The success of the Range Rover Evoque goes without saying – more than 170,000 models have been sold in the last 18 months.
But the new 2014 model boasts improved efficiency, better performance capabilities and some truly cutting-edge technology.
For starters, the new Evoque has a nine-speed transmission with a super-fast shift that is described as “below the threshold of perception” and this gearbox
means improvements in fuel economy, carbon emissions, cruising, all-terrain driveability, gear shifts, weight reduction, packaging and response.
But that’s not all, because Land Rover has just introduced a revolutionary on-demand 4WD system.
The car is always in 4WD below 13mph and it disconnects at 22mph and remains in the more efficient front wheel drive until extra grip is required. This technology means the latest Evoque line-up can achieve up to 57.6mpg with carbon emissions as low as 129g/km.
And thanks to a new interface, the driver always knows if the vehicle is in park, 2WD or 4WD mode.
Steve Mullane, Senior Manager Driveline Engineering at Land Rover explained its benefits. “When 4WD is not required, the system automatically selects 2WD. But 4WD reconnects within 300 milliseconds when required.”
To prove its worth Land Rover showed a short film of the new Evoque with Active Driveline lining up against the original Evoque model with Standard Driveline in a drag race on thick snow and ice and similarly completing a hill start under the same conditions. While both vehicles were efficient and coped with the tasks, the 2014 model displayed its superiority for all to see.
The new Evoque will also come fitted with a number of new driver assistance features such as Park Exit to automatically drive from parallel parking bays, Perpendicular Park to automatically position the car in the centre of the parking bay, sensors to warn about oncoming vehicles, traffic sign recognition, wade sensors and a lane departure warning system.
Plus drivers can opt for an InControl feature that triggers an SOS call in the event of an accident and lets the emergency services know your location.
There are also additional exterior colour choices, extra alloys styles, along with a new badge on the grille, wheel centres and tailgate.
The engine range remains the same with a choice of either the 2.2 diesel 150PS, 2.2 diesel 190PS engine or 2.0 petrol 240PS depending on the market.