New Range Rover Evoque has 4 variants in the Philippines

A MILD hybrid-powered edition leads the four variants in which the new Range Rover Evoque can be ordered in the Philippines.

The second-generation Evoque was launched locally on June 13 by Coventry Motors Corp., the sole authorized importer and distributor of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in the country. The company is accepting reservations for the new model.

Introduced were the Evoque SE 2.0 Diesel, R-Dynamic HSE 2.0 Diesel, R-Dynamic HSE 2.0 Petrol and R-Dynamic HSE MHEV 2.0 Petrol. Prices of the vehicles are set between P5.090 million and P6.190 million.

The Evoque R-Dynamic HSE MHEV 2.0 Petrol — MHEV stands for Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle — has an electrified powertrain which combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor. The battery allows the engine to be switched off when the Evoque is coasting or braking, or if it is stationary. The battery does not need to be plugged in so it could be recharged; the engine charges it. The system is designed to reduce emissions and improve fuel consumption.

Land Rover called the new Evoque “a complete evolution through a revolutionary engineering and technological architecture.” Compared to the previous model, only the door hinges remained unchanged on the body of the latest vehicle, according to the carmaker.

“We are very proud to bring to the Philippines the all-new Range Rover Evoque, which offers refinement and comfort required for modern city living while still providing all-terrain capability our customers expect from a Land Rover. I’m confident that our Filipino customers will rediscover the joy of driving with the all-new Evoque,” said Christopher Ward, president of Coventry Motors Corp.

Based off the Range Rover Velar structure, the latest Evoque uses Land Rover’s new Premium Transverse Architecture platform. This means the model has become wider and longer than its predecessor, with a wheelbase extending 100 millimeters more. Land Rover said the increased length and width let the Evoque accommodate necessary components for both plug-in and mild hybrid systems.

While continuing the previous model’s design cues (like the swooping roofline and rising beltline, as well as muscular wheel arches that house 20-inch wheels), the new Evoque now comes with super-slim premium LED headlamps, a more sophisticated front and rear lamp graphic, and some burnished copper accents for the HSE variants. Another distinctive touch of the new model are its flush door handles.

Land Rover said the latest Evoque’s longer wheelbase adds 20 millimeters of kneeroom for backseat passengers, as well as increased spaces in cubbyholes — the glovebox is larger and the storage between the front seats can now easily fit tablets, handbags and bottles. The trunk is 10% roomier with 591 liters of storage capacity. Plus, it has turned wider, so a set of golf clubs or two suitcases can readily fit. Trunk space increases to 1,383 liters when the 40:20:40 second-row seats are folded down.

The Evoque’s cabin also better mixes usability, intuitive technologies and finely crafted design, according to Land Rover. Among the features are two 10-inch touchscreen Touch Pro Duo panels and a Meridian audio system. The R-Dynamic HSE variants have two-tone perforated Windsor leather seats, the SE is fitted with perforated grained leather. Front seats are adjustable 16 ways.

Some of the new Evoque’s technological features are gradient release control, all-terrain progress control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, driver condition monitor and what Land Rover said is a “segment-first;” the ClearSight Rear-View that transforms the rear-view mirror into an HD video screen.

Another “world-first” feature of the Evoque, Land Rover said, is the ClearSight Ground View which makes the vehicle’s hood “invisible.” Cameras project images onto a touchscreen display to show the driver a 180-degree view under the front of the vehicle. Useful when negotiating difficult parking spaces or tackling rough terrain, the system is the newest evolution of Land Rover’s Transparent Bonnet technology previewed in 2014, according to the carmaker.

The new Evoque is also kitted with all-wheel drive, active driveline with driveline disconnect, adaptive dynamics and terrain response because, well, it is a Land Rover. It can go off-road.