What is it?
The Range Rover Evoque first arrived in 2011 as the smallest, most affordable model to ever wear the ‘Range Rover’ badge. With Victoria Beckham playing a part in its design, it was a car that majored on style, and has done ever since.
But the compact premium SUV segment looks very different now from how it did then, with the Evoque now facing tough competition in the form of the Volvo XC40, the new BMW X1 and Jaguar’s own E-Pace. Is the latest Range Rover Evoque still able to hold its own then?
What’s new?
The latest Evoque hit forecourts in 2019, boasting an even more glamorous design inspired by the Range Rover Velar, as well as a range of new interior technology and more space for passengers.
Since then, Land Rover has made a number of changes, with the main one being the addition of a P300e plug-in hybrid powertrain, bringing lower running costs and greater performance to this SUV.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Evoque is available with a good range of engine options, with manual, diesel and hybrid versions available.
Starting with diesel, the 2.0-litre D165 kicks things off, producing a healthy 163bhp. You can even have this engine with a manual gearbox, with the rest of the Evoque range getting an automatic gearbox instead. More power is supplied with the D200, though both diesels are capable of returning around a claimed 45mpg.
If you’d prefer a petrol there’s the 2.0-litre P200 or P250, with the P300e plug-in hybrid sitting at the top of the range. With 296bhp on tap, it’s the most powerful Evoque in the line-up, and is able to accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds. It provides a 34-mile electric range too, equating to low running costs if you charge it regularly.
What’s it like to drive?
The Range Rover Evoque is a very capable car when it comes to the experience behind the wheel. It handles very well, with plenty of grip and a flat feeling through the corners.
Even when riding on the larger alloy wheels, the ride quality is superb, particularly so at a cruise when the Evoque settles down in a remarkably hushed manner. Though this might be the baby Range Rover, if you choose a version with all-wheel-drive, it will still be a very useful tool if you need to head off the beaten track with Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system onboard.
How Does it look?
The Range Rover Evoque has always focused on style, and this new model is no different. In fact, Land Rover has arguably turned things up a notch with the Velar-inspired look. There are stunning details like flush door handles and slim lights at both the front and rear.
Though it might be pint-sized next to the full-fat Range Rover, the lineage is clear. Though lower-spec cars on smaller wheels don’t look quite to attractive, this is still one very smart SUV.
What’s it like inside?
The Evoque also borrows the cabin from the Velar, particularly when it comes to screens and technologies. The look is superb, though it doesn’t feature quite such clear and slick displays as the latest crop of Range Rovers.
There’s a big improvement when it comes to interior space too, with the model having a large boot for a compact SUV, though rear space might still prove a bit tight for taller rear passengers.
What’s the spec like?
All Evoque models get a decent amount of equipment, including LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera, heated front seats and a 10-inch touchscreen. Upgrading to the ‘S’ brings grained leather seats and larger 18-inch alloy wheels for a more stylish look.
The SE trim builds on this with its premium LED headlights, large 20-inch alloy wheels and a 360-degree camera system, while also boasting a digital instrument cluster. The top-spec HSE then boasts upgraded Windsor leather upholstery, along with a Meridian sound system.
Verdict
The Range Rover Evoque continues to be one of the finest compact premium SUVs on the market, bringing all-important style, a high-quality interior and plenty of technology.
In almost every way it is just a shrunken version of the full-size Range Rover, which only adds to its appeal. But with reasonable running costs, a good driving experience and the option of an efficient plug-in hybrid, the Evoque is able to continue successfully carving out its own path.
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