2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Reviews

Range Rovers have been the reigning all-terrain wagons since they appeared in the 1970s - equally at home on a regal hotel forecourt as in the British bogs of their Solihull birthplace.Market trends have forced the iconic box to update -- and the Evoque is the result.And given Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham was a design consultant, you might guess offroad was less a priority than off-the-runway.VALUEIf you're accustomed to browsing in Range Rover showrooms, you'll know that value isn't the first thing sales staff tout.But the Evoque - in this case the Si4 Dynamic Coupe with a $75,395 pricetag - has looks and badge value that might make the pricetag look credible. There were plenty of features on the test car - terrain response, power-adjustable seats, automatic xenon headlights, fog lights, folding, heated exterior mirrors, rear parking sensors, 19in wheels - but the test car was chock-full of bits from an extensive options list.The Dynamic had the Tech Pack (up-spec satnav, hard-drive, voice control, headlight washer, electric tailgate, front parking sensors and rear camera, upgraded climate control) that costs $5900, the excellent 17-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System (for $2385), the Adaptive Dynamics (which adds the electromagnetically-controlled dampers and Dynamic mode to the Terrain Response system) for $1950, digital TV with the clever dual-view screen ($1450 and $1270), $1300 worth of metallic paint and the $1035 panoramic fixed glass roof.But wait, there is indeed more - the Park Assist system (for those who can't park themselves - $1090), the useful "Surround Camera System" for $900, tyre pressure monitoring ($545) and automatic high beam assist for $335 - all of which ramps up the as-tested price to $98,150 - ouch.TECHNOLOGYTop of the pops here is the peppy little petrol powerplant - a 177kW/340Nm variable-valve lightweight alloy 2-litre turbo with direct-injection that gives more than a few clues to the Falcon EcoBoost. Land Rover claims 8.7l/100km on the combined cycle claim as well as a 0-100km/h claim of 7.6 seconds - the latter is likely and but we got low 13s on the trip computer.That might have more to do with the driver's enjoyment of the engine noise and handling, but there are diesel variants that are worthy if fuel economy is your thing. Ride and handling characteristics of the test car had the benefit of the optional Adaptive Dynamics, which employs the magnetically-controlled dampers to constantly adjust for the best of both worlds.It also adds a Dynamic mode to the Terrain Response for a back-road run sans body roll.DESIGNBold, aggressive and a real head-turner - the Evoque is a looker. Lower, shorter in overall length and wide, the Dynamic three-door has short overhangs and broad shoulders, so there's no missing it on the road.The engineers have used plastic and aluminium for some panels and components, as well as ultra-high-strength boron steel in the A- and B-pillar for extra strength, although the former are still a little wider than is ideal.The cabin is littered with luxurious bits, comfortable seating and no shortage of gizmos, but rear passengers don't get any vents (that adds $190) and can't wind down the windows - which is not pleasant in our climate with the glass roof.Rear vision suffers for the styling as well - straight back through the rear screen or three-quarter vision is hampered in sacrifice to the external lines.SAFETYThe brawny upstart of the Range Rover line-up is an NCAP 5-star car, with driver and passenger front and side airbags, a knee airbag for the driver and full-length side curtain airbags. The active traction and stability systems include anti roll-over and trailer stability systems, as well as hill start and descent control systems.DRIVINGWhen it comes to fashion I claim refugee status, but it's not hard to see why the Evoque is a head-turner, in three or five-door form. There's a sniff of styling heritage from the bigger Rangies but the new-age Evoque can't be accused of dwelling in the past. Technically the test car is a five-seater, although I don't think there's really room for more than four adults - whatever the age of the two rear occupants, they won't enjoy the lack of rear air vents or moving windows.The driver can have a bit of fun though, on sealed and unsealed roads - flick it into Dynamic mode (which changes the instrument lighting to mist-red), swivel the Jag-sourced transmission selector into Sport mode and the Evoque is extremely swift and agile, but the steering is lacking a bit of weight.The powerplant is a willing and flexible engine, making all the right noises (with some help from the engineers) and punching far harder than you'd expect from a two-litre hauling over 1800kg (with driver). With 215mm of ground clearance there's some scope for getting it properly dirty - it is a Land Rover after all - but anything more than an A-grade dirt track is unlikely to ever see one of these.If you want to go off-road, head toward a Discovery 4 in the same showroom - a three-litre SDV6 HSE can be had for a similar price to the as-tested figure here. Vision forward is reasonable (although the A-pillars are a little thick) and the mirrors give a good view aft - that combined with the sensors and cameras help offset the abysmal rear vision through the back window and around the thick C-pillar.Anyone buying one of these should add $635 worth of blind spot monitoring as it will save on apologetic waves and potential panel damage.The touchscreen works well enough when you can see it - the pushed-back angle of the dash means the screen is over-exposed to light from the windscreen making it difficult to see, getting it closer to vertical and deeper-set would fix the problem.The specs say the boot is 550 litres in capacity but width will be an issue for anyone looking to carry golf clubs or the like. The negatives also include a wayward left-hand exterior mirror that didn't want to lock in - eventually several pushes of the fold button rectified the problem.VERDICTAs a stylish, swift, capable and prestigious coupe, the Evoque more than cuts the mustard, even if it is wearing Louboutin stiletto shoes. But don't let the Range Rover badge lull you into thinking the breadth of capability is that of its forebears.This is fashion - to some extent - over function and for my money I'd rather buy a $50,000 off-roader and a Mazda MX-5 for fun.

