Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

Boasting all the Range Rover qualities and advanced technology, the sleek Evoque may be a compact model but it’s very big on performance and handling. And there’s no let up with this vehicle’s off-roading prowess either. In addition, the all-new second generation model is available in plug-in hybrid EV guise.

The good

Beautifully designed with dynamic handling to match

The bad

Price jumps quite dramatically with options factored in

Tech Specs

Price from

£31,615

Combined Fuel up to

50.4mpg (PHEV driving range of up to 40 miles)

0-62 from

6.3 seconds

max speed up to

150mph

co2 from

149g/km (PHEV 32g/km)

Test Drive

Range Rover Evoque P300e PHEV – First Drive (2020)

Business drivers will be delighted to hear that a cleaner, greener Range Rover Evoque has arrived with low carbon emissions and impressive tax savings.

That’s because the latest Land Rover model is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that rather cleverly combines a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol Ingenium engine with a 15kWh battery to develop 304hp and 540Nm of torque.

And don’t be fooled into thinking a three-pot powertrain will struggle because this Evoque still possesses all the essential firepower sprinting to 62mph from a standstill in just 6.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 84mph in electric mode, increasing to 132mph with the petrol engine kicking in.

Like most PHEVs, the combined fuel figure would only be achievable if high EV-only mileage was clocked up, but the official figure under stricter WLTP testing is 166.2-201.8mpg with carbon emissions of 32-38g/km. It’s those low emissions that will grab the attention of fleet drivers with great tax benefits to be gained.

We tested the plug-in Evoque in high-end R-Dynamic HSE specification, costing £51,850, but as is the premium car maker’s way these days, a number of optional extras saw the price creep up to £56,205.

The car has a coupe-like silhouette appearance and eye-catching design cues include premium LED headlights with signature daytime running lights, a tailgate spoiler, privacy glass, a fixed panoramic roof (£1,120 extra), 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome treadplates, R-Dynamic badging and the neat deployable door handles that are flush to the car.

The R-Dynamic model also features distinctive burnished copper bonnet louvres, side vents and exhaust finishers to help this Evoque stand out from the crowd.

Move inside and the Evoque PHEV oozes all the charm, luxury and sophistication associated with the Range Rover marque with the finest upmarket upholstery, 16-way powered and heated seats, plus a heated steering wheel to help fend off the winter chill.

There is a wealth of on-board technology to explore too, including full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a pitch perfect Meridian sound system, sat nav with a guide to charging points along the way and lots more besides.

There are two centrally-positioned touchscreens both of which have sharp graphics and are easy to operate on the fly. The top screen is where all the infotainment functions are accessed and the bottom screen is mainly for the climate control, although there are some extra options to select from Hybrid, EV or Save driving modes.

The Hybrid mode is the default setting, but the Save function is really handy if you plan on driving through a Congestion Charge low emissions zone. This Evoque has an EV-only driving range of up to 40 miles.

The vehicle starts up and pulls away in complete silence and when the petrol engine is required, it joins in seamlessly. Acceleration is smooth and responsive through the eight-speed automatic gearbox and there is ample power on tap for shorter bursts of pace to overtake slower moving traffic.

Out on the quieter country lanes and B roads, the Evoque is well grounded with excellent grip levels and minimal sign of body sway into corners. And that means it can be driven with confidence into long sweeping bends with steering wheel-mounted paddles for extra driver engagement.

The steering feels nicely weighted with ample feedback and all controls and readouts are well positioned for ease of use. In addition, the elevated driving position results in excellent all-round visibility which is another plus point for a vehicle that will likely feature on the dreaded school run with cars, children and cyclists darting out from all angles.

You will notice a slight increase in engine noise when the Evoque is driven particularly enthusiastically, but generally the highly effective insulation does a worthy job of supressing any wind or road surface sounds making for a refined cabin environment. And the car’s suspension set-up smooths out most bumps and dips along the way too.

Comfort levels for all occupants within the Evoque are high and there is ample space in the back for two adults to stretch out – or three at a bit of a squeeze. The storage options are also impressive with a boot capacity of 472 litres, increasing to 1,383 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. The powered tailgate is handy if you’re approaching the car laden down with shopping bags.

And, of course, this is a Land Rover so the four-wheel drive Evoque is equipped with all the Terrain Response settings should you have any desire to venture away from the Tarmac. This is an unlikely choice for most owners, but it’s still reassuring to know the car will keep going in more adverse weather and driving conditions.

