By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com
The Range Rover Evoque was launched to critical acclaim in the 2012 model year. The smallest Range Rover model ever, the Range Rover Evoque stays true to the core brand values by providing premium levels of craftsmanship, luxury, performance and multi-terrain capability.
New for 2013 is the availability of a more accessible Range Rover Evoque Pure model, this new model features an aluminum alloy roof in place of the panoramic laminated glass roof standard on other Range Rover Evoque models, and includes a new upholstery combination of genuine leather and Dinamica synthetic suede.
A new optional Range Rover Park Assist helps make parallel parking easier. When driving past parking spaces, the driver selects Park Assist and then selects the side of the road by using the turn signal. The system will analyze the position and size of the space, and if it is deemed suitable, the wording Space Found appears on the display screen.
The system will request that the driver stop the car and follow the on-screen commands. Park Assist will handle all steering actions, while the driver manages transmission selection, the accelerator and brake pedal. The parking sensors send the necessary information to the driver in order to select a forward gear when required to achieve the ideal parking position. Park Assist will deactivate if the driver handles the steering wheel during a parking maneuver.
The exterior features interpretations of classic Range Rover design cues, including the signature clamshell hood, the floating roof and the solid wheels pushed to the corners stance. In addition Range Rover Evoque features a dynamic profile with its rising beltline, a muscular shoulder running the length of the vehicle and a distinctive taper to the floating roofline. The sculpted corners reduce the car’s visual overhangs front and rear.
Range Rover Evoque provides a comprehensive range of premium technologies similar to that of other Range Rover vehicles, but delivered in a more compact package. The broad array of Range Rover equipment comprises the latest technologies for controls, connectivity, comfort and convenience, including high-end Meridian audio systems.
At the heart of the control system is the 8-inch high-definition touch-screen display. The touch-screen provides the primary control and display system for a Range of features including audio, video, navigation and phone. Simple hard keys on either side of the display provide short cuts to the most commonly used screens, such as Home, Audio/Video, Navigation and Phone.
A comprehensive connectivity package enables connection of a variety of portable devices and mobile phones. Portable digital music players or memory sticks can be connected to a range of inputs, including a direct iPod connection, USB sockets and an auxiliary input. The primary iPod functions can be easily controlled through the 8-inch touch-screen display.
The interior design applies the strong, clean architecture and quality materials of a traditional Range Rover in a decidedly sporty design. The center console flows with the elegant lines of the instrument panel, and the design provides a useful storage area beneath the sloping console. The console itself is an open structure that echoes the model’s themes of lightness and efficiency.
Under the hood the Range Rover Evoque is powered by a 240-horsepower turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that offers smooth and flexible power delivery. All aluminum alloy construction, direct fuel injection and twin variable valve timing endow the Range Rover Evoque engine with excellent drivability and fuel efficiency, while twin balancer shafts ensure smoothness expected in a Range Rover. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which has been optimized for efficiency. The Range Rover Evoque can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.5 Compared to conventional larger capacity engines with a similar power output.
The Range Rover Evoque comes standard with a permanent all-wheel drive system that was developed in conjunction with Haldex. The system’s center-coupling technology continuously alters the front-rear torque split through a hydraulically operated multi-plate wet clutch. The system can pre-engage at rest to reduce wheel-spin from standing starts. It engages quickly when traction loss is detected and disengaged quickly to optimize the response of the stability control systems.
Standard in all Land Rover and Range Rover models, including the Range Rover Evoque, Terrain Response is a fully integrated system that manages multiple vehicle parameters to provide ideal traction in all situations. The control unit takes into account a wide variety of inputs including individual wheel speeds, cornering yaw rates, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, vehicle speed, brake pressure, accelerator position and the settings of the Hill Descent Control and Terrain Response systems.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $41,145.00, the one I drove included the Prestige Premium Package, Sirius Satellite Radio and 20 inch Alloy Wheels, Sparkle Finish, it came in at $56,393.00. The EPA fuel economy estimates 20 MGP City and 28 MPG Highway. mlezcano@carsntravel.com
