/420Nm). There's also a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine rated at 177kW/340Nm. The engine range makes this the first four-cylinder Range Rover model in decades.

Due here in March, the eD4 uses the 110kW diesel unit combined with stop/start function (and six-speed manual) for impressive, small hatchback-rivalling, 4.5L/100 economy.

Meanwhile, the 2.2-litre equipped TD4 and SD4 diesel models achieve 5.2L/100km in manual form or 5.7L/100km if fitted with the auto.

Operation of the six-speed automatic unit is the same as for other auto-equipped Range Rovers: via a neat, central console-mounted dial control or paddle shift. The 2.0-litre petrol-engined Si4 model range is only available with the auto.

Suspension is by way of coil-sprung struts front and rear, or buyers can opt for Land Rover's version of adaptive ride dynamics (electronically adjusted suspension settings) called MagneRide. Both the coupe and five-door use a 300mm ventilated front disc and 302mm solid rear disc braking system.

According to Land Rover, the Evoque weighs around 100kg less than the Freelander 2 upon which it's based. The Evoque has up to 70 per cent of its own (versus Freelander) parts, and designers were able to lower body height without compromising ground clearance (around 200mm).

On build quality: Land Rover's first entry in the compact SUV segment with Freelander was well-received but not well regarded, slighted as it was by mechanical and fit issues. The follow-up Freelander 2 is much better and we expect the brand won't make the same mistake with its first prestige compact offering.

Production is from the same Halewood, Liverpool, factory as the Freelander 2, and the Evoque's introduction has doubled the plant's workforce requirements to around 3000 staff. England, like anywhere, needs these jobs, and our visit to the factory -- once the site for Ford production of models like the Escort -- revealed a tidy outfit and happy workers.

The plant is currently on two shifts due to early strong demand for the Evoque, and plant veteran, Danny "I've survived seven cutbacks!" Cassidy told us the factory is currently only making models to suit order, "not for cars to just sit about".

The more user-friendly, five-door option also cuts a neat profile, and the Evoque's packaging includes styling notes used by its elders, like bonnet side grilles and signature blocky front grille design.

Going smaller and softer with the Evoque also allowed engineers to introduce lightweight materials, including composite plastics for the tailgate and an aluminium roof and bonnet. It's in the smaller offerings that Land Rover will introduce its Terrain fuel-saving technologies, beginning with the Evoque eD4 2WD stop/start model.

Dimensions are somewhat set by the Freelander platform used and previous owner, Ford's small cars including Focus. That said, the Evoque is 145mm shorter in length and 105mm shorter in height than the Freelander (4355mm and 1635mm to be precise). The coupe is even stubbier, at 1605mm.

Cargo space is at a premium with all seats in place -- there's not much more room than a small hatchback -- so parents with prams, take note. Coupe buyers can access the rear seats via levers on the front seats but access is tight.

We have no figures yet for towing capacity but expect it won't do any better than the Freelander's 750kg (unbraked) rating. An assistance system (see SAFETY) comes as standard for the purpose.

SAFETY

Hill start assist, automatic handbrake and trailer stability system also come standard, and offroad-oriented safety features like roll-stability and hill-descent control are included with the 4WD models.

All passenger spaces, including the three assigned to the rear row, have headrests and three-point seatbelts. The Evoque also comes standard with driver and passenger airbags, knee airbags, and side curtain and thorax airbags.

At the time of publication the Evoque had not been ENCAP tested.

COMPETITORS

Before now it was Land Rover's own Freelander II that had this territory to itself, and now really only has its more salacious sibling to worry about.

While not as tough an off-road experience as for the Discovery 4, Vogue and Sport models, the Evoque was still put through deep mud and ruts, rocky roads and water.

Land Rover's Terrain Response system was clever and easy to use, and all versions (petrol and diesel) we tried proved strong. The petrol model displayed lag below about 2300 revs; it was especially obvious in the rough stuff, and perhaps due to intervening offroad controls. So at this stage we're favouring the diesel offerings.

The Dynamic and Prestige spec models we drove (and they were the only versions available at the launch) had the standard-fit 19-inch wheels and tyres suited to highway travel. Road noise was minimal and ride more settled than we recall of any Evoque rivals, even with the standard suspension system.

The six-speed auto dial control was easy to operate and smooth shifting; quick to up and downshift when required. The auto also worked well with the offroad system, leaving the driver to focus on the terrain ahead. Steering was very light, bordering on vague: a common trait of electric systems.

Step inside and the Evoque has soft, attractive leather surface coverings where it counts, including armrests and console top but durable-looking plastics are used lower down on the door storage space. The cabin isn't quite up to the leather-all-areas treatment of its more expensive siblings but certainly comparable to competitors' offerings. If you're really picky, option packs are available to take it up a notch.

There's no so-called command driving position in the Evoque, or stadium (staggered) front-to-rear seating like Disco et al. In fact it's difficult to see over the front bumper, so we'd suggest opting for at least front park assist. Thankfully, ample front seat adjustment helps matters and legroom is generous considering its overall dimensions. Vision rearwards is compromised by the slender tailgate windscreen but the sideview mirrors are well-sized.

Those caring for children and/or pets can opt for the surround camera system which provides a clear view front and rear, and as importantly, down the sides of the vehicle. The same set-up is used on the bigger Range Rover models and works great while offroading. Not so smart was the onboard sat-nav system: It's feature-loaded but slow to give guidance.

The five-door should allow enough space for small families with good headroom and reasonable legroom for rear passengers, but the three-door was compromised in terms of access to the rear, like any coupe.

While certainly not for everyone (even budget permitting), the Evoque is an enticing proposition as a capable, luxurious compact SUV suitable for enjoying adventures as much as the good life.

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