When it comes to charging the relatively compact battery, it takes about 90 minutes from zero to 80 per cent from a 7.4kW domestic wallbox or 30 if using a rapid charger at a service station.

So when you factor in the comprehensive list of safety kit and driver assist systems that come as standard on the Evoque PHEV, this latest addition to the line-up really does seem to have it all. And it will even keep the green brigade happier too.

Test Drive

Range Rover Evoque (2019) – second generation first drive

It must be difficult to improve on perfection but that was the challenge faced by engineers and designers at Land Rover who were tasked with creating the all-new second generation Evoque.

The first model was launched back in 2011 and it changed the premium compact SUV landscape forever. It was the first vehicle to offer all the luxury associated with the Range Rover name, whilst combining head turning sports SUV styling, excellent driving capabilities and all the off-road know-how each and every Land Rover model possesses.

That car went on to sell almost 800,000 units globally and scooped an incredible 217 international awards along the way. So, clearly a tough act to follow.

However, new Evoque has risen to that challenge. It has picked up the baton and sprinted away from the chasing pack once again. From a design viewpoint, it’s still instantly recognisable as an Evoque although it now adopts some of the finer styling cues from the range-topping Range Rover Velar. For example, there are super-slim Matrix LED headlamps and pop-out door handles.

But that’s just a couple of the new innovations on a car where only the door hinges are carried over from the first-generation model. However new Evoque still boasts that distinctive coupe-like silhouette, pronounced shoulders, powerful wheel arches, sloping roofline and new 21-inch wheels – all features that scream dynamic attitude and performance at any onlooker.

Customers can select from generously-equipped trim levels called Evoque, S, SE and HSE along with a limited-run First Edition version, and an R-Dynamic upgrade is available across the line-up for a sportier edge and extra personalisation options. Evoque prices range from £31,600 to £50,400 and as is the case with any Range Rover model, there are numerous optional extras available at a cost.

There is plenty of choice when it comes to engines with refined Ingenium diesel and petrol powertrains along with a recalibrated nine-speed automatic gearbox on offer. The car also boasts 48-volt mild hybrid technology on all but the entry-level model and this is another first for Land Rover. This system work by harvesting energy that is usually lost during deceleration and storing it in an under-floor battery. Clever stuff that results in some impressive running costs with combined fuel economy as high as 50.4mpg and carbon emissions as low as 149g/km. In addition, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and three-cylinder petrol Ingenium engine will be added to the mix at the end of the year.

Move inside the cabin and the interior oozes elegance and sophistication with a blend of the highest quality fixtures and fittings along with all the technology you could possibly wish for. Earlier Evoque models were lacking Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, but that has been introduced on the latest car to complement the existing Android Auto, 4G WiFi hotspot for up to eight devices and six USB slots throughout the cabin.

There are two 10-inch high definition glass touchscreens, a 12.3-inch interactive driver display, a colour head-up display Touch Pro Duo system with faster software plus Smart Settings technology that learns the driver’s habits over time and, as they approach the vehicle, will set the car up adjusting the seat, steering wheel, temperature settings, media preferences and commonly dialed numbers depending on the time and day of the week.

Interior space within the Evoque has increased thanks to a 20mm longer wheelbase. This means back seat passengers benefit from extra legroom and there is additional foot space under each seat too. The boot size has also increased by 10 per cent to 591 litres and this capacity rises to 1,383 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. There is a wider glovebox and centre cubby as well as doors bins that can hold 1.5-litre water bottles plus extra storage behind the lower touchscreen.

We tested the Evoque HSE powered by a 2.0-litre 240hp, 500Nm diesel engine costing £47,800 (£50,665 with options) and it certainly proved up to the challenge. Refinement is an area that the engineers have worked hard to improve and it has worked well as the car feels more composed and balanced when tackling tight bends. It is also much quieter within the cabin and the highly efficient suspension set-up irons out the uneven surfaces along the way.

The engine is punchy and delivers all the power necessary to overtake at short notice with a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.7 seconds and top speed of 140mph. The automatic gearbox is beautifully smooth and the gear changes can be controlled manually via the gear lever by switching across to Sport mode. The lack of steering wheel-mounted paddles was our only slight gripe during a lengthy road route through north Wales where we were averaging 42.5mpg.

Comfort levels are sublime and the car featured beautifully crafted black and grey upholstery that has been developed in Denmark as an alternative to leather – this is another clear indication that Land Rover is looking towards a sustainable future.

