RANGE ROVER EVOQUE 5-DOOR SHOWN

Even before the launch of the new Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, its maker is already showcasing a second derivative of the new Evoque name. Also called the Evoque, the addition to the range will be a 5-door model, which I think really takes the shine out of the whole unique Evoque thunder.

Pretty much everything is the same except some telling differences. The main is of course the two extra doors at the rear. In terms of philosophy, the idea is that it will add practicality to the Evoque and possibly make it more desirable to people with families and so on. So it won’t just be a fashion statement.

Another thing is that the 5-door is 3cm taller than its 3-door sibling and offers 5cm more headroom. Premium materials befitting its premium status are found in the interior. Buyers will be able to choose soft leather and twin-needle stitching, dual-view technology so the driver and the front passenger can view two different things at the same time, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB slot, iPod input and an 825W Meridian sound system with 17 speakers.

The two engines to be used are the same as in the 3-door, namely a 2.2-litre turbo diesel and a 2.0-litre petrol turbo. The diesel makes two power outputs of either 110kW or 140kW. There is no mention of the all-important torque figures but they should be between 300Nm and 330Nm for the 110kW and between 350Nm and 380Nm for the more powerful 140kW. The petrol motor will get by with 177kW.

Either front-wheel-drive (FWD) or Land Rover’s Terrain Response System all-wheel-drive (AWD) can be had, depending on the model. Yes, for the first time ever we’ll see a Land Rover that does not pull with all four wheels at the same time.

“The 5-Door Range Rover Evoque has the same sporting character as the coupé,” said Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programmes. “We have focused on ensuring that the car is agile and fun to drive, so that customers have a rewarding experience, even in day-to-day urban driving. Advanced technologies such as MagneRide mean we can ensure that this dynamic prowess does not come at the cost of top-quality refinement or comfort.”

Land Rover will start selling the new Range Rover Evoque 5-door in Europe from the middle of 2011, which is soon after the 3-door starts selling. South African sales should also be some time in 2011 or in early 2012.