The British make, Land Rover, is moving upscale with its new entry level Range Rover, the 2012 Evoque. As a result, in addition to carrying the more prestigious Range Rover badge, the Evoque will also cost more than the littlest Land Rover, the LR2, starting at $43,995 for the base 5-door, a considerable bump over the LR2’s sticker of $36,550. Still, this new baby Range Rover is about $4500 less than the Land Rover LR4 or $16,500 less than a Range Rover Sport while offering similar or better levels of performance and comfort 
First shown in 2009 as the LRX concept during the Detroit Auto Show, the 3-door concept was unlike anything Land Rover had shown before and garnered a lot of interest. Unlike the LR2 which seems to be a funky derivation of the Ford Escape, and not a highly respected member of the Land Rover family, the LRX had a sleek design and high end cabin features that could easily make it a member of the elite Range Rover line. And so development of this small 5-passenger vehicle in 3- and 5-door variants that at 171-inches long is 17 inches shorter than a Range Rover Sport was pushed forward. It focused on a new style, but more importantly minimizing fuel consumption while providing all the attributes of off-road ability, towing and luxury expected from the brand. To that end, the Evoque is powered by a direct injection, turbocharged, inline-4 complete with all-wheel drive in a stylish package that is rated by the EPA at 19 mpg city/28 highway, as compared to the LR2’s 15/22 or Sport’s 13/18. It Drives Like it Looks
As a rule, Range Rover’s driving dynamics are a little slow and cumbersome. Even the Sport feels heavy and in need of a diet in comparison to the Evoque. At 3900 pounds the 5-door is about 1600 pounds lighter than the larger Range Rover Sport, which gives it near car-like driving qualities. When outfitted with MagneRide magnetic ride control dampers that provide continuously variable rates, and the ability to select a Dynamic mode that also sharpens the response of the standard electric power steering, the Evoque becomes just that much more nimble and precise. These are useful traits in navigating the narrow roads around Liverpool where the Evoque is built, at the same Halewood plant that started assembling the Ford Anglia in 1962, and that currently produces the LR2. Not surprisingly the LR2 and Evoque are built of the same European D-class platform shared with Ford and Volvo sedans.
In the Dirt
We experienced proper British weather during our drive. The hard rain turned the dirt paths that wound through Welsh hills into mud bogs. The Evoque didn’t care. The 240 horsepower turbo four puts out a decent 251 lb.-ft. of torque that combines well with the quick and smooth shifting 6-speed automatic that features decently low gearing for climbing hills of muddy wet grass even when fitted with all-season low-rolling resistance Continental tires that seem more oriented to pounding pavement than cutting trailis To prove the point that the Evoque is a real Range Rover we forded water that appeared to be 2-feet deep in spots and enough water hit the turbo to produce spurts of steam through the clearly functional hood vents. Although the suspension doesn’t feature the ability to raise or lower itself, the Terrain Response system is in play on all models, and adjusts the myriad of electrical systems to best work in varying situations. In normal mode the transverse engine works predominantly as a front-wheel drive system. A prop-shaft goes rearwards and constantly spins driving a Haldex box at the rear. The computer controlled Haldex engages and transfers torque front to rear as needed through open differentials at both ends. Electronic brake controls then limit individual wheel spin. The Evoque doesn’t drive like a four-wheel drive truck, but rather a sports wagon with decent ground clearance and myriad of electrical controls to keep the driver’s work at a minimum. It really is a no-brainer type of off-road vehicle. Turn the Terrain Response knob to the proper setting, set the hill descent control and simply point the Evoque at an obstacle. Its capabilities far surpass what its expected buyers will ever use it for.
Luxury Wherever it Goes
One of the nicest features of the Evoque is its interior. The steel unit-body is stiff and there wasn’t a single squeak found, not a panel out of place, or stitch gone wrong. The Evoque is intuitive to drive because of the tactile nature of its controls. From the rotary shift knob that rises out of the center console to the thick rimmed steering wheel that is has an impressively fast ratio and shift-paddles that function quickly enough to keep me interested. From the softly bolstered leather driver’s seat it’s difficult to tell the 3-door from a 5-door. It’s simply a matter of practicality versus design purity. The 3-door does have a slightly lower rear roof line and most closely matches the LRX concept, but rear doors are such a convenience that the sportier Evoque will be a rare bird. Rear seat comfort is better than most sedans, and the hatch provides ample carrying capacity. Four travel in comfort, five is a bit more tight. Models
Aside from being offered as a 5-Door or Coupe, the Evoque is available in specific packages. The entire price range goes from $43,995 for a base 5-Door to $52,885 for a Dynamic Premium Coupe. Both come standard with the massive panoramic glass roof, leather, a power tail gate Meridian Audio system, 8-in. touch screen, and host of other Range Rover features. Upgrades include 5 external cameras, HDD navigation, adaptive headlamps, 825-watt Meridian Surround Sound, a customized interiors. Expect to pay just under $50k for a very well appointed Evoque. And yet the little Range Rover can scoot to 60 mph in about 7.1 seconds, making it quicker and more frugal than the V-8 powered Range Rover Sport. It will be at dealerships in October. The 2012 Range Rover Evoque is an exceptionally good blend of daily practicality, luxury, performance and utility—in that order.
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