RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE MODELS ARE WINNING AWARDS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY.

At the LA Auto show in 2010 we first viewed the newest Land Rover  SUV lineup- the Evoque. Offered as a two door and four door model. The Coupe will account for 10 to 20 percent of total sales according to Land Rover. Both models have  permanent all-wheel-drive and a turbocharged direct injection 2.0-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.

"The Range Rover Evoque is ideally suited to urban driving, with its agile handling, compact size and green performance, and it's fitting that our Pulse of the City campaign is focused on capturing the spirit of city life," said John Edwards, Land Rover's global brand director.

The Range Rover Evoque is available in two distinctive versions: the stunning coupé model, which precisely mirrors the concept car design, and the stylish 5-Door, which adopts a slightly higher rear roofline for extra practicality and greater family appeal.

Pricing for the Coupe begins at $44,145.00 and the vehicle we prefer for outr activities would be the four-door model begins at $41,145.00. Add just a few options and the production models go far above $50,000.00.  The pricy Evoque is higher than Q5, X 3 or the Mercedes GLK.

The Range Rover Evoque brings the acclaimed Land Rover’s LRX concept car into production reality, faithfully capturing the original design of this landmark coupe concept. The luxurious coupe design has a compact footprint.  Range Rover states this will bring to the Brand a new set of customers.

The Range Rover Evoque delivers premium levels of craftsmanship, luxury, performance and renowned Land Rover multi-terrain capability into a more compact package.

The compact Coupe will have a full-sized glass panoramic roof that fill the interior will plenty of light.

As of now it looks as if no air suspension will be on the smallest Range Rover. However, one of the best suspension systems I have even experienced will be offered as an option. It is the Magna Ride system. Superb!

A groundbreaking and original cross-coupé, the Range Rover Evoque captures - almost to the millimeter according to press releases from Range Rover.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director said: "Both the coupé and the 5-Door Range Rover Evoque share the same strong emotional appeal, capturing the unique and exciting spirit of the LRX concept."  Like the concept LRX, the production Evoque came from the LR2 architecture. The Evoque rides on the same 104.7 inch wheelbase. The Evoque is shorter and lower and wider.

Unlike any previous Range Rover, the Evoque adopts a very dynamic profile with its dramatic rising beltline, a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, and a distinctive taper to the floating roofline. The bold design graphic created by the exaggerated wedge of the window line shown by the black pillars.

Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the car its stance; the wheel arches are wide.

The front-end design makes a powerful statement of Range Rover's identity the press release stated. With a bold horizontal graphic created by the perforated two-bar grille and distinctive headlamps. Gorgeous!

The stylish body exudes a strong sense of premium quality with its precise, tight shut-lines and striking details like the bonnet vents and side vents.

The design of the Range Rover Evoque 5-Door was closely derived from the coupé model, and the two versions have identical overall length and width.  To provide additional interior space, the angle of the rear roofline has been revised, and the 5-Door measures 30mm higher than the coupé bodystyle. I love the Coupe but the 5 –door works better for me since I carry so much gear to test drive the vehicles.

"The unique design of the Evoque will attract a new generation of Range Rover customers who have never considered an SUV before, such as premium coupé buyers who would like to make a bold new statement," added McGovern. Yes, I agree but these are high end buyers who want to seen in the newest and best Range Rover. Rodeo Drive, Worth Avenue, or Fifth avenue I expect to see the the Evoque models. Last year when I had a Panamera in New York City I saw in one hour every model driving the streets of NYC. Amazing to see this high performance vehicles trapped in traffic of NYC. On the weekends they can traverse through the great road of New Jersey or Pennsylvania in one of the best handling vehicles made by Porsche. I expect this from Evoque owners also.

The state-of-the-art gas engine in Evoque’s offers smooth and responsive power, delivering 0-60 mph estimated at 7.1 seconds, blending four-cylinder efficiency with six-cylinder performance. That is what I heard from Ford and Bosch. It is true.