Being of Land Rover stock, you would expect the Evoque to be very capable off-road and it is just that. Terrain Response 2 is available as standard on all models with all-wheel-drive and the automatic transmission. This system allows the driver to choose from four modes called Comfort, Sand, Grass-Gravel-Snow, and Mud and Ruts, as well as an Auto option that will select the most suitable mode for the conditions and terrain.

Without any adjustments to the car we had driven throughout the day, we headed to a testing off-road course and once again the Evoque’s performance was flawless as it clambered over rocks, waded through flooded ditches, climbed steep muddy banks and edged its way over what seemed like near-vertical drops.

It offered everything we have come to expect from a Land Rover and serious off-roading fans will be delighted to learn the car’s wading limit has increased by 100mm to 600mm and the car’s ground clearance is now 212mm.

Another really clever innovation worth mentioning is the Bonnet Ground View technology which effectively makes the bonnet invisible, projecting an image onto the screen so the driver has a 180-degree view under the front of the vehicle. This is really practical when squeezing into a tight parking space or tackling some tricky off-road terrain.

As one would expect, the new Evoque is packing to bursting with safety features and driver aids to protect occupants, pedestrians and help prevent accidents occurring in the first place.

All in all, the new five-door Evoque (there will be no three-door coupe or cabriolet versions) really is the complete package. It may carry a premium price, but it looks amazing, drives beautifully, is fully loaded with the latest technology and will confidently challenge Mother Nature to any duel.

Test Drive

Evoque Convertible – first drive (2016)

There’s no denying the overwhelming success of the Range Rover Evoque which took the motoring world by storm when it debuted back in 2011 with sales figures that soared through the roof … and now that roof is being removed as Land Rover launches the very latest incarnation of the vehicle in four-seat, convertible guise.

And once again its success is guaranteed as we Brits have an insatiable demand for the wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. With that in mind, the Evoque cabrio delivers the best of both worlds. It offers all the versatility we have come to expect from the sporty SUV, yet at the first sign of sunshine the roof can be lowered in just 18 seconds. And should those rain clouds begin to hover menacingly above, the top is raised in 21 seconds. Both these manoeuvres can be achieved at speeds up to 30mph.

Land Rover has described its Evoque cabrio as the ‘world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible’ and it certainly lives up to all the hype with prices starting from £47,500 which works out at about £5k more than its hard-top equivalent.

Customers will be able to select from a potent 2.0-litre 240PS petrol engine or the company’s 180PS Ingenium diesel powertrain, both of which are mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox driving all four wheels.

Due to a number of additional features such as stronger doors, a roll-over protection device, chassis strengthening and a few other safety boosting add-ons, the convertible weighs 276kg more than its three-door coupe sibling. And those extra pounds do have a slight impact on performance and efficiency with the TD4 diesel model taking 10.3 seconds to sprint from 0-62mph which is a little slower than the hard-top coupe. It has a maximum speed of 121mph. Average fuel economy is a claimed 49.6mpg with carbon emissions of 149g/km (57.6mpg and 129g/km on the coupe).

The 2.0-litre petrol model, which is priced from £48,200, is a tad thirstier with combined fuel efficiency of 32.9mpg and emissions of 201g/km. However, it is more lively and spirited in its handling and can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 8.6 seconds, topping out at 130mph.

But, in all honesty, these are figures that are likely to go in one ear and straight out the other of open-top fans. All they will see is a car that looks fabulously-styled and offers hours of driving fun behind the wheel.

The Evoque Convertible is available in just two top-of-the-range trim levels – HSE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic Lux – which means it maintains a sense of exclusivity for its owners.

And when it comes to styling, the open-top really does look the business with a deeper, more aggressive front bumper including enlarged air intakes and ultra-slim LED fog lamps. There are body-coloured side skirts and a dynamic rear bumper housing the twin tailpipes. The grille features a large mesh area and there are eight alloy wheel designs to choose from. In addition, all models feature Narvik Black components and gloss-black bonnet vents to complete the athletic, rugged styling.

Move inside and the car radiates premium build quality at every turn with the finest leathers and soft-touch materials offering a truly sophisticated cabin setting for all occupants. There is a wealth of on-board technology to be explored which includes a new 10.2-inch touchscreen which is beautifully simple to operate via a rotary controller. It allows you to access JLR’s next generation infotainment system which truly raises the standard of connectivity for the brand. The super-fast and ultra-responsive InControl Touch Pro offers seamless smartphone integration, 3G connectivity, excellent navigation options and a pitch perfect audio system.

So the Evoque Convertible looks fabulous, is bursting with techno treats and can deliver open-top fun at the press of a button. But how does it handle when put to the test?

