The model that started Land Rover’s current styling direction when it debuted in 2011, the new Evoque retains much of its predecessor’s coupe-like silhouette, but with looks now taken from the Velar such as the slimmer headlights with optional Matrix LEDs, bulging wheel arches able to accommodate the new 21-inch alloy wheels, full-LED taillights again derived from the Velar, flush door handles and a choice of two new colours; Seoul Pearl Silver and Nolita Grey. As before, an R-Dynamic styling pack is be offered.
Just as subtle but noteworthy is the interior, where the Velar influences range from the new steering wheel and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, to the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system that combines the retractable 10-inch touchscreen display on the centre console with the lower mounted, similarly sized setup reserved for the climate control functions, driving modes and Terrain Response readouts.
Additional tech upgrades are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G LTE Wi-Fi for up to eight devices, a colour Heads-Up Display, the new ClearSight Ground view system that provides a ‘transparent view’ of what takes place ahead using cameras mounted on the grille and underneath the mirrors that is then relayed live, six USB ports and the Click & Go rear seat clip-ons designed for tablets.
With a focus towards sustainability, the Evoque now comes with a selection of material choices made to be eco-friendly and an alternative to leather, yet retain a luxurious feel. Centre to this is a new finish dubbed Kvadrat, which combines wool with a Dinamica suede cloth texture made from 53 recycled plastic bottles.
The second such finish, named Eucalyptus, uses natural fibres that Land Rover claims uses less water than traditional materials when grown, while still retaining a “sumptuous feel and unique design”.
As well as being the first Land Rover to come with the brand’s artificial intelligence system that learns the driver’s habits and preferences over time, also comes with new driver assistance and safety systems, namely Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Driver Condition Monitor and Lane Keep Assist.
The most radical departure from the previous Evoque though lies underneath the new exterior, where the previous Ford derived D8 platform that can trace its roots back to the Freelander and even certain Volvo models, has been replaced by the brand-new Premium Transverse Architecture that said to boost interior space and allows for powertrain electrification.
Measuring 4 371mm in overall length with a wheelbase 22m m longer at 2 682mm, a width of 1 996mm and height of 1 648mm, the Evoque comes in at one millimetre shorter overall, 11mm wider and 13mm taller than its predecessor, with Land Rover claiming a boot space of 591-litres that can be extended to 1 383-litres with the rear seats folded down.
Outfitted with the Terrain Response 2 system that comes with five modes; Comfort, Auto, Sand, Grass/Gravel/Snow and Mud/Ruts, the Evoque comes with off-road gadgetry such as Hill Descent Control, Gradient Release Control and All-Terrain Progress Control and the optional Wade Sensing system that detects the depth of water right up to the 600mm limit. Ground clearance is rated at 212mm.
A new electronic torque vectoring system, known as Active Driveline, Adaptive suspension and Driveline Disconnect that detaches the rear axle and the new Integral Link rear suspension completes the Evoque’s under-the-skin changes.
Up front, the Evoque continues with the existing range of 2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged petrol and turbodiesel engines; the former with outputs ranging from 177kW to 221kW and the latter from 110kW to 177kW, but with the addition of a mild-hybrid variant that combines the most powerful petrol engine with a 48-volt battery system. The new three-cylinder plug-in hybrid model is only due to arrive at a later stage.
On the very entry-level diesel model, the Evoque will come with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, while the rest of the range will be all-wheel drive and equipped with the ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic ‘box.
No local launch date has yet been revealed, but expect the Evoque to touch down in mid-2019, and only with five-doors now that the three-coupe has been dropped.