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.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.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.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.weeklytimesnow

THE baby in the stroller is crying and mum and dad are trying to placate the child until their attention is distracted by the vision coming down the street. Like the Monaro, Mini (the first one) and E-Type Jag, Land Rover's baby Range Rover Evoque has the ability to distract passersby - even from crying babies - and evoke a mixture of envy and admiration. It is an icon on any street. But there is a price to pay for this adulation.VALUEThis is a capitalist's dream car and a consumer's nightmare with a choice of two body shapes, two drive systems, three trim levels, three engines and two transmissions. In all, 30 model variants, ranging in price from $53,395 to $77,395. And in July there will also be an entry level eD4 110kW diesel model available with two-wheel drive from $49,990. The price range overlaps the BMW X1 and X3, and starts cheaper than the slightly bigger Audi Q5.The Pure trim level has 17-inch alloys, LED front fog lights, leather-trimmed seats colour audio display with eight-speaker sound, rear parking sensors, driver information centre, climate control airconditioning, push-button start, Bluetooth with audio streaming and an "Oxford leather" steering wheel with controls for phone, audio and cruise control.Prestige adds full leather interior with real wood trim, xenon headlights and touchscreen for the 380-watt Meridian sound system with 11 speakers and two USB ports. Dynamic has a sporty feel outside and in, but has no extra equipment.Just like the Germans, it's the added extras and sometimes even the most basic of options that sends the price soaring. Try $1300 for metallic paint, for starters. That's pretty steep when most charge about $500 and Subaru doesn't charge extra at all. And how about $1495 for keyless entry which is now standard with some small cars?There are a couple of feature bundles which save on buying some of the items separately, but do you really need things like "mood lighting" and special mats? The only option box I would tick out of pure indulgence is the Meridian sound system. Meridian Audio is a British boutique hi-fi manufacturer and the aural results are simply stunning. One of the best in-car audio systems you can get.We tested two models - Pure SD4 automatic at $59,875 and Dynamic SD4 automatic at $73,375 - but with various option packs, plus a few extras, the retail price (minus on-road costs) leapt to $68,375 and $94,284, respectively.TECHNOLOGYThere are two turbo engines - petrol and diesel - but the 2.2-litre turbo diesel comes in a choice of 110kW peak power output or 140kW. They are available with either a six-speed manual transmission or the tried-and-true ZF six-speed automatic. The new 2.0-litre Si4 petrol engine has output of 177kW. It combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin variable valve timing and comes only with the ZF transmission.All are offered with all-wheel drive, which has the same Terrain Response electronic system used in the Freelander on which this car is based. This system is exceptionally effective and easy to use. Just dial in the terrain surface (gravel, snow etc) and away you go. Sort of four-wheel driving for dummies.The two-wheel-drive model will be powered by the 110kW diesel engine. The touchscreen satnav is a bit cumbersome at first, but basically foolproof and the Bluetooth was easy to pair and reliably hooked up first time, every time. All controls have a quality feel.STYLINGSome vehicles are stunning only from certain angles or are let down by their interior. Evoque is simply stunning from ever angle and is supported by a modern but comfortable interior in all trim levels. Gone is the ostentatious "English country gentleman's club" feel. The three-door model looks sleeker and almost "pimped" with a sloping roof line and slitty rear windows.Unfortunately, it's form over function with very difficult rear access and a claustrophobic rear compartment. The coupe comes with two back seats or a no-cost three-seater bench option.SAFETYThis is a five-star safety car with seven airbags and a host of driver aids such as hill launch assist and hill descent control in the four-wheel-drive models, plus chassis electronics, corner stability, rollover stability and trailer sway control.They come with reversing parking sensors which are vital as there is very little rear vision. A reversing camera does not come standard. However, you can get the $900 Surround Camera System with tow assist that helps you guide on to the hitch without getting