Testing times for new Evoque

AS the clock ticks down to its unveiling, the next generation Range Rover Evoque is becoming an increasingly common sight on UK roads.

Eagle-eyed Telegraph readers have spotted the new model being tested on public roads twice in recent days – once in Wales and also on the M40 making its way from Oxfordshire to Warwickshire.

As the all-new model edges closer to it being revealed to the world, spy shots reveal the camouflage which manufacturers use to disguise new models is being gradually toned down.

The vehicle is clearly recognisable as an Evoque, with the model regarded as a crucial one for Jaguar Land Rover going forward.

The original Evoque was the vehicle which sent Jaguar Land Rover sales spiralling ever upwards and helped spur a period of growth which culminated in profits topping £1billion.

The Welsh Evoque sighting was an unusual one, as the car being tested appeared to have broken down.

It was spotted by Mark Jones near Llanfyllin. Mark said: “I saw the car on the side of the road with one man stood next to it on the phone.

“I drove back past ten minutes later to see the Land Rover still there.

“I could see it was partially blocking one of the back roads so roughly ten minutes later I drove up the back road from another direction, with my camera ready, and as I approached slowly there were two men stood by the car.

“One looked at me and did a cutthroat kind of gesture, which obviously meant it was broken and couldn’t be moved out of my way.

“I squeezed past them and took a few shots.”

The second sighting of the new Evoque was captured by a Telegraph reader on a dashcam as it travelled on the M40 between Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. The new Evoque is set to be launched next year but it is not yet known when the world will be given the first glimpse of it.

From next year the Evoque will only be available as a five-door model after Jaguar Land Rover decided to ditch the slow-selling three-door version.

Inspired by the Range Rover VelarIt is thought the new model has taken some design features from the Range Rover Velar , including the lights and extending door handles.

A Land Rover spokesman said: “From the 2019 model year, Land Rover has rationalised its Range Rover Evoque bodystyle offering to concentrate on the five-door model and convertible, which account for the majority of sales.”