Stoked by Evoque

Christopher Ward, president of Coventry Motors Corp., presents the Evoque

Last Thursday, Coventry Motors Corp., the country’s sole authorized importer and distributor of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, introduced the all-new Range Rover Evoque to special guests and members of the media. The second generation Range Rover Evoque had its global premiere in UK last November while its Asian debut earlier this year at the Singapore Motor Show. The first generation Range Rover Evoque made its debut back in 2010 and was given more than 220 awards, ushering a new genre of a very capable and luxurious compact SUV for the British automaker. The all-new Evoque underwent a total transformation thanks to the brand’s revolutionary engineering and new technological architecture, leaving only the door hinges that remained unchanged with the body.

“Underneath the skin is an engineering and technical revolution. The new chassis makes the most of the stiffer body, ensuring the characteristic ride comfort and refinement of a Range Rover. The Evoque is now smarter than ever. The software that sits behind our infotainment system has been refined to provide a more intuitive customer experience,” says Nick Rogers, Executive Director for Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover.

The all-new Evoque is based on the Land Rover’s Velar platform, using the brand’s new Premium Transverse Architecture making it wider and longer, with its wheelbase now 100mm longer than the previous model. These changes in dimension were intentionally made to accommodate the necessary components for both plug-in and mild hybrid systems.

“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. Ward announced that four variants with three engines of the all-new Evoque will be available soon in the country—SE 2.0 Diesel, R-Dynamic HSE 2.0 Diesel, R-Dynamic HSE 2.0 gasoline and an R-Dynamic HSE MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) 2.0 gasoline.

So why does it appeal to the millennial young dads today? First of all, the all-new Evoque’s compact and sleek platform is well-poised and equipped to zip through rush hour traffic and has the athletic stamina for mild-to-slightly-wild off-roading activities if the situation calls for it. It still carries the famed Land Rover off-roading genes and do not let the sharp British sheetmetal suit fool you: it is a very capable off-roader and the all-new Evoque comes with improved features and modernized amenities that make it a new standard in its segment, bringing a luxe SUV that will change the standards of refinement, safety, and capability in the premium SUV segment in the country.

This compact luxury SUV combines all-terrain capability with an all-weather assurance. It features All-Wheel Drive, as well as a second-generation Active Driveline with Driveline Disconnect to enhance efficiency and Adaptive Dynamics. This is to deliver the optimum balance of comfort and agility offered by the vehicle. The vehicle also has Terrain Response technology first found only on the full-size Range Rover. This system automatically detects the surface being driven on and adjusts the set-up accordingly. Aside from a wider and longer wheelbase, the new generation Evoque increased its wading depth from 500mm to 600mm of water level.

Thanks to its instantly recognizable profile and coupé-like silhouette, the Evoque’s fast roofline and rising waist matches well with its pronounced shoulders and powerful wheel arches that paired well with its 20-inch wheels creates a strong and dynamic attitude that can be used as a stylish daily commute or a quick weekend getaway vehicle for a small start up family.

The longer wheelbase of the all-new Evoque has 20mm extra rear knee room and allows more cargo space as well. The luggage space grew by 10 percent (591 liters) which easily fits two suitcases or a set of golf clubs and the larger glove box and center cubby can now fit tablets, handbags and bottles with ease. Its minimalist yet luxurious interior was intently designed to integrate uncluttered surfaces and uses carefully crafted and curated materials to create a calm and serene space. Connectivity technologies such as the twin 10-inch touchscreen Touch Pro Duo system, features a new, faster software, partnered with a Meridian sound system that comes standard across all models.

For tech-savvy drivers, the vehicle showcases an impressive and segment-first “ClearSight Rear-View” that transforms the rear-view mirror into an HD video screen. If rear visibility is compromised by passengers or bulky items on the rear compartment, one can simply flick a switch on the underside of the mirror and a camera feed from the top of the car displays what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. The screen provides a wider (50-degree) field of vision and superior visibility in low light.

It uses the world’s first “ClearSight Ground View” technology, which effectively makes the bonnet invisible by projecting camera imagery onto the upper touchscreen to show the driver a 180-degree view under the front of the vehicle. This is useful when negotiating difficult parking spaces, navigating high city center curbs or tackling rough terrain and is all backed up with 360 degree Surround Camera.

Also a segment first, is the Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) variant. The Evoque MHEV uses a highly efficient 48V mild-hybrid powertrain designed to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy with no plug-in charging required. This reduce CO2 emissions to as low as 149g/km and fuel economy of 5.6 liters/100km. All variants of the all-new Evoque come with a 5-year service plan.

The All-New Range Rover Evoque variants are being offered at the following price points:

SE 2.0 Diesel—P 5.09 million

R-Dynamic HSE 2.0 Diesel—P5.49 million

R-Dynamic HSE 2.0 gasoline—P5.59 million

R-Dynamic HSE MHEV 2.0 gasoline P6.19 million.

It will also be offered in a Black Limited Edition on the three R-Dynamic models, for an additional P 100,000.

According to Ward, it has been a rewarding evening during the launch, some customers have already taken reservations and the launch gave Evoque a promising start. For more information and request for test-drives, visit the Jaguar Land Rover dealership at All British Cars located at 1008 Edsa, Greenhills, San Juan City.