Range Rover Evoque SD4 Prestige LUX Automatic 3dr Coupé
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 20 October 2012
JAGUAR LAND ROVER is a key player within the UK economy. It is the largest investor in automotive research, development and engineering in this country and it generates billions of pounds of economic activity every year.
1,500 new jobs have been created to support the launch of the Evoque, so it comes as no surprise that the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is attracting a lot of attention. And rightly so, because the car delivers top levels of craftsmanship, economy, luxury and performance into a shrink-wrapped package.
Aesthetically, the Evoque certainly marks a bold evolution of Range Rover design. With a striking rising beltline, a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, and a distinctive taper to the low floating roofline, the motor adopts an extremely vibrant profile with a commanding and muscular stance.
Cabin Quality
Inside, the cabin provides exactly what you would expect; sumptuous surroundings with quality materials and an elegance befitting of a Range Rover interior.
Rather than using a traditional trim hierarchy, the Evoque gives you the choice of three design themes: the cool and contemporary ‘Pure’, the luxurious ‘Prestige’, on test here, and the bold and sporting ‘Dynamic’.
My SD4 Prestige LUX Automatic 3dr Coupé version came with a silver exterior, a panoramic roof, leather seats and a hide covered dash. Under the hood lurked a potent 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine married to a six-speed, creamy smooth automatic transmission.
Behind the wheel, you feel confident and comfortable. Despite the low roof, visibility is very good, and the car feels powerful and balanced at motorway speeds with very little roll on more twisty routes.
Terrain ResponseTM system
Of course, as a true Range Rover, the Evoque delivers all-weather, all-surface competence too, which is enhanced by the company’s signature Terrain ResponseTM system. The standard four-wheel-drive transmission is an innovative full-time intelligent assembly which continuously varies the front/rear torque split to deliver optimum grip and balance.
The car also has generous ground clearance and better breakover, approach and departure angles than other premium compact SUVs.
The Evoque will undoubtedly tempt rural based motorists who need this kind of vehicle to get around, as well as a new generation of business executives who want a no-nonsense car that also delivers oodles of style.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
PROS
- Powerful
- Refined
- Practical
- Different
CONS
- High price-tag
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 121 mph
- 0-62 mph: 8.5 secs
- Combined mpg: 43.5
- Engine: 2179 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel
- Max. power (bhp): 190 at 3500 rpm
- Max. torque (lb/ft): 309 at 1750 rpm
- CO2: 169 g/km
- Price: £45,420 on the road
