adminanalysis of 16 published reviews and test-drives of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
This survey was done in the United States.
Considering the fact that the US has the highest number of SUVs and when it comes to judging what is reliable and safe they come out tops, this should be an accurate survey.
I had a chance to get behind the wheel of this magnificent SUV and boy was I impressed!
Equipped with all the utilities that you could ever dream of, I was the envy of many as I cruised down the streets of Harare.
Vehicle enthusiasts will either be wooed by its optional two-door coupe body style or intimidated by its plus US$100 000 price tag.
Either way someone is going to give in and succumb to taking this car home at whatever cost.
The Evoque is a first for Land Rover. Not only is it the only two-door in the Land Rover line up, but it is also the smallest model the carmaker has ever produced.
There is a four-door base model, which does not look as unusual when compared with other luxury crossovers, but the two-door body style will be an unexpected twist for many shoppers.
Despite its high price tag, I liked the fact that it brings some much-needed diversity to the SUV class.
The Land Rover Evoque has a 2,0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, and is much smaller in body size compared with its competitors.
After testing the Evoque, I can confidently say that its petite frame and respectable 240 horsepower makes it one of the most nimble vehicles in its class.
However, I think it does not have adequate power compared to other models in its class such as the Mercedes-Benz GLK, Audi Q5 and BMW X3, all of which have standard or optional V6 engines.
That is not a huge setback though because what it lacks in power, it makes up for in looks and other technology.
After all, it is not a speed monster but a luxury compact small SUV. Though it has less juice than these crossovers, the Land Rover Evoque dominates the class when it comes to off-road capabilities.
Like other Land Rovers, the Evoque has a Terrain Response System that allows the driver to change the powertrain and suspension responses based on road conditions.
I, however, believe that most owners will have little use for the system because I do not think they would want to take this expensive SUV though a creek or over small boulders.
No matter what you call the Land Rover Evoque, it is for those people who want to make a statement.
Potential buyers who can afford this frivolous SUV will definitely take to its upscale standard amenities and one-of-a-kind exterior.
The four-door is available in Pure, Prestige and Dynamic trims, and starts at about US$112 000, making the Evoque very expensive for its class.
The two-door coupe costs a little more and is only available in Pure and Dynamic trims.
Whether two or four-door, the Evoque is destined to be a big hit for Land Rover.
It exudes an alluring, sturdy facade and smart, tech-laden interior with a robust, efficient powertrain and a rewarding, all-conquering chassis.
Leading motoring website had this to say about the Evoque: “Eliciting stares and cheers with the same ease that it dominates mountains and deserts with, the Evoque is indeed a rock star.”
Overall, the 2012 Range Rover Evoque offers a lot more character than other vehicles in its class.
As much as a Mini Cooper sacrifices functionality for fashion, so, too, does the Evoque.
Relative to its main competitors – the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class – the Evoque loses out in terms of cargo space and in the case of the Coupe, rear-seat access.
But who is keeping scores and who cares? This is the perfect fashion accessory that you can’t pass up.
The Evoque has excellent handling and braking capabilities, and is a very capable off-road vehicle, despite its upscale persona.
It is Rover only two-door option. In fact, the Evoque is the only two-door option among compact SUVs. The BMW X6 is also coupe-like, but significantly larger.
The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque comes with a lot of standard features, which makes it a better buy.
So if you are a motoring fanatic with the cash, what are you waiting for, pop into Premier Auto Services for a test drive.
Till next week, keep it pumping.
l Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows and rallies, and written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]
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