The smallest, sexiest and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever produced is now in Malaysia. The Evoque is lean and toned. Much like Victoria Beckham herself who also had a hand in developing Land Rover's new fashion on wheels. It is the company's boldest move ever, and while the Evoque now appeals to a wider crowd, especially the ladies, it hasn't lost any of the Range Rover's signature all-terrain conquering capabilities, luxury and presence.
Being the smallest Range Rover, the Evoque can now perform like a driver's car, aided by an advanced MagneRide dampers, the clever suspension which is part of the Adaptive Dynamics system offers a balance of confidence inspiring handling when you need, yet supple, controlled ride when you dont.
Petrol Evoques are powered by a new, perky 240bhp turbo, direct injection, variable valve engine taking the SUV from zerotohundred in 7.6 seconds up to 217km/h. But, real men, Range Rover connoisseurs would be surprised by the lack of a 4.0 V8 lump that they have been familiar with.
However, the Evoque is perfect for a daily commuter, ladies and hairdressers who think performance is an overrated novelty and what's the rush when you have a full sized, glass panoramic ceiling that washes away all frustrations as the blue sky brightens up the luxurious leather confines while the starry night calms the driver and occupants.
If stylish Victoria Beckam was the Evoque, it'll wear 20" shoes, surround herself with a 380Wattt, 11-speaker entertainment system by Meridian, operated by an 8-inch touchscreen display and a multitude of connectivity such as the phone, iPod, bluetooth and USB.
Being Posh Spice, she'll need a highly advanced Park Assist to automatically parallel park her into place, and of course, girls being girls, a navigation system is a difference between getting lost and taking the longer route. Which is precisely what the Evoque features. Nice.
Facts: Petrol
- Zerotohundred: 7.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 217km/h
- Engine: 2.0 4-cylinder Turbo, Direct Injection, Variable Valve
- Power: 240ps @ 5500rpm
- Torque 340m @ 1750
- Weight: 1640kg
- Fuel: 8.7L / 100km
Facts: Diesel
- Zerotohundred: 9.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 182km/h
- Engine: 2.0 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel
- Power: 150 @ 4000rpm
- Torque 400m @ 1750
- Weight: 1670kg
- Fuel: 6.5L / 100km
Prices for CBU Evoque on-the-road without insurance:
- 2.0L Petrol Coupe Dynamic Plus – RM393,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), RM397,388 (Sabah and Sarawak)
- 2.0L Petrol 5-Door Prestige – RM363,888(Peninsular Malaysia), RM367,388(Sabah and Sarawak)
- 2.2L Diesel 5-Door Prestige – RM353,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), RM357,388(Sabah and Sarawak)
While The Evoque is available in coupe and 5-door form, the range is complimented with a Diesel version in 5-door version only. At RM353,000, the 190ps 2.2L turbo diesel is powered by the exact same unit from the Freelander 2.
Land Rover has also applied various features that are both innovative and significant to the Evoque, taking it to a whole new level of SUV design sophistication. There's the new xenon headlights with daytime running LED halos peeking out from the small, frowning eyelids. Also applied to the rear clusters, but with 3D jewel-like petals. Signature Range Rover insignia illuminates from beside the front doors.
As the plush interior welcomes you, the instrumental gauges lights up to life in a gimmicky ballet of animated start up sequence as the rotary automatic shifter erects silently towards the driver's left hand. There are also funky ambient lighting too. Sophisticated red glows illuminate the interior as Dynamic mode is selected to compliment the driver's mood.
Almost everything shouts Range Rover bespoke craftsmanship in leather. Hand finished, twin-needle stitching everywhere. While the the leather provides the ultimate in luxury, it is accented by authentic metal touches on the dashboard, vent control surrounds and the curved center console.
Convenience wise, The Evoque has the Range Rover Smart Key system allowing keyless entry. There's a powered boot for ease of cargo access which can also be opened through the remote key.
Range Rover Evoque TV ad - YouTube
â–º 2012 Range Rover Evoque 5-DOOR - driving - YouTube
Range Rover Evoque on the streets - YouTube
top gear Range Rover Evoque tested - YouTube
Evoque City Drive - YouTube
Range Rover Evoque on the road - YouTube