out of the car or you can get it as part of the $5900 Tech Pack with the Prestige and Dynamic trims.Vision out the front is no better with massive truck-sized wing mirrors that blot out the view of cyclists, bikers, pedestrians, dogs and street kerbing. Even if you don't run over a little old lady with a dog, you are likely to clip a kerb or two.DRIVINGWe first tested the petrol model in the Carsguide Car of the Year judging at Ford's You Yangs proving grounds in Victoria. It is a smooth, refined and lively unit that ably punts the car along the worst of the country's back roads.Despite our best efforts, it was difficult to wrong-foot the SUV that doesn't have the lurching effect of many others in its class. It's not quite up to the X3's driving dynamics, but it isn't far off. Despite its commendable off-road characteristics, ride is still comfortable. The turbo engines are also quite potent and have minimum amounts of lag. When the boost does come on, it isn't uncontrollable. The diesel is very quiet, except for a gentle clatter at idle.The cabin is also quiet and it is a pleasant place to be, especially when the Meridian sound system is cranking out some classic rock.VERDICTThis is a decision for the heart, not the head. Turn your neighbours' heads and indulge your senses. If you hate your passengers, get the three-door model." high safety and simple cabin layout are highlights''

The Range Rover Evoque is part of a response to the green backlash against SUVs, which saw parent company Land Rover singled out in Britain for direct eco-action.

TRENDY flared trousers and platform shoes were so hot in the 1970s that blokes in straightleg pants were openly ridiculed. How could we be so blind? The cringeworthy fashion deviations taken 40 years ago swept back in a flood of embarrassment when I parked the Evoque alongside a new Mitsubishi Pajero. The Pajero, large 4WD with nice proportions, suddenly looked 40 years old. Such is fashion. But there's much more to the latest Range Rover than style.I've seen American clothing stores hang thousand-dollar price tags from bizarrely coloured mens suits that I wouldn't let my cat sleep on. Whacky stuff tends to command a price premium. The Evoque is very different, definitely not whacky, but isn't cheap. Yes, you can buy a 2WD version from $49,990 but the Prestige here costs $75,375 and that's without the excellent panoramic sunroof ($1035), rear camera ($670) and electric tailgate ($1020). Value? Nup.Now you're talking. This is the best looking thing on the streets. Doesn't matter if it's three or five-door, it makes everything else look old hat. And it all works. The five-door is sufficiently roomy for four adults, has a very attractive and comfortable cabin, and has the necessary perceived quality level to suit its price tag. But there are problems. The huge side mirrors block all vision to the curb below and things like unattended shopping trolleys while the rear window is only slightly bigger than a letter-box slit.The all-wheel drive version gets a four-mode Terrain Response from the Freelander II, plus hill descent, which really helps it in the dirt. The 140kW/420Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (now also in the Jaguar XF sedan) is perfect in its role and better than the 2-litre turbo-petrol option. There's a six-speed auto with paddle shifters on the steering column, top-end audio and sat-nav with a touchscreen, and electric steering. There's a sensible approach to the engineering in this thing which should auger well for durability.There's not many new vehicles on the market that lack premium safety gear. From 2012, ESC must be standard fit, for example, though the safety standards will soon become far more stringent. The Evoque is a five-star crash-rated wagon with chassis electronics including corner stability, rollover stability, trailer sway control and hill descent and ascent control. Oh, and seven airbags.It's not as small as I expected and at 1810kg dry, not as light. But it is exceptionally agile and the diesel engine kicks hard. You can throw this through corners and it's an absolute joy. I punted it across 1km of soft beach sand - without the tyres deflated - with the Terrain Response set to the "sand'' setting and it failed to sink. We took the family out to an eatery at night, shopped till the Visa card dropped, went visiting and generally ran this through everything from a pre-Christmas shopping complex to a quiet country road. Good though it was at all there tasks, every time I stopped for a break I just turned around and stared at it. Beautiful.Style with practicality. Yes it's expensive and visibility is rubbish but it is the car for 2011. Probably 2012 and 2013 too.

