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Land Rover introduced the Range Rover Evoque to its lineup back in 2011 as a crossover SUV. Since then, it has become its most successful model and has won over 170 awards. The Evoque comes in 4 trims levels: Pure (basic variant), SE, HSE and Autobiography. For higher trims, you can choose between a Coupe and 5-door option. It competes in this section with the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
| Key Features: | |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbocharged / 4-cyl |
| Transmission | 9-speed Automatic |
| Power | 240 Hp / 340 Nm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h |
| Price | AED 218,700 |
Exterior
The Range Rover Evoque is the result of the LRX concept that Land Rover showed off in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show. The Evoque is special in a sense that it lives up to the LRX concept. It’s a head turner, has sporty mean looks and underwent a mild facelift in 2016. It flaunts a new front bumper with visibly larger air intakes, has full LED adaptive headlamps and slim side and rear windows. Amongst a few subtle changes in the rear, it flaunts a striking new tailgate spoiler. These systematic changes help the Evoque retain its menacing looks on the road.
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Interior
Inside the Evoque, you can find a mesh of technology and comfort. It might not be as roomy as its elder siblings but it does the job of a crossover SUV just about right. The interior is of top quality and the HSE trim we drove, comes with a configurable ambient interior lighting. You will find no better plastic, leather and textures in this price. It has a widely adjustable steering which will adjust well for most drivers. It comes with a 550-liter boot which is respectable for a small SUV and if you fold the rear seats, you can get a massive 1,350 liters of cargo space.
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The Oxford leather electronic front seats are adjustable to the core with 12-way adjustments available. The Range Rover Evoque 2017 has superb detailing and contemporary finishes that help it carry the exterior DNA quite well. There are lots of mini compartments available for the front passengers that help make the already decent Evoque’s cabin, just that little bit better.
Safety & Technology
Based on a steel monocoque platform, the Evoque is at the top in terms of safety standards. It comes with many driving and parking aids to help customers with a more sure-footed drive. Some features include cruise control with queue assist, LED lights which change their angles with steering movements to give you maximum visibility, and a blind spot mirror that warns in case of an approaching vehicle. Also included, is a full parking assist which is helpful when you are getting in and out of tight spots.
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In terms of technology, the Evoque has all the right tech one can hope for, starting off with a hill descent control that applies separate brakes to each wheel to make sure the speed remains constant. The InControl Touch Pro in the HSE trim comes with a 10’’ touchscreen with voice controls and a Meridian sound system that is one of the best you can find in its class. The 380W digital sound system comes with a dual channel subwoofer that delivers crystal clear highs, lows and bass.
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Drive
It would be wrong to compare the Evoque with other vehicles in the Range Rover line-up as it targets a youthful market. Worth mentioning, however, was just how well the Evoque handled the wide-open tarmac and sand dunes of the UAE. The drive was smooth with the 9-speed auto gearbox transitioning smoothly between gears.
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The paddle shifts were fun to try but not the best as we have experienced in many other vehicles. The Evoque is fun to drive and it’s especially good for long journeys as it’s quite frugal with the fuel, thanks to the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The steering is weighted nicely and the suspension also support its heavy build at 1,640 Kgs.
Verdict
The Evoque is Land Rover’s fastest selling model to date. While there hasn’t been a major design change since its launch, there have been minor changes that help it remain at top of the pack.
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Testing the Range Rover Evoque 2017 was a satisfying experience for us, we were neither disappointed nor extraordinarily blown away. Its visual appearance is stunning and so is its drive and comfort as far as front passengers are concerned. It could have used a bit more room for the rear passengers but considering its size, it’s probably not a deal breaker.
Considering the steep price tag that the Evoque commands (especially for higher trims) it is in hard competition with its rivals, most of which are German models. Still, we feel it’s a stylish crossover that is great for city driving and a bit of off-roading.
Pros:
- A variety of trims to choose from
- Fuel Efficient
- Well-equipped
Cons:
- Pricey
- Poor outward visibility
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