Range Rover Evoque 2019: First drive review

The overall footprint of the new Evoque is much the same as the old one, but luggage space is up by 10 per cent to 591 litres with the 40:20:40 rear seats in place, or 1383 when folded.

The new Evoque is offered in S, SE and HSE model grades, while the R-Dynamic body kit can be optioned on any of these grades for a premium of between $2980 and $4000. There is also a First Edition variant from launch. Pricing ranges from $62,670 to $94,290 before on-road costs. As expected there are innumerable options and packages, but beware. A few options can push the total price into six figures.

The Evoque is offered with three diesel and three petrol 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engines. Power outputs range from 110kW, 132kW and 177kW for the diesel and 147kW, 184kW and 221kW for the petrol.

Land Rover has ushered in a 48-volt mild hybrid system that uses an engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator to harvest energy that’s usually lost during deceleration. The energy is then used to help reduce turbo lag during acceleration and lower fuel consumption. The mild hybrid is fitted to all three diesel units and the 221kW petrol. More electrified Evoques are on the way too, with a plug-in hybrid expected to land next year.

The mild hybrid powertrain in the 177kW diesel we briefly dove at the launch didn’t seem to have much impact on acceleration as there was still lag on take-off. It is, however, still a punchy powertrain. But if straight-line performance is key, the 221kW petrol variant we sampled is the pick. The engine picks up pace rapidly, offering brisk acceleration. It also has impressive handling characteristics, carving through tight bends with the ease of a hot hatch. Being lower to the ground than other SUVs means the Evoque stays flat through corners and there is no hint of body roll.

Inside, the changes are huge. The new cabin now resembles the look and feel of the larger Velar, with a sleek, modern design and premium materials throughout.

It also features innovative new technology including a tilting 10-inch ‘Touch Pro’ infotainment screen, a smart rear-view mirror that transforms into a high-definition video screen to see beyond any obstructions in the cargo area, and a new ‘Ground View’ system that uses camera images projected to the touchscreen showing a 180-degree view under the front of the vehicle. This is useful for off-roading and for urban parking, according to Land Rover.

Impressively, Land Rover is offering a ‘vegan’ option for the Evoque, with a eucalyptus-derived textile and a premium suede-cloth trim made from recycled plastic for the seats available as a no-cost option for those who don’t want leather. 

Land Rover appears to be taking sustainability seriously, but it has also ensured the Evoque retains its fun-to-drive nature and youth-focused appeal.