This is the "it" car of 2012 for sure. Jennifer Hawkins picks up her Range Rover Evoque this week and punters have been lining up at dealers to plonk down their money.This is the new Land Rover Range Rover in distilled form and in this case small doesn't make it a lesser vehicle. It will go almost anywhere in comfort and style, has great on and off-road manners and is crammed with luxury goodies. An extensive options list allows buyers to virtually "custom make" the Evoque of their choice with budget being the only limiting factor.THE LINE-UPTwo body types are available, three door coupe and five door wagon in Pure, Prestige and Dynamics grades. Currently, all have 4x4 transmission but a front wheel drive will be available early next year.STYLEEvoque springs from the LRX concept and is infact extremely close in overall design and appearance. Evoque embodies Range Rover family heritage styling with its clamshell bonnet and "floating" roof. The interior is text book Range Rover but smaller. It has the same ambience as the larger model.POWERTRAINSThree engines are available. In Evoque TD4 and SD4 it's a four pot 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 110kw/400Nm and  140kW/400Nm respectively. They are the same as in Freelander and come with a six-speed manual or optional six speed paddle shift auto from Japanese manufacturer Aisin.The petrol is a 2.0-litre turbo with direct injection shared with Ford Mondeo, Volvo and soon Falcon. It's good for 177kW/340Nm and features a clever sheet metal turbo housing and exhaust manifold that virtually eliminates lag.Best fuel economy comes from the TD4 coupe and wagon at 5.7-litres/100km. Both diesel enjoy a luxury car tax-break because they use less than 7.0-litres/100km.THE RIDEEvoque engineers have been able to do wonders with a relatively simple strut and coil spring suspension that provides an excellent compromise between comfort and sporty dynamics. The rigid chassis forms a solid platform for the vehicle's underpinnings. Large wheels and tyres give impressive grip and an optional Dynamic Package includes magnetic adaptive suspension for a step up in handling (and looks).TECHNOLOGYEvoque boasts the latest in media connectivity including Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. A eight inch centre touch screen controls many functions including dual view which allows the driver and passenger to look at completely different content at the same time.Terrain Response offers four modes of off road and on road driving at the turn of a dial. It has hill descent control and numerous other electronic traction and drive aids.THE DRIVEImpressive ... feels like a sports car in the coupe turbo petrol model. The diesels are similarly impressive but no quite as quick. They offer strident torque and excellent fuel economy and are virtually inaudible on the highway.We sampled a few versions but none with the magnetic adaptive ride. Can't see why you'd bother really. The petrol has an exhaust note generator for aural appreciation. All versions feel good to drive and there's even adequate room in the rear seat of the three door coupe (the best looker).Off road capability is surprisingly good for what is essentially a soft roader without low range. Doesn't really need it as we found out driving up a half metre deep creek then up the muddy bank.PRACTICALITIESRoomy inside for four, five at a pinch. Load space is adequate, expandable if you fold the rear seats. The temporary spare will let you limp home (maybe).PRICESThe TD4 manual five door Pure starts at $53,395. The two wheel drive will be from $49,995 when it arrives.VERDICTYes please. Difficult call between the diesel and petrol. Would go with an auto -in red with a contrast white roof please.