The answer is exceptionally well. We tested the diesel model on a range of roads and it certainly didn’t disappoint turning onlookers’ heads as it passed by.

On the open roads it grips the Tarmac in an assured manner meaning tight bends can be attacked for fun with confidence. The steering is both sharp and precise and the acceleration through the automatic gearbox is responsive and smooth. For a little added fun, there is a sport mode and switching to the paddles to change gear manually results in an edgier performance too.

The ride can be a little hard at times, but not too firm and my only other slight gripe was some glare issues on the touchscreen when the roof was lowered. But that aside, the Evoque Convertible delivers cracking driving dynamics and simply screams fun at you every time the sun appears.

The roof is made from fabric rather than a retractable hard-top and this has a two-fold advantage. It is lighter plus it uses up less space in the boot which now has a capacity of 251 litres compared to 420 litres on the standard model. In addition, the roof’s five-layer design means the car remains very well-insulated against outside noises when the lid is shut.

And never forget, this car carries the Land Rover badge and that means it is a very accomplished performer when faced with any tough off-road terrains. It boasts excellent wading and varied obstacle-crossing capabilities, and while most owners wouldn’t dream of taking their pride and joy very far from the Tarmac it is still reassuring to know just how proficient the car is if ever put to the test.

Test Drive

Land Rover Evoque 2.0 TD4 diesel HSE Dynamic manual (MY16)

The Land Rover Evoque is the company’s fastest selling model and it has just got even better thanks to new sharper design traits, improved on-board technology, more upmarket interior features plus the introduction of the company’s Ingenium engine which helps make the vehicle up to 18 per cent more efficient.

The luxurious compact SUV boast a new front bumper, all-LED headlamps, two new grille designs and a number of alloy wheel options to select from. Interior enhancements include a more advanced infotainment system accessed via an eight-inch high resolution touchscreen, newly-styled seats, along with some additional luxurious upholstery choices.

But it’s under the bonnet where the 2016 model year Evoque really ups the ante thanks to the introduction of the Ingenium powertrain. This engine – which is designed, engineered and built in the UK – delivers 180bhp with fuel economy of up to 68mpg and carbon emissions from as low as 109g/km.

The five-door HSE Dynamic model that I tested also had some extra additions such as distinctive bonnet vents that were previously only fitted to coupe models, plus a new tailgate spoiler with a slimmer high-level LED rear brake light. This particular model also featured 20-inch alloys, a fixed panoramic roof with powered blind, red Evoque badging and a painted black roof with matching spoiler that looked fabulous and contrasted perfectly with the car’s white paintwork.

The interior was very elegantly designed with first class technology and creature comforts to be explored at every turn. Features included an 11-speaker subwoofer sound system with DAB digital radio, a CD player and connectivity to all multi-media devices. There were also heated front seats with 12-way powered adjustment and memory settings, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, mood lighting, Bluetooth and plenty more besides.

The cabin is exquisitely bright and spacious with light flooding in through the panoramic roof and the elevated seating position means the driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility. However that said; the sloping roof design of the Evoque does mean the rear window is quite narrow compared some other compact SUVs.

The test car, priced at £40,500 (£47,880 with options fitted), can sprint from 0-60mph in 9.5 seconds with a top speed of 124mph. According to official figures it can deliver combined fuel economy of 59.4mpg with carbon emissions of 125g/km.

In busy congested traffic, the Evoque was a joy to drive and parking is made all the easier thanks to front and rear sensors, plus a rear camera. Despite its large size, the vehicle is deceptively agile and very easy to manoeuvre.

But in all fairness, it’s away from the crowds that the Evoque really comes to life. On quiet country lanes the 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers generous levels of power as it accelerates smoothly and responsively through the six-speed manual gearbox and when an extra burst of pace is needed it is always there at your disposal. The road-holding is assured and the precise steering is another factor of note.

Noise levels within the cabin are fairly quiet although you can expect to hear a little road and wind sound when pushing particularly hard on a motorway, but obviously that’s when the pitch-perfect Meridian sound system comes into play!

All-round comfort levels are impressive and there is ample room for two adult passengers of the taller variety in the back – three at a bit of a squeeze. And when it comes to storage, there are plenty of options. The boot can accommodate 420 litres which can be increased to 1,445 litres with the split-folding rear seats dropped flat. In addition, there is an underfloor compartment in the boot, a good-sized glovebox, a central bin, deep door pockets and practical cup holders.

