Some SUVs can still properly rough it up. They are known as real off-roaders. More and more new SUVs have the SUV size but really don’t have any ability off the tarmac. So, for those who like to play off-road, or head out to that remote picnic area across land and away from the bitumen, there are still some real off-road SUVs to choose from. The ratio of curb hoppers to real off-roaders is evening out. SUVs that will definitely be synonymous with off-road are those rolling out of the Land Rover showroom. Brand new for 2019 is the exciting new Range Rover Evoque. And when I say ‘brand new’ it literally has just the door hinges that are carried over from the previous model!
An all new body the 2019 Evoque has, but Range Rover has kept it looking similar to the old Evoque. Why mess too much with what has been a great design – liked by many. The new Evoque has been tweaked to look similar to the upmarket Velar, and that is a good thing. Attractive lines, dynamic presence and bold strength are good to behold.
When parked up against the Audi Q3, BMW X2 and Volvo XC40, the new Range Rover Evoque has the goods for carrying the preferred design award. Most people seem to like the very focused lines and strong body presence of the new Evoque (As well as the old one!).
Under the bonnet lies a choice of various diesel and petrol engines. The lowest powered diesel can be bought with 2WD and a manual gearbox should you love the luxury and curb hopping ability that this model provides. The rest of the Range Rover Evoques are AWD and nine-speed automatic SUVs; it’s as simple as that. The AWD versions are also hybrids (P300 and all diesels) so as to keep fuel economy nice and efficient. A fully operative plug-in hybrid will join the range in the near future. So we’ll keep you posted. The quickest currently available in the range is the Range Rover Evoque 2.0 P300 which can do 0-100 in less than 7 seconds.
The Range Rover Evoque comes with either a 2.0-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, each offered in various states of tune. The Evoque D150 offers 110 kW and 380 Nm, while the D180 delivers 132 kW and 430 Nm. An Evoque D240 boasts 177 kW and 500 Nm, plenty to play with. Petrol models start with the 147 kW and 320 Nm P200, before stepping up to the P250 (183 kW and 365 Nm) and the P300 (221 kW and 400 Nm).
Smart Key access and mobile phone pairing do more than just enable you to communicate with the clever new Range Rover Evoque infotainment systems. These also transfer data to the car’s systems to learn how you prefer your car’s mood lighting, suspension set-up, climate control, driving styles and much, much more. In a sense the new Evoque is catered to the driver’s preferences, making the driving experience all the more satisfying. Certainly, on-board the new Range Rover Evoque the luxury and sophistication you experience sets some new benchmark standards.
Smart phone connectivity can be used when you are well away from your car – even lost! The new Land Rover app will locate the vehicle on ‘maps’ so as you can find your four-wheeled companion. While walking back to be reunited with your friend, other information like fuel range, pre heat/cool cabin function, and even car alarm operation can be activated if you need to. For the fun of it you could audibly find the lost Evoque!!
Smart key access stretches to being able to lock the keys safely inside the new SUV and then have a wrist identification band that will reopen the vehicle for you on your return.
Beautiful leather trim has gorgeous patterns for the seats and door trimmings. The electronic adjustable heated seats are wonderfully comfortable and they also boast various massaging functions. I like the two High Definition touch screens that flow neatly between functions and style. These are strikingly good. There is no doubt that inside a new Range Rover Evoque you really are travelling in first class. Behind the steering wheel is a 12-inch digital display where analogue and digital readings are shown, as well as other driver information.
All Range Rover Evoque models come standard with 10-way electric front seats, cruise control with speed limiter, dual zone climate control, satellite navigation, and a six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth, Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Standard safety features include a full complement of airbags, auto emergency braking, stability control and lane keep assist.
New electronic wizardry continues to flow into the brand new Range Rover Evoque, where ‘anti alloy scuffing’ works to keep you close but not bumping the classy looking rims against curbs or obstacles. Heads-Up displays is now available in Evoques. And, I have to mention the perfect rear-view mirror display thanks to a rear facing camera. This feature is awesome because there is no other way to tell what’s behind the car when a six-foot basketballer is sitting in the middle rear seat position!
AWD models get a range of Terrain Response modes which can be selected according to what surfaces you choose to tackle. There is also an auto mode that will drive through them anyway, and it’s amazing where an Evoque will take you. Cameras underneath the car give you a view beneath the car as you negotiate obstacles – all very fancy!
Yes, the new Range Rover Evoque is a bit on the expensive side, but wow, what you get for the money is outstanding. It’s still got the look, inside and out. And, this visual class is backed by road refinement and driver satisfaction making this a pretty complete package. Obviously Range Rover has the Evoque’s bigger siblings should you require more space. But let’s just enjoy the Evoque moment.
The 2019 Range Rover Evoque models include the:
For any more information on the new Range Rover Evoque or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Range Rover dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!