You'd call it one of the cars of the year, except that it's based on an SUV and carries the name of the original luxury offroader. You hesitate to say "crossover" because that's inevitably applied to lesser devices that try to be all things and succeed in being none.By contrast, the keenly awaited Evoque (250 have been pre-sold it and it should about double sales on this venerable brand) is almost unfeasibly multi-talented. It's about as car-like as you could wish while retaining the offroad ability to almost match the Land Rover Freelander from which it's derived.Already said to be responsible for one rear-ender on the public road -- the driver ruefully admitted to perving on the Evoque in the next lane rather than watching the car to his front -- it looks and feels fairly fabulous: a car to lure both luxury SUV lovers and those of us who wouldn't otherwise want to be found decomposing in an SUV. So, yeah, it is kind of a crossover vehicle.Are we talking inherent or perceived value here? From the former perspective, the signature Prestige coupe -- in motor show reveal white with black sun roof -- surges from its list ask of $75,895 to just shy of $100,000K with a few careless strokes of the pen on the options list. The Dynamic SD4 five door we later drove was a mere $94,284 options added from a base of $73,375. So both approach double the entry level 4WD Pure manual from $53,995. A sub $50K front wheel drive comes later.Yet when it comes to the Evoque, perception is -- if not all -- then of more relevance than most. At all spec levels, with three or five doors, adequate 18-inch alloys or jitteringly phat 20s, it looks (sorry) evocative.The degree of personalization and combination of options is long enough to fill these columns. Two worth ticking are the contrasting colour roof ($900) which especially sets off a dark colored Evoque, and the Adaptive Dynamics pack ($5900) which uses Magnaride dampers to firm up the suspension to fine effect for when the bends tighten.A paper-eating plethora of this too, though the engineering achievement can be measured as much by what's not there -- namely the 100kg by which the Evoque is lighter on the scales than the Freelander.The smallest and lightest Range Rover to date (at barely 4.4m it's hardly bigger than a Mazda3-sized hatch), it sits 27mm lower than the Freelander yet has 12mm more ground clearance. Resonant Meridian audio is an option, but most models come with automatic terrain settings, making the crossing of creeks and sands all but prat-proof.Four-cylinder engines go to the heart of the Evoque's inner urban and environmental friendliness, and seldom has the choice between turbodiesel or turbopetrol been more difficult. Lesser models get a hardly poor man's oiler good for 100kW/ 380Nm. Move up a spec level and diesels gain 40 more kilowatts and 20 more units of torque.The petrol choice, though, is not only worthy of mention, it happens to be the rather talented turbo unit familiar from Volvo's S60 T5 and Ford's much underrated Mondeo. In upgunned form it will also attempt to rejuvenate the Falcon, but to return to the feasible ...Teamed here with a six-speed Aisin automatic (there a six-speed manual available, but really ...) it makes for a pleasant headache in the decision-making stakes. On road it's closer than the raw figures suggest, the 95RON-dependent petrol engine putting out 177kW/340Nm to return 8.7L/100km in combined driving. The top-dog diesel gets 7.6 on the same cycle.Gerry McGovern's triumph over the engineering pragmatists who would have reduced his 2008 LRX concept vision to a superannuated Toyota Rukus, is one to celebrate down the ages. One of the few indelible and likely classic designs of the century to date, its distinctive swooping roofline and rising beltline cost little in terms of practicality."You've got to engineer it in way that enables us to create a new and exciting shape," McGovern insisted. "This is for someone who wants the inherent qualities of an SUV but one smaller scale."Judge for yourself, but know that the rear passengers of the three have as much room as those in the five, it's simply a matter of egress. Oddly, neither will have rear seat vents. This, the plastic Jaguar paddle shifter and the Volvo Teknik pack rear panel on the Dynamic model strike the only false notes. Otherwise it’s pure Ranger Rover -- and that means luscious, lustrous interior panelling. Choosing your own combination of upholstery and trim would be as pleasantly a time-consuming task as can be had with a catalogue.As to fit and finish over the longer term, Land Rover seems to have learned from the epidemic of issues that plagued the first generation Freelander, which even the blindly patriotic British auto press could not fail to pan. Surveys indicate improvements in all aspects.The Freelander is a five-star crasher, as this will surely be. The formidable array of active safety measure, including permanent and constantly varying all-wheel-drive, should ensure that if vast array of airbags is detonated, it won't be via your driving.Petrol or diesel? Diesel or petrol. Tough one. The Ford-derived gasoline unit is a fizzy number that somehow seems more alive here than in the Mondeo that recently occupied Carsguide's garage. Its torque is accessed at a diesel-like low 2000rpm, but it will of course rev some 1500rpm higher. That flexibility is abetted by a more immediate response -- there's barely a hint of the diesel's slight but discernible lag and virtually no untoward noise at all.And yet ... The full grunt diesel's rolling response is enough to win it for me, a linear surge that more clinically disposes of overtaking tasks. And, greater fuel economy and cheaper futile aside, there's hardly an aural indication of what's beneath the bonnet, so thorough is the noise suppression in both vehicles.Resist the urge toward big wheels unless you're prepared to pay the extra six grand for the full outfit of adaptive dynamics. Activate the swirly road button -- our second car had it, the first one didn't -- and this becomes a very different dynamic proposition, more composed and faster through twisty bits, bearing comparison with some of the more capable mid-sized cars.An entertaining turn at a civilized but not undemanding offroad course showed the Evoque to be massively more capable in this regard than any of European rivals. Alright, this might be largely superfluous for the likely owners, but it's terribly reassuring. I mean you won't meet any conditions beyond you on the run between home and the long queue of upmarket SUVs that twice daily clog the streets around every private school. Perhaps more to the point, you won't look out of place. Quite the opposite in fact.So capable, so composed is the Evoque, that almost it's too easy to overlook its excellence. That rare thing, a desirable and entirely functional object that until the rest of the world catches up, has to be seen as being in a class of its own. Get into one before it becomes the most common prestige car on the road.

