Range Rover launches Evoque Convertible
Segment-busting Range Rover Evoque Convertible hits Europe ahead of October arrival in AustraliaRange Rover has added to the fashionable Evoque portfolio with the introduction of its first drop-top model, which the company claims is the most capable convertible in the world.
Launching to international motoring media in the French Alps town of Courcheval this week, the first Range Rover Evoque Convertible will begin arriving in Australia in October.
Land Rover Australia expects the unique and groundbreaking model -- pitched as the 'Four-Wheel-Drive for Four Seasons' -- will broaden the appeal of the Range Rover brand Down Under.
Tim Krieger, General Manager of Communications and Public Relations, said: “We think the Evoque Convertible will appeal to drivers of convertible cars from luxury brands who may not have considered Range Rovers previously.”
Four variants of the Evoque Convertible will be available in Australia, featuring either Land Rover’s 177kW 2.0-litre Si4 turbo-petrol engine or 132kW 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engines, each of which will be offered in either SE Dynamic or HSE Dynamic specification. All models will come standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Evoque Convertible will also showcase Jaguar Land Rover’s new premium 10.2-inch high-resolution touch-screen with InControl Touch Pro navigation, which is included exclusively as a standard feature in every convertible model.
JLR claims it’s the first infotainment system fitted to a car to use a Solid State Drive to ensure fast operation. The navigation system also offers pinch and zoom functionality, smartphone route planner, 360-degree panoramic street-view of location and detailed weather reports.
With a starting price of $84,835 plus on road costs for the Td4-180 SE Dynamic, the entry-level convertible model carries a steep $17,675 premium over the equivalent five-door and coupe versions.
The price differential is not quite so breathtaking at the top end of the spectrum, where the Si4 turbo-petrol engine powered HSE Dynamic Convertible costs $91,015 -- a $10,605 increase over similarly specified hard-top models.
An extensive upgrade options list further allows customers to personalise their vehicle with interior and exterior styling enhancements, driver comfort features including heated and cooled front seats with massage function and technologies including automated parking.
With the relentless march of the SUV, Range Rover estimates the global market for off-road vehicles will continue to grow by 20 per cent over the next five years.
It claims niche models such as its new luxury convertible will be important as the business lays claim to its stake of the market, estimating the open-top model could account for between five and 10 per cent of its annual 110,000-plus Evoque sales worldwide.
Will a convertible SUV convert Australian luxury car buyers? A full review of the soft-top Evoque will follow once motoring.com.au has given the vehicle a full run on and off-piste in the French Alps.
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