Attention Grabber – Range Rover Evoque

There’s no denying Range Rover’s new baby is a stunning looking car. But is it as good to drive as it is to look at?

In the time I’ve been messing around with cars for a living I’ve been fortunate enough to drive some pretty amazing stuff. Supercars, classic cars, one off cars. And yet the car that received most attention than any of these was the Range Rover Evoque. People stared, pointed and took pictures. One guy even tailed me until I pulled over to take a closer look. Freaky (and also a little disturbing).

But to be honest I can’t blame them. Firstly new Range Rovers are rarer than early nights for the English rugby team – this is only the fifth one since 1971. Secondly it’s a totally new departure for the company being much smaller than either of its existing products, more Toyota RAV4 size. And finally it is an amazing looking machine, especially the three-door ‘coupe’ version I tested. Low, wide and purposeful, it’s unlike any other SUV.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjTqxnyZBMQ&w=615&h=415]

And yet look closely and the Range Rover DNA is evident. The long flat bonnet, the wide grill and the car’s presence all point towards its parentage.

Same goes for the interior. Not only do you have a commanding driving position but it’s beautifully upholstered. Poke your nose into every nook and cranny as I did and you won’t find an area that suffered from cost cutting. All the plastics – from the stuff you see to the parts you don’t – are all thick and scratch proof while the switches have a lovely damped action. It gives the car a proper big car feel.

And yet don’t go thinking the car has a big car price. Amazingly it starts at just £27,995, two grand less than a mid spec Nissan X-Trail. However, the top-spec Dynamic is pushing £40k, which is Land Rover Discovery 4 money. The model you see here – a 2.2-litre SD4 Prestige Coupe – costs £38,380. A not insignificant sum but the car is very well equipped with leather upholstery, climate control, cruise control and a fabulous voice operated infotainment system that includes sat nav and iPod connectivity. It’s one of the best voice activated systems I’ve used and the Evoque is the first product from Land Rover to feature it. Simply press a button on the steering wheel, wait for the beep then say the command. Whether it’s to use the phone via Bluetooth, switch from the radio to your iPod or set the sat nav it works seamlessly.

There are three engines to choose from – two versions of the 2.2-litre diesel with either 150bhp or (as in this car) 190bhp plus a 240bhp two-litre petrol. I tried both of the larger engines and the petrol is very, very fast. Responsive and eager before you press the Dynamic button, afterwards it becomes a total loon. The Dynamic setting allows the engine to rev harder and as a result it accelerates hard and fast, never stopping to draw breath. As I was hanging onto the steering wheel like a child hangs onto the safety bar on a fair ride, it felt suspiciously more like a hot hatch than a four-wheel drive. However, thanks to Land Rover’s excellent All Terrain Response system (that changes the car for various conditions) it most certainly is despite its foxy exterior.

The car’s road holding is also outstanding. The petrol model I tested had Land Rover’s new MagneRide suspension. It’s so called because the dampers are filled with a magnetorheological (MR) fluid and there’s an electromagnet fitted internally. When you turn on the Dynamic setting a magnetic field is created, causing the fluid to change its viscosity. As a result the dampers become stiffer so – with hardly any body roll and the kind of grip permanent four-wheel drive automatically delivers – it can be persuaded to take corners at the kind of rate you’d expect from a Volkswagen Golf GTi.

However, as fabulous as the petrol is, thanks to just 33.6mpg in reality it’s the diesel you want. With a combined figure of 50.2mpg but still reaching sixty in just ten seconds the 190 version is a fine compromise between performance and economy. The 2.2-litre engine is a smooth and refined unit that’s also very strong – with 309lb ft of torque it pulls confidently in any gear. And unlike most modern common rail diesels that need to be quickly changed up in first, second and third when the torque runs out early, the Evoque’s rev range is longer so you can really nail it hard.

It might not have the dramatic acceleration as per the petrol maybe, but the diesel still feels fast and fleet footed down a country lane while on the motorway it easily reaches and then sits at license losing speeds. And although it didn’t feature the MagneRide, standard cars still feature fabulous handling. Not quite as sticky as the petrol but controlled enough for some fast driving yet the ride is still supple and comfortable for those in the back.

Ahh yes, the rear seats. You’d think that thanks to its svelte, swoopy looks the Evoque wouldn’t be particularly practical. And yet there’s enough room for two adults to sit comfortably in the back. Rear headroom is limited in the coupe and ingress and egress isn’t easy but this is solved by the five-door. Although not quite as dramatic as the Coupe, because it’s 30mm taller there’s a little more space for passengers. At 550 litres (coupe) and 575 litres (five-door) both models have a decent sized boot, comparing well to small SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail.

A fabulous car and one that clearly deserves all the attention, although you might not think that when people are constantly tap-tap-tapping on your window for a closer look…

Verdict: 16/20

I like Range Rovers. I realise that statement is worse than saying ‘Government cuts are necessary’ or ‘I like Jedward’ but I’ve always been a fan of their size and presence. However, even I know that in this economically strapped day an age large SUVs are too thirsty and too flashy. Hence why the Evoque ticks all the right boxes. It’s not huge but still spacious. It’s fast yet economical. It’s also well built but not as expensive as you think. It is, quite simple, the perfect SUV.

Specification

Range Rover Evoque Prestige 2.2 SD4 Coupe

Price: £38,380
Engine: 2.2-litre, four-cylinder
Top Speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 10 secs
Power: 190bhp
Torque: 309lb ft
CO2: 149g/km
VED rating:
Economy: 50.2mpg

Manufacturer:
www.landrover.co.uk

Dealer:
Marshall Land Rover Peterborough Tel: 01733 566767
Marshall Land Rover Bedford Tel: 01234 355655
Marshall Land Rover Cambridge Tel: 01223 377700
Marshall Land Rover Melton Mowbray Tel: 01664 480033

Reader Reviews

Rhiannon Laurence, 34, Raunds
I can’t believe a car that’s so sporty looking offers so much room inside. With its big boot the Evoque would be very practical for a family.

David Knox, 45, Stamford
I’m a massive fan of Range Rovers but could never afford one. So the Evoque seems a lot more realistic while still feeling like a large SUV.

Tonino De Paola, 42, Woodston
I usually prefer sportscars to SUVs but I have to admit this is a great looking car. Its low roof makes it look fast even when it’s standing still!

Ashley Dibden, 17, Yaxley
SUVs aren’t supposed to be that fast in a straight line or around a corner! An amazing car made all the better by having the prestigious Range Rover badge.