As one would expect from Land Rover, the Evoque is kitted out with a comprehensive list of safety features, including hill descent control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, numerous airbags and four-wheel-drive to keep you moving when Mother Nature has other plans.

And it’s always worth remembering that the Evoque is a very competent and accomplished vehicle when taken off-road too thanks to a wading depth of 500mm, obstacle clearance of 215mm (front) and 240mm (rear), plus an approach angle up to 19 degrees and departure angle of up to 30 degrees.

Clearly very few owners (if any) would ever consider taking their pride and joy away from the security of the Tarmac, but it’s always reassuring to know that those capabilities are there in the locker.

So all in all, the latest model year 2016 Evoque has somehow improved on what was already an incredibly fast-selling and popular model. It looks sharper, is better equipped and delivers improved economy too – that’s quite an accomplishment by Land Rover.

Test Drive

Range Rover Evoque SD4 2.2 Prestige

The Range Rover Evoque is widely recognised as the car that propelled Land Rover’s fortunes to a new level and resulted in the creation of hundreds of jobs and round-the-clock production to meet ever-increasing demands.

And now the latest Evoque has really upped the ante by adding a number of class-leading features that are sure to send rival manufacturers scrambling back to drawing board.

The five-door model still boasts its dazzling good looks and 4×4 capabilities but now customers can expect to see increased fuel economy of up to 11.4 per cent along with a reduction of up to 9.5 per cent in carbon emissions.

The Evoque is instantly recognisable thanks to its sporty stance, 19-inch alloys, high ground clearance, distinctive sloping roofline and smart light clusters.

And although the Evoque is the smallest and lightest of the Range Rover family, like its siblings, it is guaranteed to pack a mighty punch for its size.

The test model featured a new nine-speed transmission which is incredibly smooth as the vehicle glides effortlessly through the gears and the 2.2-litre diesel-driven engine provides ample power as the Evoque sprints to 60mph from a standing start in just 8.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 121mph.

There is a constant supply of power on tap and – as one would expect from a Range Rover – the road-holding is superb over any terrain in any conditions.

There are not many vehicles that are just as accomplished and easy to handle on the open road, in a busy city centre and off road, but the Evoque is certainly one of them.

During my three-week test drive, Mother Nature treated us to torrential downpours, localised flooding and gale force winds – none of which caused the Evoque any problems whatsoever.

It has 4×4 capabilities similar to its larger siblings, which means off-road obstacles are easily tackled and conquered when required.

Luxury and technology are plentiful at every turn inside the Evoque with a beautiful blend of fine leathers and top-quality materials utilised to create a warm, inviting and very comfortable environment for all occupants.

For example it features heated and electrically-adjustable seats with memory settings, a heated steering wheel, a dual view touchscreen so a passenger can watch TV while the driver views the standard information.

then there is a massive fixed panoramic roof, climate control, parallel parking assist, an excellent sound system compatible with all modern multi-media devices, Bluetooth connectivity and plenty more besides.

And there will never be any arguments when passengers are asked to sit in the back as they too are treated to individual entertainment systems and their own climate control settings – each rear seat can also be heated individually.

Storage will never be an issue either as the Evoque’s already generous storage capacity of 575 litres can be increased to 1,445 litres with the rear seats folded flat and there are plenty of smaller compartments scattered throughout the cabin.

It also boasts a powered tailgate which is a real bonus when approaching the car laden down with shopping bags.

Comfort levels are excellent for all occupants, but if I had to be really picky I would say that some taller passengers may find it a little claustrophobic in the back due to the steeply sloping roofline.

But that minor gripe aside there’s simply no denying the fact that the Evoque is a classy piece of kit with bucket loads of all-round appeal.

Priced at £40,005 (plus £9.6k of optional extras) it is perfect for active families, the business driver with an eye on economy and even the fashion-conscious.

And with its uncompromising off-roading capabilities there is very little that Mother Nature can throw at this vehicle that will bring it to a standstill.

Test Drive

Range Rover Evoque SD4 2.2 diesel manual

The success story of the Range Rover Evoque is incredible – it’s the vehicle that has taken the world by storm and led to the creation of thousands of jobs and round-the-clock production in the UK to meet with sales demands.

But what makes the pocket-rocket Range Rover so special? Why the overwhelming interest in the vehicle? And is it really as great as people say?

The answer to those questions is very simple really.

The Evoque is a Range Rover through and through with all the trimmings we have come to expect from the brand, but it’s affordable and absolutely brilliant to drive.

It looks remarkable from every angle with its low-slung stance.

