RANGE ROVER EVOQUE DETAILED

Evoque is coming to town. Range Rover’s latest baby is slated for 160 countries and South Africa is one of them. Hopefully. Why not?

“These are exciting times for our business,” said CEO Dr Ralf Speth. “Not only will the Range Rover Evoque increase our worldwide market share, it helps to define a new segment for premium compact SUVs that are more sporting and stylish.”

Based on the LRX Concept car that also made its way to JIMS 2008, the Evoque is a two-door premium coupe SUV, the first of its kind. Land Rover says it will be luxurious, attractive, highly capable off-road and very fuel efficient, all at the same time. In fact it is claimed to be the most fuel frugal Range Rover of all time. Being the smallest too, that’s hard not to imagine.

Launch engines will be a compact 2.0-litre petrol turbo with direct fuel injection. It makes 177kW. A new 2.2-litre turbo diesel is good for 140kW. Torque figures were not quoted.

As expected , premium quality materials are used throughout the interior. They combine things like leather with, twin-needle stitching and welcoming surfaces.

“This is a highly relevant and contemporary vehicle that will suit the modern needs of our customers,” said Land Rover’s Managing Director Phil Popham. “The Range Rover Evoque will appeal to a new group of customers who may not have considered a Range Rover before.”