What is it?
This is the new, smaller Range Rover, developed from the LR-X concept shown at the Detroit auto show in 2008. The Evoque borrows an updated platform from the Land Rover LR2, and it's about 10 inches shorter and substantially lighter than competitors such as the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3.
There are multiple powertrain options for Europe, but North America gets only one: variable all-wheel drive with a single-speed Haldex center differential, a six-speed automatic and a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder generating 240 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. Americans will know this engine as Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBoost. Calibrations are tweaked by Range Rover but the hardware is essentially the same in the Evoque at it is in the forthcoming Ford Edge and Explorer four-cylinders.
The Evoque will be offered as both a five-door wagon and a slightly unusual three-door that Range Rover calls a coupe. The two essentially are the same, and we'd expect relatively few buyers to sacrifice the practical advantage of four side doors for the pizzazz of the coupe. Both Evoques have some unusual styling details but both are visually attractive, engaging and distinct from the existing competition.
What is it like to drive?
For its combination of off-road capability, on-road dynamics and manageability through the daily grind, the Evoque is better than any Range Rover before.
A series of off-road exercises demonstrated that the Evoque will ford, climb and descend more capably than its luxury-brand competition, regardless of its sexy duds, and that's with the standard all-season tires. Approach and break-over angles are impressive, and ground clearance surpasses nine inches. With the right tires, the Evoque could handle some fairly serious off-road duty.
On pavement, with the same all-season tires, the Evoque feels more nimble and responsive than an LR-2 or a Range Rover Sport. It's much better suited to, and happier undertaking, some fairly aggressive runs down narrow country roads. Its ride is surprisingly supple--perhaps more comfortable than anything else in this class. The engine is strong, with even torque delivery, and the automatic responds fairly quickly in manual mode.
There are plenty of qualifiers, to be sure. The controls retain some of the classic Range Rover feel: soft brake pedal, long-travel throttle, thick steering. And while all have benefits in the back country, none contribute to the sporting demeanor Range Rover has tried to develop for the road. Interior function and finish are both first-rate, but the styling creates some visibility restrictions we wouldn't expect in this class. The scope of the view through the rearview mirror is tiny. The A-pillar position, combined with large side mirrors, takes out a big chunk of the driver's sightline when looking ahead through a corner, unless the driver raises the seat to maximum height or happens to be very tall. The optional 360-degree cameras help considerably.
None of the nits are deal breakers, and the Evoque can seat two moderately sized adults comfortably in its back seat, despite its six-inch wheelbase deficiency to many competitors. Overall, this easily is the best daily driver Range Rover has built.
Do I want one?
This vehicle should broaden Range Rover's customer base considerably. It's priced nearly 40 percent lower than the Range Rover Sport and it will be much more economical to operate than its larger sibling. It's less bulky or cumbersome in the urban landscape, yet it retains the big fellow's charm and old-world finish, nearly all of the Sport's high-tech features and a substantial chunk of its off-road prowess (if anyone actually drives Range Rovers off-road).
If you've aspired to a Range Rover, now may be the time. It's not a bold prediction to call the Evoque Range Rover's soon-to-be best seller.
