The Evoque is based on the Land Rover LR2, a vehicle many of you would be surprised to learn is still on sale today. Just as the LR2 was an impressive improvement on the Freelander, the Evoque is an evolutionary leap over the LR2.
Advancement In Design, When we see fantastical concepts like the Evoque-preceding LRX, we can't help but shrug off hopes it might be produced, as experience has taught us better. Every now and then, though, an automaker will surprise you. To see the Evoque arrive in showrooms within millimeters of the concept's dimensions is a dream come true.
Engineering Excellence, the fact that the Evoque is no less capable or useable than the LR2 is icing on a delicious cake. You would expect such a rakish roofline would wreak havoc on passenger and cargo space, but that simply isn't the case.
Efficiency, the Evoque's Ford-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a radical departure for Land Rover, which powers most of its U.S.-bound models with thirsty V-8s. Returning an estimated 19/28 city/highway mpg, the Evoque can also claim the title of most efficient Land Rover ever built, easily besting its V-8 brethren and even the I-6-powered LR2. A substantial reduction in emissions goes with fuel economy, as Land Rover claims a 20-percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared with larger engines with the same power output. The Evoque lands in the heart of its segment with competitive fuel economy that doesn't sacrifice output. At 240 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, the four-cylinder's output betters that of some six-cylinder competition without guzzling fuel. With full torque available at 1750 rpm, the Evoque experiences almost no turbo lag, and what little is present can be eliminated by rolling into the throttle rather than simply stomping on the pedal.
The petrol will be the quickest powertrain. It's the 2.0 turbo direct-injection engine from the latest Mondeo, but powered up to 240 horses. It's re-engineered to allow the usual Range Rover off-roading ruggedness. It can still run when tipped at 45 degrees, or you're 50cm deep in water.
It gives the little Range Rover convincing acceleration and pick-up to the accelerator, with no lag. Most of the time it's quiet too.
It comes with a six-speed auto. But I'd be using the shift paddles. A lot. Left to its own devices, it doesn't seem to want to shift down until you floor it, and then it goes berserk. And to be honest, a four-cylinder is never as refined as the V8s Range Rover has got us used to.
Again it isn't actually all that quiet. But there's willing torque over a wide rev range, it's easy to drive smoothly or briskly or both, and the standard manual six-speed works well. And in this form it's economical, with a sub-150g/km rating.
Safety, A pervasive myth suggests that smaller vehicles are less safe. Thanks to modern technology, that isn't the case, as the Evoque demonstrates with a litany of standard safety equipment. The steel monocoque frame is reinforced with high-strength and Boron steel and supplemented by impact beams in all passenger doors. Seven airbags, including full-length curtain airbags and a knee airbag for the driver, while a laundry list of computer programs built into the standard stability and traction control systems help avoid a collision in the first place.
Specification:
Tested: Five-door with 1,999cc, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol, six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Price/on sale: £27,955-£44,320
Power/torque: 237bhp @ 5,500rpm/340lb ft @ 1,750rpm
Top speed: 135mph
Acceleration: 0-60mph 7.1sec
Fuel economy: 23.7mpg (EU Urban)
CO2 emissions: 199g/km
The Rivals : BMW X1, Audi Q3, Range Rover
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