Land Rover Range Rover Evoque SD4 2012 review

The smallest of Range Rovers has caused an evolutionary, or should that be revolutionary, queue worldwide.

Evocative in name and nature, the Evoque has buyers lining up to wait months to sample its talents.

These include quirky stand-out styling, refined performance, agile handling, smooth ride, elegant interior with premium trim and, despite the squashed roofline, generous space.

Then there is the cachet that comes with Range Rover stamped on its prominent nose and stumpy tail.

In looks, aura and allure it easily justifies the mark of its senior brethren. And like a true Land Rover, it is far more capable off road than most owners will ever contemplate.

The one failing is the poor vision to the side front quarters caused by the overly large high-mounted mirrors. Such is the blind spot, it is easy to miss-judge a corner, clip a curb or -- worst still -- shave a stump.

There is also confusion over its crash rating. Globally the Evoque is rated at a maximum of five stars according to European testing, but Australian analysis of the same data has delivered four stars, the score being just 0.1 off five.

Prices And Range

Model choice is mind boggling and will swell to 24 when the eco-friendly eD4 diesel arrives in July. Pricing is attractive on paper but can quickly blow out after adding options, some of which should be standard.

Prices range from an entry $51,495 to $77,395 plus options. At this stage there is a choice of three and five-door, three trim levels and a petrol and two diesel engines, some with manual transmission, others automatic.

On test, an SD4 high-output diesel automatic in standard Pure trim cost $59,875 but blew out to $70,370 with the extras fitted. Standard equipment included nine airbags, the latest in stability and roll control, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, single CD audio with MP3 and USB inputs, keyless start and a temporary spare wheel.

Options fitted were $4500 for a tech pack, $1700 for a clear view pack, $1495 for keyless entry, $1300 for metallic paint, $1090 for park assist, $1000 for 19-inch wheels and $670 for power folding mirrors. The clearview pack includes self-levelling xenon headlights with washers, auto headlamps and wipers and signature day lights. The tech pack includes full leather trim and an 11-speaker Meridian sound system with an 8-inch touch screen.

Technology

The SD4 on test came with the high-output version of the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine producing 140kW and 420Nm. From a start with 1.8 tonnes to propel, there is a lull until the engine hits the torque band at 1750rpm and then it is off lunging rapidly to 100km/h.

Around town mid-range response is strong and linear with the six-speed automatic acting almost intuitively, backed by paddle shifts and excellent throttle control. Cruising is peaceful at 1600rpm at 100km/h in sixth gear. Fuel use on test averaged 7.6l/100km with an official combined figure of 6.5l/100km. Gear selection is by a rotary knob which pops up from the centre console, neat and compact, but it takes plenty of practice to use it by feel alone.

Driving

The interior is plush and inviting with excellent seats front and back and more leg and headroom than expected. There is reach and rake adjustment on the steering column. Crystal clear controls and instruments set a benchmark for concise and informative data, and there are plenty of clever storage facilities.

Mechanical and road noises are so well suppressed that some wind noise is noticeable over the tapering roof line when cruising. Load space is adequate and the rear seats split fold. Ride quality is impressive even with optional 19-inch wheels fitted, with the suspension soaking up bumps, broken edges and minor irritations.

And with a big wheel on each corner, a large footprint and minimal body roll, handling is agile with excellent grip and a flat cornering stance, complemented by accurate and evenly weighted steering. The all-wheel drive system continuously varies the drive to the front and back axles according to grip.

Off road it will scramble up and down steep fire tracks with ease as long as momentum is maintained over sharp humps, albeit with traction and hill decent controls chattering away. The traction aids includes push-button terrain response which automatically adjusts the drivetrain and brakes to suit different surfaces - normal road, sand, mud and ruts and gravel and snow.

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