LIVE 24-SEVEN 2019 EVOQUE
The all new Range Rover 2019 Evoque, in my opinion is still the most stylish Range Rover in the lineup and is still just small enough to work well in urban areas for the daily commute – which I put to the test having picked up my test-drive vehicle from Listers Solihull!
The original Evoque, launched back in 2011, changed Land Rover forever. Gone was the usual Land Rover functional boxy styling and in was a more fashionable glamorous vehicle. I remember the launch headed up by Victoria Beckham, who at the time was rumoured to be involved with the iconic styling.
Fast forward to 2019, it’s hardly surprising then, that Land Rover decided to be pretty sympathetic to the original design with this second-generation model – it would have been crazy not to, especially given the first Evoque’s success in the sales charts. It isn't too hard though to see the influence of the larger Range Rover Velar, particularly in the ultra slim lights at the front and back and the flush door handles that pop out for you to pull.
INTERIOR/ DRIVING POSITION:
The first thing I noticed was that there’s been a huge uplift in the cabin’s quality, with yet more Velar-inspired touches such as the pair of 10-inch touchscreens, and some exquisitely- chosen interior trim and materials. It’s clean and uncluttered, with very few knobs and buttons.
Every Evoque is well equipped, with climate control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights, keyless start and heated front seats as standard. The driving position, not to mention much of the cabin styling, feels familiar and has that rare ability to allow the driver to feel special. There’s an impressive combination of sporty driving positions and an up-high commanding view. Overall, it’s a sumptuous interior in which to spend time, it’s comfortable and expensive looking.
One of the stand out feelings is that of space. The wheelbase has been increased by 20mm giving more rear legroom, which my daughter Katie noticed immediately. There’s also more space in the cabin to store bits and pieces (a genuine problem with the old car), while the boot’s also around 10 percent larger, which was one of my only complaints with the old car.
Driving around town I found the engine to be pretty silent and willing. The mild hybrid system shuts the engine early as you move to a halt, and then re-starts instantly. Out on the open road, I found performance to be smooth and responsive, the nine-speed automatic gearbox is far better than in the last Evoque. I really like the move from the old models gear dial to a new style gear lever - it plays co-operatively when you use the paddle shifters.
In corners, you just steer, and the Evoque obligingly sorts things out. Mid-corner bumps don’t bother it. The good view out and comparatively narrow body are both blessings on country B-roads, and cities whilst the new suspension and platform gives a much smoother ride, although it isn’t as soft as a big Range Rover or Discovery, but that’s just how I like it! I love the new rear parking camera positioned up high instead of in the rear bumper (this always got dirty affecting the picture quality in the old model), the picture is crystal-clear and projected on the infotainment screen.
I combined city driving with the motorway and finally ending with country B roads and driving through a very fast flowing Forde - really not a problem for the Evoque as it boasts an impressive 60cm wading depth. Which leads me to…
WHAT'S THE NEW EVOQUE LIKE OFF ROAD?
This is a Land Rover so it goes without saying that you can be confident it will be more than capable if the ‘Beast From The East’ should make a reappearance!
The Evoque is available with Land Rover’s brilliant Terrain Response 2 system, standard on higher-spec new Evoque’s. It’s activated by the twin glossy touchscreens of Touch Pro Duo, tap the icon that best represents the environment you’re moving through or just go for Auto mode and let the car decide. As well as Mud and Ruts, you can select Hill Descent Control at the crest of a particularly steep hill, peg the target speed to its slowest setting and simply let the car do its stuff.
For those who need a good view of the road ahead, ClearSight Ground View system is activated from the menu on the center screen, and allows you to see immediately ahead – between the front wheels – for just these sorts of occasions. Using a combined feed from cameras in the grille and beneath the mirrors, Ground View brings up a digital field of vision on the infotainment screen some 15 meters across and 8.5 meters deep, your front wheels ghosted in to help you place the car. It’s a system that Land Rover first teased as Transparent Bonnet on 2014’s Discovery Vision concept, and it works very well indeed.
The 2019 Evoque has answered most, if not all of my criticisms of the old model, so job well done. Not only is it a head turning stylish SUV, it’s good to drive and is posh inside. Perhaps the biggest reason to buy an Evoque is how well its likely to hold on to its value. Independent depreciation experts expect it to be worth more than all of its rivals.
The model range is vast with a choice of 9 trims and 6 engines, to book your own test drive contact your local Listers Land Rover Dealer.
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MOTORING, SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT NEW RANGE ROVER E VOQUE
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