Evocative baby of the Range

What is it:

A radical and fresh approach from the purveyor of the ultimate 4x4s, Land Rover.

Land Rover has been in the luxury SUV business long before its competitors, since the launch of the original Range Rover in 1970. The Range Rover combined the comfort and interior of a luxury vehicle with the off-road prowess that Land Rovers are known for. The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is meant to break with LR’s tradition in that it’s a machine designed primarily for on-road use.

Design:

Looking like a concept car brought to production, the Evoque is an eye-popping amalgam of Range Rover styling cues adapted to 21st-century sensibilities. (Indeed, it is based on the stylish LRX concept car.) Its shape is that of a sporty wagon rather than an off-roader. The side panels slant upward from the front to the rear, and the roof slopes down toward the rear, pinching the greenhouse and making for a dynamic-looking shape. There are two body styles: two-door and four-door hatchback. The “coupe” slots in at 4355 mm, with the four-door just slightly longer at 4365. Wheelbase is an identical 2660 mm. All pillars are blackened for a “floating roof” effect. To enhance this, a contrasting white roof can be ordered.

The four-door, with its large rear openings, is easy to get in and out of, despite the sloping roof. Once inside, it feels snug but not cramped. The cabin feels cozy, with form-fitting sports buckets, and sculpted seats at the rear, too. There’s wall-to-wall leather and a large touch-screen control on the dashboard. The Jaguar-invented tumescent rotary shifter pops out from the Evoque’s center console when the engine starts. Meridian audio systems are available.

Engine and transmission:

An all-aluminum 2.0-liter gasoline engine provides the power. With turbocharging, direct injection, and variable valve timing, the engine delivers 238 hp and a healthy 340 Nm. With the small displacement, fuel economy should be at par with or exceed those of the average C-segment sedan. With the turbocharged torque, acceleration should be brisk.

Chassis:

The Evoque will be the first of the brand to be offered with two-wheel drive. However, the initial versions to be sold here will have permanent all-wheel drive, with LR’s vaunted Terrain Response electronics to adapt the engine, transmission, and chassis electronics to driving on grass, gravel, snow, mud or sand. A Dynamic setting will also be present on cars with the variable damper system. This may be a primarily on-road Range Rover, but there’s at least 215 mm of ground clearance and 500 mm of wading depth.

Positioning:

The Evoque may be LR’s smallest model, but it is not exactly positioned as an entry-level car. Its high level of luxury features and promised dynamic driving proposition is set to justify its price tag.

Built at:

Like any proper Land Rover, in the UK, at Jaguar-LR’s Halewood factory. Where else can you find craftsmen to select just the right shade and grain of leather?