THERE is much more to the new 2012 Range Rover Evoque than a design job that's the automotive equivalent of a Prada handbag. The shape and style is enough to ensure its success, and has created a worldwide order bank of 20,000 cars including 150 deposit-paid buyers in Australia, but it's not enough - nearly - for Land Rover and its long-term followers.So the Range Rover Evoque is genuinely capable when the bitumen stops, even through the sort of deep water, ruts and muddy country that would have an Audi Q5 or Volvo XC60 driver making a quick U-turn. There is a front-drive model that will be best for the bright lights of big cities, but the focus at the moment is on the four-wheel drive Evoque that's coming out of the blocks first with a starting price of $53,395 in Australia. It will hit showrooms in November and promises the driving ability that justifies a Range Rover badge on the tail."It's got to be authentic. We couldn't put a car on the road and then not have it perform the way you expect it to perform as a Land Rover or Range Rover," says Evoque team leader, Murray Dietsch. "Put it up against anything in its class and it will rings around it." But there is a problem with that. No-one really knows the Evoque's rivals. The compact prestige four-wheel drives are obvious, especially for the five-door family-focussed Evoque, but the three-door model - which designer Gerry McGovern insists is a coupe - could be shopped against other trend setters including the Audi TT and Mini.The starting price for the 2012 Range Rover Evoque in Australia is a tasty $49,995. But it's not that simple, as the top end runs up to $75,895. The base price is possible because of the equipment, driveline choices and three engines. So the starter car is a front-wheel drive, six- speed manual with a 110kW diesel engine and Pure equipment. The flagship car is the four-wheel drive Prestige with 177kW petrol engine and six-speed automatic. When you look at a lot of its rivals, including the Q5 from $63,400 and the XC60 from $54,150 with front drive, it is well positioned. Even the BMW X1, a favourite with yummy mummies, costs at least $57,400. Still, an automatic is almost mandatory in a car like the Evoque, which is far more likely to be used as a car than an SUV. And a lot of people are also going to splash on things like the parking camera and satnav which are essential in the luxury class despite the effect on the bottom line. Land Rover is still waiting for feedback from buyers but is expecting 70 percent of people to go for the five-door body and only 40 per cent of Evoques to go off-road, company chief Phil Popham tells Carsguide.Almost everything under the new Range Rover Evoque's good looking body comes from the Land Rover Freelander II. That's good news for everyone, from the accountants at Land Rover to serious off-roaders. The only real difference off-road is that the Evoque is a little short of front clearance, but otherwise Land Rover's excellent Terrain Response system does more than enough to compensate for low-range gears.Buyers will make the final choices, but the baby Rangie can come with all the stuff you might find in its big brothers, from parking radar and camera to dual-zone climate system, hard-drive navigation, rear infotainment screens, keyless entry, electric rear door, adaptive headlamps and more. Just like the latest Ford Focus, there is also a system that can parallel park almost automatically.Engine choices run from the baby 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 110 kiloWatts/380 Newton-metres to the 2.0-litre petrol turbo with 177/240 and the top-end 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 140/420. The all-wheel drive system uses a Haldex differential in the rear and the suspension is fully independent with struts at each corner, with a magnetic-ride suspension on the Dynamic models.The new Range Rover Evoque has been about design since before it was born, as the car began as the LRX concept. It started as a three-door called a coupe and was quickly updated with a five-door body, which Land Rover says is aimed at families with the three-door for young city singles and coupes with bicycles and dogs.The roof looks pinched down tight, and it is, but the cabin still has space for four adults and the ambience is just what you would expect in a Range Rover, with plenty of leather but none