Eye-catching features include twin tailpipes, tinted windows, sleek streamlining with a lower roof-line and the words RANGE ROVER sitting proudly on the bonnet. The Evoque is elegant and sophisticated without being loud or garish in any way.

The interior is feature-rich with techno treats and it’s impossible not to be wowed by the build quality throughout the vehicle including luxurious leather seats with memory settings.

The test model also featured some optional extras which bumped up the asking price by £5,880 to £44,175. These included the LUX pack which introduced a panoramic glass roof and powered tailgate, a superior sound system compatible with all modern day media devices, TV, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, keyless entry, blind spot monitoring, park assist, surround camera system with tow assist and advanced climate control.

It also boasted a 2.2-litre diesel engine which delivered plenty of oomph and a six-speed manual transmission which was both smooth and responsive.

The vehicle handled beautifully in busy city centres as well as alongside faster moving motorway traffic. It was deceptively nimble and with a 0-60mph sprint time of just 9.5 seconds, it’s certainly no slouch.

The driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility thanks to the high-seated driving position.

This is another imperative factor as many Evoques can be spotted on the dreaded school run.

All occupants have oodles of space to stretch out and the panoramic roof allows light to flood into the cabin helping to create a bright and inviting atmosphere.

The generously-sized boot can accommodate all luggage requirements and the powered-tailgate makes life easier when laden with shopping bags.

Economy is another important issue these days and the Evoque can deliver a combined fuel efficiency of 49.6mpg which is also pretty reasonable for a vehicle of its size.

Land Rover has packed a comprehensive range of top notch safety specifications into the vehicle which helped it achieve the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety ratings.

All in all, the Evoque is quite an all-rounder that looks just at home on a business trip as it does waiting outside the school gates. And don’t forget the off-roading capabilities means never being caught out by Mother Nature’s mood swings.

Test Drive

Land Rover Evoque SD4 2.2 coupe

Land Rover has entered the fashion market with its latest Range Rover – the multi award-winning and drop dead gorgeous Evoque.

In fairness, there has never been any doubt that the company could build the very best in rough, tough and ready for action vehicles, but the Evoque proves there is a softer side to Land Rover.

But, make no mistake, the Evoque may look trendier than the mighty upright vehicles normally associated with the brand, but it’s certainly no slouch when it comes to performance both on and off road.

With its low roofline and neat streamlining, the car looks great from every possible angle and when you add in the tinted windows, twin tailpipes and smart alloys, its appeal just keeps on growing.

Inside there is every luxury and creature comfort you can imagine and the leather seats, which can be heated of course, offer excellent comfort and support.

The test model – a three-door coupe – featured dark grey leather seats that with a dazzling yellow stripe which contrasted neatly with the yellow stitching on the leather dashboard and door panels.

It’s these types of design touches that really help Land Rover stand out from the crowd.

The vehicles features a massive panoramic roof stretching the length of the car which allows light to flood into the cabin and that means back seat passengers are not engulfed in a claustrophobic environment.

In fact, there is ample space for two six footers to stretch out in the back, although the low raked roofline means there is not vast amounts of head room.

Technical wizardry is on display at every turn with features such as a clear and precise eight inch colour touchscreen with dual viewing mode.

This means the passenger can watch a movie while the driver still has all the regular info on display at the same time.

There’s a great sat nav, a very user-friendly cruise control, automatic stop/start, a brilliant audio and media system, dual-zone air con, surround cameras and parking sensors plus much, much more.

Luggage requirements are catered for thanks to the generously-sized boot and the capacity can be increased further with fold flat rear seats.

Having been lucky enough to take the Evoque off road recently I can vouch for its 4×4 capabilities and should Mother Nature produce the unexpected the vehicle can quickly be switched into driving modes to deal with any eventuality.

And the Evoque is just as happy to show off its performance credentials on the Tarmac too with beautiful handling, excellent acceleration and very smooth gear changes through the six-speed automatic transmission. There is the steering wheel-mounted paddle shift option to change gears if so desired.

The 2.2-litre diesel-powered engine delivered ample oomph and features such as the blind spot warning system are an added bonus for motorway driving.

I did find I was leaning forward on a couple of occasions during city driving to see round the huge door mirrors and side pillar, but that minor gripe aside, the Evoque was an absolute dream to drive.

As one would expect, the vehicle is packed to bursting with quality safety specifications to help protect occupants and pedestrians alike.

All in all, the ideally priced Evoque really opens up the Land Rover range to a whole new audience.