Range Rover's Evoque has demolished all sales records for SUVs in this class. Jonathan Crouch reports on how the latest MK2 model aims to stay in the top spot.

Ten Second Review

How do you right a best seller? That was Land Rover's problem when it came to creating the second generation version of its runaway success story, the Range Rover Evoque, a car first launched in 2019 and a model that now accounts for a third of the brand's total sales. It's a fashionable, yet capable proposition that has fundamentally changed the premium mid-sized SUV market and rivals today have to contend with an evolved version that features a more efficient range of diesel and petrol engines, including electrified and mild hybrid technology. Plus there's smart styling, decent interior space, useful off road ability and sharp handling thanks to the stiff 'PTA' platform. As a result, if you want an SUV of this kind, this is still the one to beat.

Background

It's getting on for half a century since all-wheel driving was revolutionised by the Range Rover, a car now a class apart in the luxury 4x4 sector. But what would that model look like re-invented in smaller form for very different Millennial times, an age in which fashion and frugality are as important as toughness and traction? Something like this we think, the Range Rover Evoque, which was rejuvenated in this second generation form. Like its predecessor, this MK21 model set out to meet a daunting set of challenges, aiming to provide luxurious room for four in a shape shorter than a Ford Focus. Along with handling as satisfying as a sports coupe. And economy that might allow green-minded versions to rival the returns of a citycar. All to be delivered with class-leading off road expertise. In a car right for its times. Quite a build-up. Quite a car? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

The Evoque range is primarily focused on Ingenium four-cylinder units. All automatic versions of this model, regardless of whether they're diesel or petrol, will have a 48-volt mild hybrid system equipped with an 8Ah lithium-ion battery. The petrol derivatives produce 200hp (P200) or 249hp (P250), while the diesels develop 163hp (D165) and 204hp (D200). Your dealer can offer you a manual gearbox available on the entry-level front-driven diesel, but the remainder of the models in the range will come with the brand's nine-speed automatic. A less powerful three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo petrol powerplant features in the alternative P300e PHEV petrol model mated to an eight-speed auto gearbox. This plug-in hybrid variant's engine puts out 197bhp, its efforts further aided by a 107bhp electric motor mounted on the rear axle which delivers AWD capability and creates a total system output of 296bhp, with 540Nm of torque. The electric motor is powered by a 15kWh lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack and goes up to 37.9 miles between charges. As before, all but the most basic Evoques will come with 4WD but their transmission features a 'driveline disconnect' feature which will see the car default to a front-driven configuration unless a loss of traction dictates otherwise. An 'Active Driveline' system will be optionally available, which uses a rear-mounted double-clutch which offers torque vectoring on the rear axle to aid corner turn-in. Off-road ability is enhanced with the fitment of 'Terrain Response 2' tech from the larger range Rover that analyses the road surface and adjusts the transmission to suit. Wading depth is up 100mm to 600mm too.

Design and Build

Land Rover needed to keep the Evoque looking contemporary without diluting its inherent appeal. This time round, the range is focused on the five-door body style that the majority of buyers of the earlier MK1 model chose. The Evoque's highly desirable design is a hallmark of this luxurious mid-sized SUV. For that reason, certain key elements, like the way that the clamshell bonnet is interrupted by bulging front wheel arches, and the ultra-slim rear glass area, have been retained. From the side though, there's a much cleaner look, with flush door handles borrowed from the Velar and smoother surfacing on the doors. Of course, what's more important is the stuff you can't see: Land Rover says that 90% of the body components are new, partly because this second generation Evoque was the first Jaguar Land Rover group model to be based upon the company's completely new 'Premium Transverse Architecture'. Inside, the cabin has been influenced by the brand's larger Velar, hence the introduction of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and, on plusher versions, the option of a pair of centre-dash 10-inch 'Touch Pro Duo' screens. The new 'PTA' platform has extended the Evoque's wheelbase, so though the new model is actually a few millimetres shorter than its predecessor, it has better cabin packaging. You should notice this on the rear seat. Plus in the boot, where capacity has risen 10% to 591-litres - enough, Land Rover reckons, for a full set of golf clubs or a folded pram. With the second row folded down, there's 1,383-litres on offer.

