Evoking the best of Range Rover

The Evoque was a landmark car for Range Rover when it was launched in 2012.

Not only was it the most affordable Range Rover by some margin, its fresh and urban styling set it aside from every other SUV.

Fast-forward seven years and I’m in Greece for the launch of the all-new second generation Evoque. Over two days of intensive on and off-road driving we put the new car and all its latest technology through its paces.

The entirely new model (door hinges are the only bits to be carried over) is the same size as its predecessor but a longer wheelbase gives 2cm more rear legroom and the boot is an impressive 10% bigger, at 591 litres.

Land Rover were never going to be able to replicate the wow factor that the original car had, and indeed its impact has faded with familiarity. The new model’s an excellent looking car, though, with a high waist and sloping roofline creating a coupe-like silhouette.

The downside is a letterbox-style rear window that gives poor visibility. Range Rover has overcome this issue by using technology – the rear view mirror doubles as a screen, with a camera showing a pin-sharp view of what’s behind.

It can also see past rear passengers and full boots.

Indeed, cameras abound on the new Evoque and provide a variety of functions. One of the cleverest shows what’s directly underneath the bonnet. We used it to cross an abandoned railway bridge over a 45-metre gorge, but an equally valid use is getting into a tight parking space.

The Evoque range starts at £31,600 for a 150hp manual diesel model in front-wheel drive – the entry level Evoque is the only car Land Rover makes that doesn’t have four-wheel drive as standard.

There are 150, 180 and 240hp diesels and 200, 250 and 300hp petrol models. Apart from the entry version, all models come with four-wheel drive and a ninespeed automatic gearbox (figures in the Vital Stats box are for the 250hp petrol model). On-road manners have been improved and the new Evoque is a step more refined and comfortable than the outgoing model. Handling is very sharp for this type of car as well.

Most Evoques will spend their life in urban environments but off-roading is in Land Rover’s DNA and they can’t help themselves. The Evoque has 212mm of ground clearance, 600mm of wading depth and a suite of off-road modes.

We tackled streams, inclines, descents and rock crawls. It couldn’t keep up with a Discovery but it will get miles further into the wilds than any of its rivals.

Inside, twin touchscreens form the centrepiece of a smart interior. You can still specify leather seats but the Evoque has also become more eco-friendly with the options of upholstery made from recycled plastics or entirely plant-based fibres.

If the outgoing Evoque was starting to struggle against more modern rivals this superb new version puts it back at the front of the pack.