The day that Land Rover purists have dreaded, and that fans of luxury crossovers have been awaiting has arrived: Land Rover Philippines has launched the low-slung, coupe-wagon styled Range Rover Evoque. The Evoque is Range Rover’s smallest, lightest, most fuel efficient and most dynamic model.
The Evoque marks a radical change in direction from the inventor of the luxury SUV. Since Land Rover produced the Range Rover in 1970, the RR brand has been synonymous with luxury appointments coupled with go-anywhere mechanical ability. And being an urban status symbol.
Wellington Soong, Land Rover Philippines president said, “Range Rover Evoque is a new generation of SUV that attracts customers who have not previously considered getting an SUV. However, it stands out from the crowd with its performance and design features that can only be experienced from a premium Land Rover vehicle.” The Evoque is fresh off its most recent high-profile award, the North American Truck of the Year, Mr. Soong also noted.
To attract a new market that wants sportiness and on-road driving pleasure, Range Rover Evoque has been created. The Evoque follows the styling cues of the LRX concept car. A long, rear-sloping roof, sharply-cut doors and slim greenhouse are its styling cues. Beady HID and LED headlamps stare out from the front, making for a mean-looking but unmistakably Range Rover-style grille.
There are two body styles: two-door and four-door wagon. The “coupe” measures 4355mm in length, while the four-door is slightly longer at 4365mm. Wheelbase is 2660mm for both models. The car features blackened and hidden pillars for a floating-roof effect. A contrasting white roof, a la Mini Cooper, can also be ordered.
With large rear openings, the four-door features easy ingress and egress, even with the sloping roof. Heavily-bolstered bucket seats up front and sculpted rear seats feel comfortable. Leather and brushed aluminum trim adorn the interior. An erectile shifter similar to the latest Jaguars’ rises from the center console to control the six-speed automatic. Audio systems are by the famed Meridian brand.
There will be three trim levels: Pure, with a cabin in neutral colors; Prestige, with 19-inch wheels and leather-and-wood interior, as well as metal trim; and Dynamic, with contrasting roof, unique bumpers and grille, and a darker interior with perforated leather seats.
Fuel efficiency and power are the watchword of Evoque. Evoque’s engine is an aluminum 2.0-liter with turbocharging, direct injection, and variable valve timing. Power is 240bhp and torque 340Nm.
This will be the first LR to be offered with two-wheel drive. However, the initial models to be sold here will have permanent four-wheel drive. The brand’s pushbutton Terrain Response electronics will be on board, with settings for gravel, grass, snow, sand, or mud. On cars with the electronic damping system, there will also be a Dynamic setting. Ground clearance is 215mm and wading depth is quoted at 500mm.
Price is P5.350M for the four-door and P5.500M for the two-door.
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