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Behind the wheel Land Rover Evoque
IHAD just arrived home when an email dropped into my inbox. The Land Rover Evoque, the car I had just been driving, had won the SUV category of Women’s World Car of the Year. To be frank, I was not surprised. This car has been causing a stir since it first arrived on the automotive scene – a real looker – and the kind of car that is desirable to be seen driving both for looks and performance. And now, in this latest iteration, it is even better.
It is a good size car with a real kerbside presence and Land Rover have sensibly not really changed its outer skin since all those fashionistas started drooling over it eight years ago.
It is bold but in a sophisticated way with nice little touches like handles that retract into the door for a smooth line and puddle lights that always give a car that little bit of extra elegance. The grille is neat, the roof bars are sleek and the 20ins tyres Land Rover had thoughtfully put on my vehicle gave it a slightly more go-anywhere, do anything look.
I have never found the small rear window much of a hindrance but now the company have solved that problem too with their new Clear Sight technology, which turns the rear mirror into a rear camera. It is an option on most versions, save the top-of-the-range when it comes as standard.
Inside the new Evoque is as luxurious as before with perforated leather seats, a leather steering wheel and a bright aluminium finish.
The central console looks just like a smooth bit of piano black gloss until you switch on the engine and the top part on the dash swivels and turns towards you.
This houses the nav and the entertainment systems, the Bluetooth and the 10ins screen for the reversing camera.
The Connect Pro system gives you WiFi, with access to systems like the news and Pro services. The lower part lights up and offers you the car systems and other functions like the air con, the heated seats – all at just the touch of a very light finger.
It has all the different terrain options at the turn of a dial giving you complete control over how you cope with sand and rocks, mud and snow.
And this is indeed where the new Evoque is going to outshine its rivals for under that stylish skin it is a true all wheel drive, extremely capable vehicle.
The default mode is comfort but there is also an Eco mode to save fuel but give it a challenge and it will rise to it.
I loved it on the road too. A light touch of the gas and it was firing along the motorway and yet it is a car you would totally trust on winding and complicated roads. This version, the 2.0-litre D180 diesel, was light on its feet and quiet too. It felt very well balanced on the road and the nine speed automatic gearbox was a joy to use.
It was suitably easy to drive and to park no matter how tight the space.
There was plenty of room too in the boot for shopping or sports gear.
I know the Evoque has many fans and they are going to love this latest version – and for those of a green disposition there will be a hybrid along next year.
The 41 judges in the Women’s World Car of the Year have got it exactly right . . . this really is a great car