The new 240bhp, 2.0-liter  gas engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin variable valve timing .  Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programs, said, “We have combined state-of-the-art powertrains with a lightweight body shell and a range of low-carbon technologies to deliver fuel efficiency which is outstanding for a premium SUV.”

“We have focused on ensuring that the car is agile and fun to drive, so that customers have a rewarding experience, even in day-to-day urban driving. Advanced technologies such as Magne Ride mean we can ensure that this dynamic prowess does not come at the cost of top-quality refinement or comfort.”  The available Adaptive Dynamics system with advanced MagneRide dampers provides  exceptional ride and sharper handling responses.  Magna Ride is licensed  from General Motors. We first experienced the advantages over ten years ago on the Corvette. However, in order to get the MagneRide you must buy the high end model.

The Range Rover Evoque has been named the 2012 North American Truck of the Year in January of 2012. The announcement, which was made at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, saw the Evoque triumph over tough competition from the BMW X3 and the Honda CR-V. The judging panel of senior US automotive journalists chose the Evoque as the winner after reviewing it against its competitors in six key categories:  value for the dollar, innovation, handling, performance, safety and driver satisfaction.

"We are honored that the all-new Range Rover Evoque has been named the 2012 North American Truck of the Year, one of the most celebrated automotive awards in our industry," said Andy Goss, President, Jaguar Land Rover North America. "

In addition the Evoque has been named Motor Trend's 2012 Sport/Utility of the Year, Autoweek's "Best of Best" Truck,Road & Travel's International Truck of the Year, Decisive Magazine's Urban Truck of the Year, Automobile Magazine's2012 All-Star Award and Best Luxury Compact Vehicle from Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) and Bloomberg News' Crossover Car of the Year.

Tata through Land Rover had to meet fuel economy numbers. With the small Evoque SUV’s they hve done this. 18 miles per gallon for city and 28 miles per gallon on highway. That is similar to Cadillac SRX, Infiniti EX 35, Acura RDX and the BMW X3 X Drive 35i.

The smallest Land Rover Range Rover drives more like a performance vehicle-sports car than an SUV. Both Evoque’s get electric power steering giving perfect steering  that is precise. Whether in the back woods or on the highway the steering was superb.

Only problem we encountered was the front and rear blind spots.  Since we did not drive the Evoque off road we cannot comment on the ability in the back woods.

 “The five-door Range Rover Evoque has the same strong emotional appeal as the coupe, while offering superior versatility,” said Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern. “The key lines remain intact – the dramatic rising beltline, muscular shoulder running the length of the car, and the distinctive taper to the floating roofline – but with a slightly higher rear roof. The finished vehicle offers impressive levels of space and versatility whilst retaining the overall essence, visual robustness and jewel-like detailing of the coupe.”

The cabin of the Range Rover Evoque has what we would expect from Land Rover/Range Rover. Premium quality materials and an elegance befitting of a Range Rover interior Land Rover stated.

Customers can specify soft, premium leather and beautifully tailored, twin-needle stitching providing a luxurious finish to almost every surface of the instrument panel, doors and seats.

A full-sized glass panoramic roof enhances the sensation of space and comfort by filling the interior with natural light, and offers greater headroom for all occupants Land Rover brags about. I prefer a true sun roof. The panoramic roof does not open?

Drivers who take their Range Rover Evoque off-road get the latest version of the company’s signature Terrain Response system. However it does not have a low range which is used by those who are into serious off-roading. It cannot do what the higher end Range Rovers, Jeeps or GMC and others can do off road with their low range capabilities. Again this is a vehicle to be used in Rodeo Drive, Montecito, Fifth Avenue or Worth Avenue by a young great looking women.

Connectivity options in the Evoques include Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone and audio streaming, plus a range of USB and auxiliary inputs for iPod and other portable devices.

The Range Rover Evoque is the first Range Rover model to offer this new sound systems developed in partnership with the high-end audio specialist Meridian. The premium Meridian offering is an 825W, 17-speaker system that delivers the ultimate in surround-sound performance.

Other optional features for Range Rover Evoque customers include:

                  Surround Camera System with five digital cameras, including a         reversing system . Before the Evoques I experienced a similar system in the Infiniti that was amazing!

