2012 Land Rover Evoque: Evoque-ing Excitement

Big beefy intimidating off-roaders with clear cut-lines and over-sized windows are mere nostalgia nowadays it seems! The new age trend dreams for smaller and sporty yet fuel-efficient SUVs just like the new Range Rover Evoque. The launch of this new significant model, the Range Rover Evoque, marks a historic turning point for the British carmaker the Land Rover. The new Evoque is the Land Rover’s smallest (measuring just 4.35m length), lightest and most fuel efficient model boasting a completely new design – one that is quite unusual for a Range Rover. So, how does it measure up??

Take a look at this strange Range Rover, largely derived from the LRX concept vehicle which is particularly evident from the Evoque’s lower sportier shape. The headlights are swept back which is exotic for a LR. It’s got an over-powering presence thanks to the high hood line and those chunky flanks all wrapped around that bevelled front end. What makes it even more tantalising is the detailing, such as the ventilated grille, the led clusters, the air intakes on the hood and the massive front bumper and air dam. The sense of dynamism is elevated even more with the high shoulder line, the low roof line, which has been flattened up giving the vehicle a sporty appearance and the rear spoiler catalysing the effect, and the narrow windows. Overall, the exterior design is brilliant and is simply too juicy to ignore when it drives past!

The Evoque is available in 5-door SUV and a coupe - utility vehicle versions. The 3-door coupe (Dynamic trim only) version is the costliest at Rs. 58 lakhs with a 2-litre petrol motor. However, the 5-door SUVs comes equipped only with a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 190PS of power and 420Nm of torque with 6-speed automatic transmission. This is the same engine used for the upcoming Jaguar XF and features the same set of features, start stop, brake regenerative energy tech and enhanced NVH levels. The car’s suspension features MagneRide dampers - which are more typically fitted to high performance sports cars - the Adaptive Dynamics system provides an optimum balance between confident, nimble handling and a supple, well-controlled ride. It also provides formidable off-road potential, which is enhanced by the company's signature Terrain Response system with four off-road programs though there’s no low-ratio.

This baby LR has lot to do with sustainability as well. The use of advanced lightweight materials such as optimised steel body structure with over 18 per cent of Boron/High Strength Steels makes this weigh just 1600kg. Adoption of low rolling resistance tyres, reduced aerodynamic drag through smaller frontal area and detailed optimization, reduction of engine internal friction through low friction coatings, gear train optimisation, advanced idle control, adoption of low viscosity transmission fluid, etc. are few other efforts undertaken. As a result, the performance improves and both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are significantly reduced.

When first shown as the land Rover LRX concept at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, I simply assumed it to be a pure figment of some designer’s imagination and never thought it to be car of reality. Not many concept vehicles have made it to production as well. But, the company worked day and night and was committed the LRX project to production. The Evoque then made its public debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Of course, no one can be cynical about the company’s success in the Evoque venture; Land Rover has taken the off-road motoring to the next level ensuring sustainability and adaptability, retaining the fun factor. The Evoque has got several reasons to celebrate!