Range Rover Evoque to provoke

Land Rover released its all-new Range Rover Evoque to motoring media this week and first drive impressions are positive.

The compact softroader cut a fine figure when it was revealed in production form at this year's Geneva motor show and the company has made considerable effort promoting the model's profile since announcing the LRX concept version shown in Detroit would turn to reality back in 2008.

Long-time Land Rover executive Phil Popham told motoring.com.au his company expects up to 80 per cent of Evoque buyers will be newcomers to the brand.

"There's lots of whitespace in this [luxury compact SUV] segment," he said. "So we can expect good conquest sales. This is probably our most researched model and the market is telling us we're right on target."

So it's good news Land Rover's latest offering drives as well as it looks. Like all other LR models, the Evoque is capable off-road. It's arguably (currently!) the most indulgent member in the brand's lineup however none of its trademark ability to deal with the rough stuff has been left out of the Evoque equation.

Land Rover's lauded Terrain Response system comes standard in all models. Testing its strengths in the company's "spiritual birthplace" in Wales this week, we found the littlest Rangie had as much willingness as its elders to tackle elements like mud and ruts, steep declines and even wading water. While the likes of Suzuki and Nissan can claim similar attributes for their compact SUV offerings, none of the current luxury segment contenders can match the Evoque.

Evoque will be initially available in four-wheel drive and with a choice of three engine options; mated to either six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmission. Scheduled for local showrooms in November, the lineup includes two diesel models; both 2.2-litre units but in different states of tune (110kW/400Nm or 140kW/420Nm) and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine rated at 177kW/340Nm. A front-wheel drive model with stop/start function, badged 'eD4', will also become available to our market in March next year.

The engine range makes this the first four-cylinder Range Rover model in decades, and the 2012 entry sees the first-ever two-wheel drive offering from Land Rover.

Standout option in its segment, however, is the three-door version. It's the first and only prestige 'coupe' compact SUV and it's a stunner. We like the fact there's no compromise in legroom between the three and five-door versions but buyers will need to add $1500 to chosen model price (see MRLP, below) for the 'privilege' of two less doors... It's common practice to charge more for coupes.

Range specification starts with the 'Pure' model, which includes 17-inch alloys, LED foglights, rear parking guidance (aural), hill start assist and eight-speaker sound system with colour audio display among its standard-fit list. If ordered in four-wheel drive form, even the base spec Evoque comes with the abovementioned Terrain Response off-road system.

Three specification levels are offered: Pure, Prestige and Dynamic. The Prestige and Dynamic specs bring 19-inch alloys, top-end audio system (Meridian made; 11 speakers; two USB ports) and larger (8.0-inch versus 5.0-inch), smarter audio interface, chrome sill plates and xenon headlights. At the top end, the Dynamic spec 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 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 expect features like the clever dual-view screen and dial-control transmission for auto-equipped models from its big brothers, Sport and Vogue.

Visit us again for our upcoming drive review of the new Range Rover Evoque.

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