                   

                  Hard drive navigation system

                  Sirius tuners and HD Digital Radio tuners in addition to AM/FM

                  Rear seat entertainment package, with 8-inch  video screens, digital wireless headphones and touch screen remote control

                   

                  Powered tailgate

                  Xenon adaptive headlamps

According to Land Rover/Range Rover customers can tailor their Range Rover Evoque with a tempting array of design, trim and technology options, so that each car meets its customer's own taste and lifestyle.

The choices range from designer exterior packs, contrasting colors on the roof and spoilers, immaculately-trimmed designer interiors, and a range of desirable technologies to maximize comfort and enjoyment on board.

"The options on offer are spectacular and customers can use our 'designers choice' to guide their selection, with carefully coordinated color and material combinations that have their own distinctive character," he added.

Uniquely in the compact SUV segment, the Range Rover Evoque allows customers to specify an appointed cabin, with soft, premium leather and beautifully tailored, twin-needle stitching providing a luxurious finish to almost every surface of the instrument panel, doors and seats. Sixteen designer interiors are available. Pick from four metal finishers or two wood veneers.

Perhaps the most visible example is the luxurious wrapped finish of the upper instrument panel.  High series models use premium Oxford leather - beautifully soft high-grade hides which have been hand-picked for their exceptional touch and appearance - impeccably hand-finished with twin-needle stitching.

The fascia mid-section is also leather wrapped; this, together with the lavish leather trim on the door panels and seats, creates the ultimate luxury ambience.  Every aspect of the stitching, even down to the size and shape of the needle, is also specified by Range Rover experts, to guarantee an immaculate finish, every time.

Customers can tailor these themes with different designer interiors, option packs, standalone and accessory items, providing even more freedom to specify the car of their choice. Every one raises the cost.

Exterior paint includes 12 exterior colors with 3 contrasting roof colors.

An array of accessories were developed specially for the Range Rover Evoque, from bright side protection sill tubes and sports pedals, to roof-mounted carrier systems and a full towing kit, including tow hitch mounted bicycle carriers.

Cargo is secured by a strap with an Inertia locking reel, which works in a similar way to a seat belt, is one feature which prevents movement of items in the luggage area.

Land Rover states they carefully designed stowage areas under the load floor to add extra capacity, while cargo stowage rails help to secure contents in the luggage compartment. The 5-Door offers 60/40 folding rear seat squabs which allows the luggage capacity to be expanded with the rear seats folded.  Cargo volume is not as great as the other German vehicles like the X3, GLK or Q5 but with the 5-door model 20 cubic feet with rear sets up. Lower the seats and in the 5-door model you get 51 cubic feet of cargo space.

The new 240 horsepower, 2.0-litre gas engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin variable valve timing for exceptional driveability and fuel efficiency, delivering according to Land Rover the Evoque moves from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The engine is taken from the Ford Eco Boost.

LED ambient lighting provides sophisticated and precise illumination within the cabin; select Dynamic mode, and a sporting red color scheme fills the interior as well as the instrument dials and cluster display.

At the heart of the control system is Range Rover's 8-inch, high-definition touch-screen display with its crisp graphics and simple, intuitive menu structure. The display is available with the innovative dual-view technology, so that driver and passenger can view completely independent content.

Tech-savvy customers get the connectivity they demand with a comprehensive package that includes Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone use and audio streaming, plus a range of USB and auxiliary inputs for iPods and other portable devices.

The Evoque is the first Range Rover to offer the Meridian sound system  delivering  a 825W, 17-speaker system that delivers the ultimate in surround-sound performance they brag about.

