The first-ever Range Rover Evoque was launched in Malaysia nine years ago with great success. Malaysians who wanted a ‘Range Rover’ but were short on funds could get their hands on one for the same price as a luxury sedan.
At the time, it was the smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever produced. Plus, it had no other worthy rivals.
In just three years after its introduction, more than 400,000 units of the Range Rover Evoque had been produced for the world – making this premium compact SUV the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time. That was until rivals were introduced in 2015.
The all-new Evoque
This new Range Rover Evoque is a sophisticated evolution of the original Evoque and has won more than 217 international awards.
Building on the original’s design, the new Range Rover Evoque retains the distinctive coupé-like silhouette, fast roofline and rising waist that identify the Range Rover family.
The exterior
The introduction of jewel-like elements such as the super-slim Matrix LED headlamps provides a more sophisticated front and rear lamp graphic.
Flush door handles first seen in the Range Rover Velar add to the smooth, sculpted aesthetic, while sweeping directional indicators create a purposeful signature.
R-Dynamic details and burnished copper accents also add to the unique appeal.
The interior
The cabin is a calm, comfortable and serene space with the twin touchscreen Touch Pro Duo system which features new and faster software, 16-way seat controls and cabin air ionisation.
And with Land Rover’s new Premium Transverse Architecture, a longer wheelbase yields 20mm extra rear knee-room and an increase in small item stowage – the larger glove box and centre cubby can now fit tablets, handbags and bottles with ease.
The luggage space is 10% larger (591 litres) and wider, while general space can increase up to 1,383 litres when the second-row seats are folded.
The key features
With a segment-first ‘ClearSight rear-view mirror’ that transforms into an HD video screen, drivers are equipped with a wider 50-degree field of vision and superior visibility in low light.
If rear visibility is compromised, drivers can simply flick a switch on the underside of the mirror and a camera feed from the top of the car will display what is behind the vehicle in high definition.
On the other hand, there is also the first-ever Ground View technology, which makes the bonnet invisible by projecting camera imagery onto the upper touchscreen – useful for navigating difficult parking spaces, high-city centre curbs or tackling rough terrain.
Advanced driver assistance systems like the Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, which centres the vehicle based on road markings and maintains a safe distance from other vehicles, and active safety features such as Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Driver Condition Monitor are all available to keep occupants safe.
This Evoque is also the first to utilise Smart Settings by using artificial intelligence algorithms to learn the driver’s preference and acts as an onboard butler.
This ‘self-learning’ technology recognises up to eight drivers from their key fob and phone and will adjust seat and steering column positions, preferred temperature settings, media preferences and commonly dialled numbers.
The capabilities
The advanced Ingenium engines are quieter and more refined, while the recalibrated ZF nine-speed automatic gearbox ensures a smoother, more progressive drive on all terrains.
As previously mentioned, Terrain Response 2 is available for the first time on the new Evoque. Drivers can choose from four modes – Comfort, Sand, Grass-Gravel-Snow, and Mud & Ruts – to optimise performance and capability.
Plus, a variety of all-terrain technologies such as Hill Descent Control, Gradient Release Control and All-Terrain Progress Control are available.
When needed, the Evoque automatically selects the most appropriate mode depending on the condition and adjusts its torque delivery to suit the terrain.
Even wading through waters up to 600 mm is made possible with Wade Sensing, which features ultrasonic sensors that accurately measure the depth of the water and display it on the central touchscreen.
The infotainment
Land Rover’s Touch Pro Duo infotainment system is central to the digital interior experience as it combines two sleek 254 mm high-definition glass touchscreens, a 312.42 mm driver display behind the steering wheel and a full-colour head-up display.
Additionally, a smartphone integration system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also available.
The drive
The new Evoque may look like a nip and tuck, but it is all-new from head to tail.
Step inside and you will get that sports car vibe with its low-slung roofline and driver-focused dashboard. Seats are well-bolstered and there are enough adjustments to get your driving position right.
The rearview is still small with a slim rear glass, and this is why Range Rover provides a ClearSight TV monitor-like rearview mirror. You can choose to use this either in pure mirror mode or pure high definition TV monitor mode to get a good view behind.
The Ingenium engine is quiet when idle but once it’s on the move, you do hear a faint rumble when pushed. After a few minutes on the open road, you will realise how well-insulated and comfortable this new Evoque is.
For an all-terrain vehicle, the ride comfort is like a business sedan. It easily becomes a sport sedan once you get into ‘sports’ mode, though.
To top it all off, peace of mind motoring is available with the 5-year Warranty or 150,000km, 5-year Servicing or 65,000km and 3-year Roadside Assistance packages that are included.
Range Rover Evoque P250 R-Dynamic specifications:
Engine: 4-cylinder Turbo-scroll Petrol
Displacement: 1997cc
Max power: 249ps @ 5500rpm
Max torque: 365Nm @ 1300-4500rpm
0-100km/h: 7.5secs
Top Speed: 230km/h
Transmission: 9-Speed Drive Select/Sport Mode
Selling Price: Approximately US$115,150
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