Market and Model

Pricing now start from just over £40,000. There are four main trim levels - standard Evoque 'S', 'Dynamic SE', 'Dynamic HSE' and 'Autobiography'. It all means that it's now possible to pay up to £60,000 for an Evoque. You can specify a Head-up display. Plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring at last make an appearance. All variants get LED auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, ambient cabin lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a heated windscreen. With 'S'-spec, you also get perforated leather, electrically adjustable front seats, an improved infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, auto dimming on the side mirrors and rear-view mirror, and traffic sign recognition with an adaptive speed limiter. If you can move further up the range, 'Dynamic SE'-spec gives you high-beam assist headlights and 'sweeping' LED indicators, plus 20-inch alloys, extra power adjustment and heating for the front seats, an interactive driver display, an electrically powered tailgate and a parking pack that includes a rear traffic monitor. 'Dynamic HSE' trim upgrades the leather upholstery and brings a 380W Meridian sound system, the ClearSight rear-view mirror camera, gesture control for the powered tailgate, adaptive cruise control and a different finish of 20-inch alloys. The D200 and P300e variants can be had with an extra top 'Autobiography' level of trim.

Cost of Ownership

This MK2 Evoque's new 'Premium Transverse Architecture' platform allows Jaguar land Rover's smaller models to become more technologically sophisticated, particularly in terms of powertrain electrification. We'll see the fruit of that when the plug-in three-cylinder turbo petrol powerplant is introduced to the range. For the time being, Land Rover reckons that a front-driven 165PS diesel manual model will put out 160g/km of CO2 and manage 46.3mpg on the combined cycle. the brand claims that that the cleanest mild-hybrid auto diesel will put out 169g/km and deliver 43.7mpg on the combined cycle. All these figures are compiled from the WLTP cycle. The P300e PHEV petrol plug-in model can offer an electric driving range of up to 37.9 miles, with CO2 emissions of just 32g/km and up to 201.8mpg on the combined cycle. Charging from a 7kW garage AC wallbox can be done from 0-80% in 1 hour and 24 minutes. A three-year, unlimited mileage warranty comes with this model, with further extensions available if you want them. There's also an 'InControl Protect' service that allows you to monitor vital stats on your car from your smartphone and will guide the breakdown services to your Evoque should it ever have a problem. Also included is European cover and a promise to get you on your way as soon as possible in your own car or in a loan vehicle if the required repair will take longer than four hours.

Summary

Land Rover has spent its money wisely with this second generation Evoque. This car's just become significantly more economical and capable, both on road and off. Just about the only thing that can really sink this model is for it to go horribly out of fashion. That doesn't look like happening any time soon, but just in case, Land Rover has concentrated on substance over style with this MK2 model. In doing so, the brand has future-proofed its biggest money-spinner. In summary then, the Evoque is now even easier to recommend than it was before. It's the only car in the premium compact SUV segment with a conceivable appeal to lifestyle buyers not necessarily searching for a premium mid-sized SUV - and that says a lot. If you are in the market for something of this kind, can stretch to the asking price and can afford not to place too much of a premium on practicality, then you won't be disappointed. This is, quite simply, the class of the field.

