The 2012 Range Rover Evoque is a good-looking sport utility vehicle that is selling like those proverbial hotcakes in the U.S. market. American consumers apparently like this fuel-efficient SUV, the smallest and lightest one the company has ever produced.
Dubbed a premium compact, the Evoque is a stylish vehicle with sporting looks and typical Range Rover craftsmanship, luxury, performance, along with the legendary multiterrain capability. It is offered in two models — coupe and five door — and in three trim lines — Pure, Prestige and Dynamic. Evoque has bold exterior styling with a sloping roofline and a relatively compact footprint. On the inside, there’s a lot of room in both models and the five-door format offers even more rear-seat space and practicality.
Under the hood, there is a smooth and responsive, four-cylinder gasoline engine. Also available is an optional state-of-the-art 240 bhp, 2.0-liter Si4 turbocharged engine. With twin variable valve timing and direct injection technology, it has six-cylinder power and performance, but with fourcylinder fuel economy. With permanent allwheel drive and an updated six-speed automatic transmission it delivers a 0-60 mph clocking in 7.1 seconds.
On the road, Evoque handles with agility in any situation and, with Adaptive Dynamics with MagneRide, it has allweather, multi-terrain capability. And there is generous ground clearance, aggressive breakover and departure angles to make off-road driving an enjoyable experience, enhanced by the latest version of Range Rover’s signature Terrain Response system for steep hill climbs or descents.
On the inside, the roomy interior of the five-door Evoque was achieved without enlarging the footprint of the coupe; the overall length and width are the same. As for comfort, you can specify soft premium leather and tailored twin-needle stitching for a luxurious finish to every surface of the instrument panel, doors and seats.
The five-door model offers greater headroom for all occupants and a glass panoramic roof is a delight for cruising. The rear seats have seat belts and head restraints for three passengers and 60/40 folding rear seats that are equipped with ISOFIX child seat mounts. Luggage capacity can be expanded to a substantial 51 cubic feet.
Connectivity options include Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone and audio streaming, plus a range of USB and auxiliary inputs for iPod and other portable devices. Evoque is the first Range Rover model to offer high-end sound systems developed in partnership with audio specialist Meridian. The premium Meridian offering is an 825W, 17-speaker system that delivers the ultimate in surround-sound performance. Pricing on the 2012 Range Rover Evoque starts at $45,000.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
