Range Rover Evoque modification

The Evoque is initially available in 4WD and with a choice of three engine options; mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmission.

Scheduled for local showrooms in November, the line-up includes two diesel models; both 2.2-litre units but in different states of tune (110kW/400Nm or 140kW/420Nm). There’s also a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine rated at 177kW/340Nm. The engine range makes this the first four-cylinder Range Rover model in decades.

Due here in March, the eD4 uses the 110kW diesel unit combined with stop/start function (and six-speed manual) for impressive, small hatchback-rivalling, 4.5L/100 economy.

Meanwhile, the 2.2-litre equipped TD4 and SD4 diesel models achieve 5.2L/100km in manual form or 5.7L/100km if fitted with the auto.

Operation of the six-speed automatic unit is the same as for other auto-equipped Range Rovers: via a neat, central console-mounted dial control or paddle shift. The 2.0-litre petrol-engined Si4 model range is only available with the auto.

Suspension is by way of coil-sprung struts front and rear, or buyers can opt for Land Rover’s version of adaptive ride dynamics (electronically adjusted suspension settings) called MagneRide. Both the coupe and five-door use a 300mm ventilated front disc and 302mm solid rear disc braking system.

According to Land Rover, the Evoque weighs around 100kg less than the Freelander 2 upon which it’s based. The Evoque has up to 70 per cent of its own (versus Freelander) parts, and designers were able to lower body height without compromising ground clearance (around 200mm).

On build quality: Land Rover’s first entry in the compact SUV segment with Freelander was well-received but not well regarded, slighted as it was by mechanical and fit issues. The follow-up Freelander 2 is much better and we expect the brand won’t make the same mistake with its first prestige compact offering.

Production is from the same Halewood, Liverpool, factory as the Freelander 2, and the Evoque’s introduction has doubled the plant’s workforce requirements to around 3000 staff. England, like anywhere, needs these jobs, and our visit to the factory — once the site for Ford production of models like the Escort — revealed a tidy outfit and happy workers.