Yet here it is, pretty much unchanged from its auto-show styling, looking distinctive and daring. Though maybe a bit much for those who prefer the macho appeal of the boxy wagons.
The test Evoque was gorgeously finished and with a terrific interior. Yet the $60,000 price tag was a sticking point for what?s basically a midsize SUV powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, ala Mazda, Ford, Hyundai and a few others. The base price is $44,145, which would be plenty in itself, but the test SUV was loaded up with a staggering $15,000 worth of options.
Evoque shows off its bold stance, which other automakers are beginning to emulate for their crossover SUVs. (Photo: Range Rover) So what is it about Evoque that commands such pricing? First off, there?s the undeniable appeal of the bold Range Rover block letters on the hood?s leading edge. This is a prestige brand, and prestige costs money.
Then there?s Evoque?s styling, which is pretty much what sets it apart, with that steeply sloping roofline and rising beltline coming together to produce a bold aesthetic statement.
Evoque has plenty of admirers, and it has garnered a heaping share of awards and accolades, including 2012 North American Truck of the Year. Although it?s hardly what you?d call a truck, per se, with its crossover underpinnings and carlike interior.
Evoque gets loads of attention, too. Even among the Ferraris, Lamborghinis and high-end collector cars at a recent Scottsdale Cars and Coffee gathering, Evoque was a continuous conversation piece, mostly positive though somewhat controversial.
Much of the less-glowing commentary concerned the functionality of a two-door SUV, which is what I tested. It may look sleek and stylish, but it sacrifices access to the rear seat. There is also a four-door version of Evoque, and I would imagine that many more of them will be sold than the two-door models, just as we?ve seen in the past with other efforts at two-door SUVs. The four-door is way more practical, though the two-door makes a better fashion statement.
The dramatically sloping roofline is Evoque's most distinctive feature. (Photo: Range Rover) That slanting roofline may be cool looking, but it reduces the height of the rear-hatch opening, limits large pieces of cargo and turns the rear window into what seems like a slit.
Rear vision is lousy, and if not for the proximity sensors and rear-view camera, backing up would be a white-knuckle exercise. There are also sensors on the side to warn you of adjacent vehicles in the next lane, which is also critical since blind spots are significant.
Evoque does boast the driving characteristics of a thoroughbred, with handling that is surprisingly direct and nimble for a high-profile vehicle. The steering feels a bit twitchy at highway speeds, though the SUV is competently stability on the open road.
The engine is refined and fairly powerful, with satisfying acceleration and cruising ease. The six-speed automotive is seamless and unnoticeable; a nine-gear unit in reportedly in the works.
The turbocharged 2-liter four provides 240 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, which comes on at a low 1,750 rpm. That?s enough power to make the 3,900-pound SUV reasonably quick and fun to drive, though it falls short of other luxury SUVs in this price range. Zero-60 comes in just over seven seconds, Range Rover says.
The payback for the small-displacement engine is in fuel mileage, with Evoque rated at 18 city and 28 highway by the EPA, which is good for this thirsty class of vehicle. Part of the formula was keeping the weight down by using high-strength steel and aluminum parts. Evoque comes in well under such things as the Range Rover Sport, which weighs 1,600 pounds more.
Source: http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/driven-range-rovers-stylish-evoque/
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