of the old-fashioned woodgrain panelling. The design makes visibility a bit tough, even at the front and with those big wing mirrors, but that's a price buyers are expected to pay quite happily.Five-star is almost a certainty for the Range Rover Evoque, even ahead of any NCAP testing. There is lots of extra-strength steel in the body, seven airbags and ABS and ESP as you'd expect, and corner brake control, with the added comfort of Range Rover grip in all conditions.The 2012 Range Rover Evoque delivers on all the promises. It is fun in the city and can get seriously muddy without getting stuck when you head off the bitumen. The cabin is plush and welcoming, it's quiet and smooth on the freeway, and its off-road ability is beyond the reach of the sort of people who buy in prestige SUV shops. The two turbodiesel engines have great pulling power and there is the promise of emissions as low as 133grams/kilometre of CO2 and economy as good as 4.5 litres/100km.What's not to like? The rear vision is very ordinary, there is some turbo lag in the petrol model, and the magnetic ride system is probably too firm - almost BMW runflat jiggly - for Australian roads. The mirrors also cut some vision. Otherwise, the Evoque is a very mature young thing that will work for a wide range of buyers. The three-door looks just as chic on the roads as it does in motor shows and has more than enough seat and cabin space for couples.The five-door is no bigger inside, but rear access is a lot better. The level of equipment reflects what you pay but the basics are all there from the Pure starter car, the Dynamic even gets red dash lights when you switch driving modes, and the Prestige is fully loaded.Carsguide cannot judge the front-wheel drive Evoque because it's being held back. But after driving the four-wheel drive model in a huge range of conditions, from motorways and muddly Welsh hills to a giant tunnel beneath Liverpool - yes, really - there are no complaints. It is a real Range Rover and that says enough for anyone, regardless of how they might want to use the Evoque.In reality, there will be far more yummy mummies in showrooms than farmers with boots and that's exactly the way the Evoque and has been designed and delivered. There are a couple of small foibles, but they are minor and will not stop it becoming a runaway success.Just what you would expect. The 2012 Range Rover Evoque a Range Rover for a new century and new buyers, delivering on the brand's off-road promise but with the sort of city chic that opens up plenty of new possibilities for anyone.

It's tempting to dismiss the Range Rover Evoque as a piece of automotive jewellery for yummie mummies and bored Mini tragics looking for a new car trinket for the garage. After all, the Evoque is the first city-focussed Land Rover and puts design and fashion first - with everything else a long way back in second. It's also wearing a premium pricetag in Australia from $49,995 that puts it up above the utilitarian Freelander II that reflects the difference in Land Rover and Range Rover badges. But ...Halfway up a slimy, rain-sodden farmers track in northern Wales the temptation passed. The Evoque conquered the challenge as I expect of any true Land Rover and even made some of the worst drivers I have seen - a group of South Americans who needed all the help they could get - looks good on a tough road.So the Evoque is not just a front-wheel drive city showoff. It's also a four-wheel drive that can do the job, despite high-fashion trimmings and a diesel engine that's going to be the most popular choice for Australia. There is a lot to the Evoque, from a choice of three and five-door bodies to a parts roster that has almost nothing in common with the Freelander.The first day of driving in Wales proves it goes well, in conditions from deep muddy ruts to motorways, and is a nice place to travel.Visibility is pretty awful, the petrol engine lacks bottom-end punch, and the Dynamic model is a bit too aggressive in the suspension for my taste.Later today I'm driving the front-wheel drive Evoque around Liverpool - probably with Beatles classics in the background - and will be able to deliver a better verdict. But the first impression is good and the Evoque is shaping as a potential star for Land Rover, a hit with all sorts of Australian shoppers, and even a game-changer to rival the original BMW X5.

