EVOQUE IDENTITY REVEALED

2evoqueThe Range Rover Evoque’s spec details have been announced. Offering CO2 emissions sub 130g/km and fuel economy of 58mpg combined, the Evoque is the lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover. The new petrol and diesel engines come with direct injection and stop-start. It is based on the LRX concept vehicle and offers a cabin with premium quality materials; customers can specify soft, premium leather and tailored, twin-needle stitching that applies to almost every surface of the instrument panel, doors and seats.

A lower driving position is designed to offer a more sporting feel but retains the Range Rover’s commanding driving position. Headroom is generous compared with traditional sporting saloons, despite the lowprofile coupé roofline.

The on-road sporting ride character is not at the expense of comfort and refinement, says Land Rover: ‘Adaptive Dynamics uses advanced MagneRide™ dampers to provide a supple, controlled ride. The suspension delivers even tighter body control, with flatter handling and sharper responses’.

For off-roading it features generous ground clearance and better breakover, approach and departure angles than other compact SUVs. The Evoque will be the first Range Rover to offer a choice between a full-time four-wheeldrive system, with the company’s signature Terrain ResponseTM system, and front-wheeldrive option.

Two engines are offered: two 2.2-litre turbodiesel derivatives, with either 187bhp or 148bhp.The four-wheel-drive 2.2-litre 148bhp delivers 50mpg and sub 145g/km CO2. A new 237bhp, 2.0-litre Si4 petrol engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin variable valve timing efficiency with a 0-60mph time of 7.1 seconds.

The touch screen display is available with dual-view technology, so that driver and passenger can view independent content. Connectivity options include Bluetooth hand-sfree mobile phone and audio streaming, plus a range of USB and auxiliary inputs for iPods and other portable devices.   

Other features include: Park Assist for automated parallel parking, Blind Spot Monitoring system, Surround Camera System with five digital cameras, including reversing system, hard drive navigation system, digital and satellite TV and DVD playback. There are three main vehicle design themes, with each having its own distinctive character, exterior treatment and carefully co-ordinated interior package.

‘Pure’ combines standard exterior with a clean interior in neutral colours. Soft-touch wrapped materials on the major surfaces contrast with the metal brushed aluminium trim. ‘Prestige’ combines a bespoke exterior that includes unique 19in wheels and sparkling metallic details with an interior that is almost entirely leather-wrapped. ‘Dynamic’ features 20in wheels and unique bumpers, sills, grille and tailpipes. Contrasting roof and spoiler colours are available, while the premium sports interior offers sports seats with splashes of bright contrast colour.

It will go on sale in more than 160 markets worldwide from summer 2011, and prices will start from £30,000 in the UK.

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