Evoking new technology: all new Evoque

Jaguar-Land Rover Philippines, aka Coventry Motors Corporation (CMC), will be launching the all-new Range Rover Evoque. The all-new Evoque will be the first model to be launched by CMC since being appointed as distributor. This follows the virtual reality sneak peek of the car at this year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

What is it?
The all-new Evoque is the second generation of the pioneering heavily-stylized compact premium SUV, beating the Germans to the category. It was particularly unique in leaning towards design as a selling point.

Engine and transmission
The standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel with 150ps. Upgrade engines can be selected with 180ps and 240ps output. There’s also a 2.0-liter gasoline option with 200ps, going up to 249ps and 300ps. The engine will be mated to a six-speed automatic for the front-wheel drive variants and a nine-speed automatic for the all-wheel drive models. There’s a mild hybrid system on board, which capture energy during deceleration and stores it to assist the powertrain during acceleration.

Styling
The Evoque follows the smooth and sculpted front end design first seen in the Range Rover Velar and applies it to a compact 4.37 meter footprint. The trademark bulging front fenders and short overhangs lend the SUV a sporty look. Then there’s that tapering rear end, with a downward sloping roof and rising beltline. LED headlights are standard. Wheels range from 17-inch to 20-inch rims. Neat touches abound, including recessed door handles, deep side grooves, and a louvered bumper.

Interior
The Range Rover Evoque promises greater interior space, including 290mm additional knee room. Luggage space is 472 liters with all seats up. This can go up to 1156 liters with the split rear seat completely folded. Seats are trimmed in fabric for the base models with available leather options.

Convenience Features
Evoque features the Touch Pro multimedia system with multi-touch 10-inch screen. Higher variants contain Touch Pro Duo with dual display screens. There’s available Meridian Audio with 380 watts, 10 speakers and a subwoofer.

Smart Settings help to learn the driver’s preference with regard to seat position, music, and climate settings, as well as steering column preferences.

Safety
Torque vectoring enhances traction by feeding more torque to the appropriate wheel. Available active safety features include lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and driver condition monitor. Range Rover Evoque earned a 5-star Euro NCP rating.

The rear-view mirror in the Evoque can display an image of the entire rear view of the car, regardless of occupants or cargo. This helps to eliminate blind spots and that “heads in the rear view mirror” problem when the car is full.

There’s the Transparent Bonnet tech, which displays a 180-degree view under the front of the car on the upper touchscreen. This makes it easier to maneuver off-road or around car parks.