adminenthusiasts representing various publications and media from most countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
The coupé and five-door models on display highlighted the Range Rover Evoque’s vast array of personalisation options, which gives every customer the opportunity to tailor their Evoque to suit their lifestyle.
Available in various colour and feature combinations, such as contrasting roof colours and beautifully crafted designer interiors we had our fair appreciation of this classy work of art.
Having taken Range Rover Evoque off-road with Sean Renton, at the 4×4 Experience in Kyalami we were all reassured that inasmuch as it is so cute, compact and stylish it can also get down and dirty as the other SUVs in its class.
The Evoke conquered all the terrain whether rocky, sandy or muddy, with very little effort.
In addition to generous ground clearance, the car has a significantly better break over, approach and departure angles than other premium compact SUVs.
The Evoque is the first Range Rover to offer customers a choice between the standard, full-time, intelligent, four-wheel-drive system, which delivers outstanding performance and traction on all surfaces, and a low-carbon, front-wheel-drive option for further enhanced fuel economy.
Driving around Johannesburg as we made our way back to the hotel after the day’s activity, I felt like a princess because this vehicle is so girly and compact that a man driving it might as well be a carjacker.
Vehicle shoppers will either be wooed by its optional two-door coupe body style or intimidated by its plus US$100 000 price tag.
Either way this SUV has an allure that will make you buy it 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’s also the smallest model the automaker has ever produced.
There’s a four-door base model, which doesn’t 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 like the fact that it brings some much-needed diversity to the 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 would say its petite frame and respectable 240 horsepower make it one of the most nimble vehicles in the class.
However, it is underpowered compared with models like the Mercedes-Benz GLK, Audi Q5 and BMW X3, all of which have standard or optional V6 engines.
That’s not a big setback though because what it doesn’t have in power, it make up for it in looks and other technology.
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 power train and suspension responses based on road conditions, but most buyers won’t take this expensive SUV though a creek or over small boulders.
No matter what you call the Land Rover Evoque, it is for shoppers who want to make a statement.
Its upscale standard amenities and one-of-a-kind exterior would lure any potential shoppers who can afford this frivolous SUV.
The all-new 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is available as a two-door or four-door SUV.
The four-door is available in 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 Dynamic trim.
Whether two- or four-door, the Evoque is destined to be a big hit for Land Rover.
It melds an alluring, sturdy facade and smart, tech-laden interior with a robust, efficient power train and a rewarding, all-conquering chassis.
“Eliciting stares and cheers with the same ease that it dominates mountains and deserts with, the Evoque is indeed a rock star”.
This is what Motor Trend called it in its review. Overall, the 2012 Range Rover Evoque offers up a lot more character than other vehicles in its class.
But 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 score and who cares? This is the perfect fashion accessory that you can not do without.
The Evoque has excellent handling and braking capabilities, and is a very capable off-road vehicle, that’s what matters.
The Evoque is the only two-door option among compact SUVs. The BMW X6 is also coupe-like, but significantly larger.
It comes with a lot of standard features, which makes it a better buy. So if you are a fashion enthusiast with the cash or someone who wants to make a lasting impression this is a car of choice, pop into Premier Auto Services for a test drive.
Manfred Chaniwa and his team will assist with prices and finance options. Till next week, keep it pumping.
Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows and rallies, & written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]
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