Other options that add to the cost include:

    Park Assist for automated parallel parking

• Blind Spot Monitoring system
• Surround Camera System with five digital cameras, including a reversing system
• Full dual-zone automatic climate control, featuring a Park Heater timer facility
• Hard-drive navigation system
• DAB/FM/AM/Sirius tuners, with hard-drive virtual 10xCD multiplayer
• Digital and Satellite TV, and DVD playback
• Rear-seat entertainment package, with 8-inch video screens, digital wireless headphones and touch-screen remote control
• Keyless entry system and powered tailgate
• Adaptive headlamps with Automatic High Beam Assist
• Heated windscreen, front seats and steering wheel

Owners can also choose from a very broad selection of official Range Rover accessories, most of which have been developed specifically for the Range Rover Evoque. The accessory range includes exterior and interior styling, together with a comprehensive choice of practical loading and towing items.

Additional exterior styling items include bright side protection sill tubes, bodyside decals, colored wheel centres, and alloy wheels in alternative finishes, such as black.  Within the vehicle, customers can select features like metal sports pedals, illuminated aluminum and chrome tread plates, and footwell mats in a variety of different materials.

To carry sports equipment or bicycles, there is a range of roof-mounted stowage systems and carriers.  There is also a full towing kit, together with tow hitch mounted bicycle carriers.  Bicylcle I understand but the high end owners will hardly even use a trailer.

Range Rover engineers initially focused on optimizing the stiffness of the chassis systems and body structure, followed by tuning of the suspension components and electric power assisted steering (EPAS) system.

Starting with the fully independent suspension - featuring long-travel coil-sprung struts front and rear - revised rear suspension geometry was adopted to raise the rear roll center. This is why so many jornalist have stated the Evoque’s drive more like a sports car.

The variable-ratio speed-sensitive EPAS system was tuned for immediate responses around the straight-ahead position, and a precise, linear character. 

The standard four-wheel-drive transmission is an innovative full-time intelligent system which continuously varies the front/rear torque split using an electronically-controlled Haldex centre coupling to deliver optimum grip and balance for the current driving conditions.

Road noise according in the Evoque according to Land Rover/ Range Rover  has been managed through the use of stiff, lightweight alloy suspension components..  These features work in conjunction with extremely stiff suspension attachment points within the bodyshell and accurately applied sprayed insulation material, to further minimise NVH.

The Range Rover Evoque is equipped with the latest generation of smart driver assistance technologies to help make life behind the wheel as safe and stress-free as possible in today's congested driving conditions.
The optimized steel structure of the Range Rover Evoque protects occupants using an incredibly strong and stable safety cell, which is complemented by a comprehensive system of airbags and restraints.

The ultra-high-strength Boron steel has been used in key parts of the crash safety cell to resist deformation and intrusion during impacts, including the A- and B-pillars and the sills.

The Range Rover Evoque features a powerful all-disc braking system for confident stopping in all conditions.  Generous disc diameters provide a huge thermal capacity, providing formidable, fade-free stopping performance which equals that of premium sports saloons.

Like larger Range Rovers, the Evoque is equipped with a convenient and effective electronic park brake, activated via a switch in the centre console, which disengages automatically when the car moves off.

The braking system is complemented by the latest generation of electronic active safety systems, including:

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
• Emergency brake lights (EBL)
• Emergency brake assist (EBA)
• Corner Brake Control (CBC)
•  

The Corner Brake Control function has been carefully calibrated to prevent rear end instability when braking in corners.  The system optimizes the side-to-side braking balance for all four wheels, to help ensure that the car follows the driver's intended path.

Active safety performance is further enhanced by a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art traction and stability systems, configured using Range
At the heart of the systems is a sophisticated electronic control unit which monitors the car at all times, and can individually adjust the braking forces and engine torque applied to each wheel to optimize the handling and help the driver retain control in extreme maneuvers.

The Range Rover Evoque has four Terrain Response settings, selected via a control on the center console: General Driving (on-road and easy off-road); Grass/Gravel/Snow (slippery conditions, on- and off-road); Mud and Ruts; and Sand.  An additional Dynamic setting is available for cars specified with Adaptive Dynamics.

The Evoque will sell well and we applaud the Tata company to allow their engineers and designers to expand the Land Rover Range Rover Brand.

Bruce Hubbard

Bonnie Lynch

Bradley Hubbard

Auto Advisor Group

Bh.autoadvisorgroup@gmail,com

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