Body Glass

Heated windscreen

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Heated washer jets

Heated rear window with timer

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Acoustic laminated windscreen

Electric windows with one touch open/close and anti trap

Winter wiper park position

Brakes

Electronic traction control

Electronic brake force distribution

Hill descent control

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Electronic parking brake

Black brake calipers

Roll stability control

Torque vectoring brake

Low traction launch

Hill launch assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Emergency braking

Brake hold function

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

All terrain progress control

Passive suspension

Terrain Response 2

Communication

Voice control system

Land Rover InControl apps

InControl remote

Android Auto

Apple car play

Bluetooth connectivity

Wireless device charging

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Lane keep assist

Eco mode

Blind spot assist

Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter

Front and rear parking aid

Rear traffic monitor

Electronic power assisted steering (EPAS)

Rear collision monitor

3D 360 degree surround camera with wade sensing

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Powered tailgate/boot lid

eCall emergency system

Driver Information

Brake pad wear indicator warning light

Driver condition monitor

Interactive driver display

11.4" touch screen

Pivi pro connected includes diamond pivi variant, smart settings, connected navigation pro, nuance speech licence

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Side repeater indicators in mirror

Power fold, auto-dimming, heated door mirrors with approach lights and auto dimming driver side

Embellishment Trims

Black brushed aluminium finisher

Engine

Efficient Driveline

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) large tank

Large fuel tank

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted controls

Digital Audio Broadcast radio-DAB

Meridian sound system with 400W subwoofer and 11 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Tailgate spoiler

Black contrast roof

Flush deployable exterior door handles

Fixed panoramic sunroof with powered sunblind

Front and rear recovery eyes

Rear side wing doors

Exterior Lights

Third brake light

Automatic headlight levelling

Rear fog lights

Auto high beam assist

Auto headlights

Rear animated directional indicators

LED headlights with signature DRL and LED tail Lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Rear air vents

Two zone climate control

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Manually adjustable steering column

Front and rear cupholders

Grained Leather upholstery

Satin chrome gearshift paddles

Bright metal pedals

Overhead stowage for sunglasses

Twin sliding front centre armrest

Customer configurable single point entry

Standard steering wheel with Moonlight Bezel

Chrome tread plates with range rover branding Includes stainless steel loadspace scuff plate with etched graphic

Interior Lights

Ambient interior lighting

Overhead lighting console

Cabin lighting

Packs

Power socket pack 2 - Evoque

Black exterior styling pack - Evoque

Safety

Tyre pressure monitoring system

3 rear 3 point seatbelts

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Customer configurable autolock

Power operated child locks

Six airbags - Driver and passenger airbags/driver knee airbag/front side airbag and curtain airbags

Occupant protection assist

Passenger seat occupant detector

Seats

Heated front seats

Rear head restraints

Isofix system on outer rear seats

Single passenger seat

Passive front head restraints

40:20:40 split folding rear seats with centre headrest and armrest

12 way driver memory and 10 way passenger electric front seats with 2 way manual headrest + 4 way lumbar support

Security

Alarm

Immobiliser

Locking wheel nuts

Keyless entry

Intrusion sensor

Secure tracker pro

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels

All season tyres

Wheels - Alloy

19" gloss black alloy wheels - Style 5136

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair system

Emissions - ICE

HC: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 168

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 181

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 168

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 1998

Gears: 9 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Compression Ratio: 16.5:1

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.3

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders: 4

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 44.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 41

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.3

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.9

General

Service Interval Mileage: 21000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: No

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: 103216

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 31E

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Badge Power: 200

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: Edition

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Coin Description: D200

Performance

Engine Power - RPM: 3750

Engine Power - KW: 150

Top Speed: 120

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 317

Engine Power - BHP: 204

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): No

Engine Torque - NM: 430

Engine Torque - MKG: 43.8

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.9

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R19

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Spare: N

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R19

Wheel Style: STYLE 5136

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4371

Width: 1904

Width (including mirrors): 2100

Height: 1649

Height (including roof rails): N

Wheelbase: 2681

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1866

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 472

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2490

Max. Roof Load: 75

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 65

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1156

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6

Max. Loading Weight: 624

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Santorini black

Metallic - Seoul pearl silver

Trim - Leather

Grained leather - Ebony, Ebony/Ebony colour way, Ebony morzine Headlining

Grained leather - Cloud/Ebony, Cloud/Ebony colour way, Ebony morzine headlining