The Evocative Range Rover: The all-new Evoque

Typical British wit might say that the all-new Range Rover Evoque is not really all new. That’s because they’re using the same door hinges from the previous model. But everything else is new.  

Coventry Motors Corporation, the sole authorized importer/distributor of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, unveiled recently the 2020 Range Rover Evoque, bringing to the Philippines the sleekest SUV in the Range Rover, well, range.  The Evoque made its world debut back in 2010 and garnered more than 220 awards, redefining the world of compact luxury SUVs. The new Evoque is equipped with improved features and modernized amenities that make it a new standard in its segment. 

“Underneath the skin is an engineering and technical revolution. The new chassis makes the most of the stiffer body, ensuring the characteristic ride comfort and refinement of a Range Rover. The Evoque is now smarter than ever. The software that sits behind our infotainment system has been refined to provide a more intuitive customer experience,” says Nick Rogers, Executive Director for Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover.  

Based off the Velar platform, the new Evoque is created with Land Rover’s new Premium Transverse Architecture making it longer and wider, with its wheelbase now 100mm longer than its predecessor’s. The dimensional changes enable the Evoque to accommodate the necessary components for both plug-in and mild hybrid systems. 

“We are very proud to bring to the Philippines the all-new Range Rover Evoque, which offers refinement and comfort required for modern city living while still providing all-terrain capability our customers expect from a Land Rover. I’m confident that our Filipino customers will rediscover the joy of driving with the all-new Evoque,” said Christopher Ward, president of Coventry Motors Corporation.   

While the Evoque carries on the timeless Range Rover look, it pushes the design with its coupe-like silhouette typified by its distinctive fastback roofline and rising waist. These are amplified by its pronounced shoulders and powerful wheel arches that, filled with 20-inch wheels, combine to create a strong and dynamic presence.

The Evoque also introduces jewel-like elements such as super-slim LED headlamps that provide a more sophisticated front and rear lamp graphic. The R-Dynamic HSE models, on the other hand, come with burnished copper accents that add a distinctive appeal. The new Evoque is also equipped with flush door handles that help give the vehicle a smooth, sculpted aesthetic. The longer wheelbase of the new Evoque yields 20mm extra rear knee room and an increase in small item stowage—the larger glove box and center cubby can now fit tablets, handbags, and bottles with ease. Luggage space is 10 percent larger (591 liters) as well as much wider and easily fits a set of golf clubs or two travel suitcases side-by-side, with space increasing to 1,383 liters when the flexible 40:20:40 second-row seats are folded.

Inside, the new Evoque has a finely crafted design that integrates uncluttered surfaces and simple lines with carefully curated premium materials that create a luxurious yet minimalist cabin. The cabin is designed to be a calm and serene space, ensuring comfortable, healthy and happy occupants with technologies such as the twin 10-inch touchscreen Touch Pro Duo system, partnered with a Meridian sound system that comes standard across all models. This interior also features two-tone Perforated Windsor leather seats (R-Dynamic HSE units only) and Perforated Grained Leather (SE units only) equipped with 16-way seat controls.

The Evoque features a second-generation Active Driveline with Driveline Disconnect to enhance efficiency and Adaptive Dynamics. This is to deliver the optimum balance of comfort and agility. It also has Terrain Response technology—first found on the full-size Range Rover—that automatically detects the surface being driven on and adjusts the setup accordingly. 

Not only is it longer and wider, it is now also taller, enabling it to wade through water up to 600mm (previously 500mm) deep. Ground clearance of the Evoque is at 212mm, while approach and departure angles are 20.8 degrees in the front and 20.6 degrees in the rear.

It comes with a variety of all-terrain technologies such as Hill Descent Control, Gradient Release Control, and All Terrain Progress Control. These go with active safety features such as Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking (for R-Dynamic HSE units only), and Driver Condition Monitor that are available to keep occupants safe.

The Evoque is also a vehicle of firsts. One of these is the impressive and segment-first ‘ClearSight Rear-View’ that transforms the rear-view mirror into an HD video screen. If rear visibility is compromised by passengers or bulky items on the rear compartment, one can simply flick a switch on the underside of the mirror and a camera feed from the top of the car displays what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. The screen provides a wider (50-degree) field of vision and superior visibility in low light. It also has the world’s first ‘ClearSight Ground View’ technology, which effectively makes the hood invisible by projecting camera imagery onto the upper touchscreen to show the driver a 180-degree view under the front of the vehicle. This is useful when negotiating difficult parking spaces, navigating high city center curbs or tackling rough terrain. This is all backed up with a 360-degree Surround Camera.

The vehicle was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and is considered to be one of the safest vehicles in the world for both adults and children. It is also the first in its segment to offer a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) option. The Evoque MHEV boasts of an efficient 48V mild-hybrid powertrain designed to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy with no plug-in charging required.

The new Range Rover Evoque will be offered in the following variants at the following price points:

• SE 2.0 Diesel – P5,090,000

• R-Dynamic HSE 2.0 Diesel – P5,490,000 
• R-Dynamic HSE 2.0 Petrol – P5,590,000
• R-Dynamic HSE MHEV 2.0 Petrol – P6,190,000 

The All-New Range Rover Evoque will also be offered in a Black Limited Edition on the three R-Dynamic models, for an additional P100,000. All purchases of the all-new Evoque also come with a 5-year service plan. 

Check out the all-new Range Rover Evoque at All British Cars located at 1008 EDSA, Greenhills, San Juan.