There's something very special about the launch of a brand new, never before seen car like Land Rover's new Range Rover Evoque. With its killer good looks, this is a car going places, a car that's going to do big things for Land Rover - not just here but around the world.Preparing to drive the car for the first time in Wales this morning, we admit to being a little excited. Due to arrive in Australia early next year, Land Rover is already holding close to 170 orders for the compact luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV). Hell, the orders started rolling as soon as they showed the first pictures, with many people happy to put their money down just to make sure they're the first to get one.VALUEDid I mention the price? You can get your hands on one of these delectable looking runabouts for as little as $49,990. That's the asking price for the entry level, two-wheel drive model with a turbodiesel engine - but you'll have to wait a little longer for that one which won't be launched until March or April.TECHNOLOGYThere's a choice of three and five-door, two-wheel and four-wheel drive models, with three engines and two transmissions and a variety of options packs. Standard equipment includes push button start, an electric parking brake and Bluetooth with audio streaming, as well as rear parking sensors, colour computer screen and power adjust front seats. For the top of the line Prestige model with a turbocharged petrol engine and all the options, you can pay close to $120,000.If the Ranger Rover Sport experience is anything to go on, the Evoque is headed for number one with a bullet, destined to easily become the biggest selling model in the Range Rover range based on price alone.Buyers flocked to the cheaper, smaller Sport model when it was launched in 2005. Last year, Land Rover sold 4789 vehicles in Australia and 3451 vehicles so far this year - an increase of nearly 20 per cent. There's even talk the Evoque could double sales.At the same time however the Evoque is likely to steal sales from other models, so the marketing focus is going to be on getting new customers into the brand. Land Rover Australia brought its dealers over to the UK to see and drive the car for the first time a month ago.The reception was very positive according to spokesman Tim Krieger."The Range Rover Evoque is the smallest, lightest and greenest Range Rover ever and we expect it to have huge appeal in the market, many of whom may never have considered a Range Rover before, Krieger said. "We already have 8000 people who have registered interest in the model and over time we expect it to be our biggest selling model."The petrol engine is the excellent 177kW 2.0-litre twin turbo unit that we have already seen in some Ford and Volvo models, with direct injection and twin variable valve timing, coupled with a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. The two 2.2-litre fuel efficient diesels, at 110 and 140kW, are the same as those found in the Land Rover Freelander 2.For a car to succeed it has to nail what we call the three Gs. It has to look good, it has to be offered for a good price and finally it has to go good. Two out of three ain't bad - we're about to find out whether it ticks the final box. Just climbing into the Evoque now.DRIVINGAt the end of the day (and what a long day it's been) it doesn't really matter how well the new Evoque goes or does not go - it's all about the looks. This is not just a good looking car, but a great looking car, inside and out - that will appeal to a wide variety of people (both male and female).It's bigger inside than you might think, with more headroom than the sloping roof suggests. But rear legroom is tight and it has a smallish boot.The Evoque shares its underpinnings and drivetrain with Land Rover's Freelander, with the same 2660mm wheel base - although we're told the chassis has been heavily modified. Ironically, the Freelander looks more like a Rangey than the Evoque does, leaving us to wonder whether there was much debate over what badge it should carry. The final production version of the car is very close to the original LRX concept that was shown in 2008.Design director Gerry McGovern was adamant there were to be no concessions to engineering that compromised what he describes as an exciting, dramatic shape. The designer is confident the result is going to hit the sweet spot.Evoque sits 27mm lower and is 145mm shorter than the Freelander, but incredibly has a wider track and 12mm more ground clearance - not that many owners are likely to take this little beauty bush bashing. With a higher roof line, the five-door is 30mm taller than the three-door version providing back seat passengers more headroom.Extensive use has been made of plastic, aluminium and composite construction materials to reduce the weight, resulting in better performance and fuel economy. The fenders are made of plastic, while the roof and bonnet are aluminium and the tailgate is made of composite material. The result is a car that's about 100kg lighter.So what's the Evoque go like? The 177kW turbocharged petrol model that we drove first up had a sporty engine note and packed a punch, with more power and torque than the 3.2-litre six that it replaces.The engine weighs 40kg less than the six and delivers much better fuel economy. Rated at 8.7 litres/100km, it returned 13.5 litres/100km over a combination of motorways, back roads and heaving going in the mud. The high output SD4 140kW turbo diesel delivers plenty of performance too, with an impressive 420Nm of torque. It's good for 6.5 litres/100km but delivered 11.8 litres/100km over the same drive route.Both engines are teamed with a six-speed Japanese Aisin transmission that allows the driver to change gears manually using steering wheel mounted change paddles. The petrol and diesel will appeal to different buyers. We found the drive experience in both vehicles was not as smooth as we'd hoped, with some odd vibrations and noises on occasion. In both cases, the transmission exhibited a slight hesitation before hooking up - just enough to be irritating.The electric steering is good with plenty of driver feedback, but not nearly as good as BMW's variable ratio steering. Both the cars that we drove were fitted with 19 inch wheels and Continental tyres. It's easy to drive and holds the road well even in wet conditions, but the tyres generated quite a bit of noise on some road surfaces.Off road the Evoque is in a word impressive, with four dial-in terrain response settings for different conditions. The challenging slippery, sliding muddy conditions that we encountered were no real deterrent. In this environment it shines as easily the best in class. Given its off road pretensions, we were surprised to learn the Evoque is supplied with a reinflation kit in the event of a puncture.But the local Land Rover franchise has taken a decision to supply our cars with a space saver spare as standard - not ideal but better than nothing. Overall, the Evoque offers an impressive combination of luxury, performance and economy with some minor niggles - none of them are going to stop you buying it.