The release of the Range Rover Evoque makes it clear that land Rover
is confident enough in the brand to shift their focus from its core values. The
explosion of the most recent Range Rover models, including the sport; into
mainstream luxury automotive portfolio’s has shown Land Rover that they can
compete with the best on every level. No single vehicle matches the current
Range Rover in terms of style, capability, and refinement. The major downside
to must urban dwellers owning a Range Rover is that they will never fully
experience its capabilities as an off-road machine. This is where Land Rover
will attempt to fill a need with the Evoque.
Once upon a time someone would mention Land Rover and an image would flash in my mind of
a yellow Defender 110 trudging through some African jungle on a Camel Trophy
race. Those days may be gone, but Land Rover hopes to enter the forefront of
the consumers mind when thinking about mid-size SUV’s full of luxury
appointments. The segment is crowded and includes big players from BMW , Mercedes , and Audi. It seems that Land Rover has
learned a lot from its Ford and BMW days and is poised to release its 3 different
versions of the Evoque.
It will be the smallest, lightest, and most fuel
efficient Range Rover ever made. The term, “Range Rover ” must be taken with a grain of salt,
because yes Land Rover is tagging this new model as a Range Rover Evoque
instead of simply a new line. Nonetheless, it seems that prices will fall in
the $45,000 range depending on which model you choose. Head to Land Rover’s
website to use the Evoque configurator and build your own.
Exterior
It is
great to see a car company truly follow through on one of their concept
vehicles. All too often the out of this world designs seen at the world’s
largest car shows will be big news that weekend, but forgotten by Monday. In
2008 Land Rover introduced the LRX concept vehicle at the Detroit International
Auto Show and has taken cues from it as well as the Range Stormer concept into
the new Evoque. The new design is a welcome exception from the normal Land
Rover styling, as well as the many awkward crossover SUV’s from the
competition.
It truly
is evocative, the high beltline and floating roofline make this Land Rover look
as though it should be from 2050, not 2011. Large wheel arches and a strong
shoulder help give the Evoque its muscular stance and optional 20” wheels match
perfectly. The roofline is sloped backwards and even as the car sits in a
parking lot it seems to be moving forward rapidly. It proportions are also new
territory for Land Rover with the Evoque measuring 17 inches shorter than the
current Sport model. Another unique feature for these will be the headlights
and taillights. LED light-blade technology creates a 3-dimensional jewel
pattern giving the lights their very own personality.
The
Evoque will be offered in both 3 door and 5 door variants making it versatile
for differing customers. Land Rover will offer three different trim lines for
the two vehicles; Pure, Prestige, and Dynamic. Consider Pure to be the entry
level model which will also be the start of the price point. The Prestige is
equivalent to the most luxurious option. It includes unique 19-inch wheels,
sparkling metallic exterior details, and an interior wrapped entirely in leather.
Dynamic trim is the sportiest version and truly gives the Evoque a sinister
feel. Unique bumpers and 20-inch wheels combine with new sills, grille, and
tailpipes to make the vehicle more aggressive. A contrasting color roof and
spoiler are optional.
Interior
Lighting
plays a large role within the cabin of the Evoque and this can be seen as soon
as the driver opens his door. A choreographed display of different accent
lighting and instrument lighting begins to turn on and welcome you into the
cabin. At the same time the circular shift knob rises from the center console.
Colors can be changed by the driver based upon their mood, but sport mode will
give the interior an intense red glow and gauges will follow suit.
The
Prestige line features an interior most akin to the big brother Range Rover
with every surface wrapped in leather. Two-tone color schemes complete with
twin-needle stitching help make this one comfortable place to spend time. It
also helps to separate itself from the lower-end crowd by including real wood
and metal finishes in various places. The Dynamic package includes a much more
heavily bolstered seat and perforated leather for that sporty feel.
All
models will receive the 8-inch touch screen control and navigation unit fitted
prominently in the center of the dash. Its Bluetooth capabilities and various
USB and auxiliary inputs make this car fit right in with the tech savvy clients
of today. Land Rover has been developing new audio systems with Meridian and
the Evoque will obtain their first collaboration. The 17 speaker system will
use 825 Watts of power, which should be more than enough for any audiophile.
Other
options include:
Surround Camera System with
five digital cameras, and reverse system. Dual-Zone climate control HDD Navigation System Rear seat entertainment
package Keyless Entry System Adaptive Headlamps with
auto dipping Heated windscreen, front
seats, and steering wheel
Performance
Land Rover
realizes that becoming more sustainable is a major hurdle to get over as the
company keeps producing large V8 based SUV’s. The Evoque will be the first
vehicle in the lineup to make up for everything else. It uses a 240hp 2.0-liter
Si4 turbocharged engine. The use of direct fuel injection and twin variable
valve timing make the engine powerful and efficient. I would not plan on
beating your neighbors Range Rover Supercharged in a quarter-mile, but you will
be driving the most fuel efficient Land Rover ever. The low Co2 technologies
incorporate power assisted steering, smart regenerative charging, and an
optimized transmission.
Land
Rover has also gone to great lengths in creating a vehicle for the urban jungle
as well as something that does not lose the very essence of what the company
was founded upon. Adaptive dynamics uses Magna Ride dampers to provide enhance
balance, nimble handling, and a controlled ride. The Evoque will still use the
Terrain Response system found in its siblings to adapt to changing conditions
both on and off-road.
Competition
This new
model will fit in with the Mercedes GLK, BMW X3, and Audi Q5. Less refined
competition comes from nearly every other manufacturer today and the mid-size
SUV market has become one of the largest. The biggest advantage Land Rover has
is coming into the game late. They have been able to see what other companies
are doing and tailor their formula accordingly. The Evoque will make the
biggest statement out of anything in its class and when driving a Range Rover
is anything else really more important? Different trim levels, 3 or 5 doors,
and tons of options make the Evoque something that each customer can truly make
their own. You can have a sporty 3-door Range Rover Stormer or a 5-door
miniature Range Rover HSE. Even though the Land Rover faithful may find the
Evoque an abomination to the off-road legend, it will undoubtedly find a home
in the urban landscapes that these crossovers dominate.
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