Range Rover Evoque review 2016

The Range Rover Evoque is Land Rover’s most successful ever model and it’s easy to see why. It’s not quite a cut-price range Rover, but a lot of the tech, capability and style have been crammed inside this compact SUV. The Evoque has been around since 2011 and only seen minor updates since then, but it remains smooth to drive, comfortable to sit in and has never been cheaper to run thanks to the addition of JLR’s new Ingenium diesel engines. Refinement has also taken a step up and equipped with the nine-speed automatic gearbox, there are few more luxurious compact SUVs out there. Just be careful with the options as the price can quickly add up. • BMW X1 vs Audi Q3 vs Range Rover Evoque Our Choice: Range Rover Evoque 2.0 TD4 auto SE The Range Rover Evoque wowed crowds when it went on sale back in 2011 and it only takes one look to understand how it still turns heads today. We voted it as our favourite compact SUV in the 2013 Auto Express New Car Awards, praising its blend of style, performance, economy and off-road ability. Available both as a conventional five-door and sleeker three-door, there are few cars in this price bracket that can match the Evoque for sheer kerb-appeal. The newer BMW X4 and Porsche Macan come close, but cars like the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 look dull in comparison. Image 2 of 25Range Rover Evoque SE Tech 2016 - front tracking Image 2 of 25 While it delivers style in spades, the Evoque doesn't come cheap. With prices starting just shy of £30,000, there's no denying the baby Range Rover commands a premium. It's available with the option of four-wheel drive, with this version proving incredibly capable off-road. Most UK users will manage with the more economical front-wheel drive version, though. On both three-door coupe and five-door Evoque models, there are three trim-levels available: entry-level Pure, mid-range Dynamic and the flagship Autobiography. In between the core models, Land Rover also offers Pure Tech and Dynamic Lux versions, adding additional kit for a modest additional outlay. • Range Rover Evoque SE Tech review The Range Rover Evoque is powered by one of two engines, with the range kicked off by JLR’s new 148bhp Ingenium diesel. That same engine is also available with 178bhp, and while it feels quicker on the open road, the lesser engine will suffice for most buyers. The only petrol engine in the range is a 237bhp turbocharged unit. Land Rover recently added a new nine-speed automatic gearbox to the Range Rover Evoque range and while nine gears may sound a little superfluous, it has helped to increase both the cruising refinement and fuel economy. Engines, performance and drive 3.9 New engines improve refinement but the Evoque still isn’t as thrilling to drive BMW and Audi rivals Land Rover fits adaptive magnetic MagneRide dampers to the Range Rover Evoque as standard, and this helps it stay stable and composed in corners, with body roll kept to a minimum. The Evoque is good to drive, too and it's pretty relaxing on longer journeys. On the move, refinement is good and the ride is decent over most road surfaces, although the odd bump can upset the bigger 20-inch wheels, sending a nasty jolt up into the cabin. Be aware though, that the baby Range Rover's hefty 1,640kg kerb weight can send it running wide if it's pushed too hard in the corners. At least the steering is precise and the car turns in quickly. Image 4 of 25Range Rover Evoque - rear cornering Image 4 of 25 The Range Rover Evoque's new nine-speed automatic gearbox is smooth, particularly when pulling away from a standstill, and on the motorway it is quick to change up to save as much fuel as possible. However, around town the gearbox can get confused as to what gear to be in, as there are so many of them. This can result in slight jerky progress. When using the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles, its easy to get stuck between third and fourth gear – but that's all you need on a fast A-road. The six-speed manual is just as precise, but most customers will favour the automatic version. It's worth noting that visibility is also an issue in the Range Rover Evoque. The view ahead from the high-set driving position is excellent, but the shallow side windows and letterbox-like rear window can make parking a bit tricky – although rear parking sensors are standard on all models. Land Rover technology like Hill Descent Control, which gradually eases the car down a steep hill, and Terrain Response, which automatically changes the car's settings for off-road driving, mean the Range Rover Evoque is a very capable off-roader too.