NOBODY PUTS BABY IN THE CORNER
Even Land Rover didn’t expect the baby of the Range Rover line-up to be such a sales hit. Result: there are lots of used ones around today.
The arrival of the all-new Range Rover Evoque will be a strange experience for the original, which, since its launch in 2012, has enjoyed all the attention. It looked spot on straight out of the box and has barely changed – crucial qualities in a used car market that punishes failure and facelifts.
Buyers of new cars flocked to this first-generation Evoque with the result that the classifieds are awash with used ones at all ages, mileages and specifications. All prices, too: they start from as low as £8750 and don’t stop until they hit around £47,000 for a late-plate low-miler.
The idea of an Evoque for less than £10,000 may surprise those who thought the little Rangie way beyond their reach. In fact, only another three or four thousand takes you into the realm of tidy but high-mileage cars with decent histories and good specs. At all price points, diesel dominates, whether it be the 2.2-litre unit or Jaguar Land Rover’s 2.0-litre Ingenium range introduced in 2015.
The 2.2 came in two power outputs. The 147bhp ed4 was offered with front-wheel drive and the 147bhp TD4 four-wheel drive. A 187bhp version, badged SD4, was four-wheel drive only. It’s punchy and about as economical as the 147bhp unit.
In the petrol corner was the 237bhp turbocharged Si4. It’s a thirsty old thing but smooth and, of course, free of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues that can affect the diesels. We saw a 2013/13-reg Evoque 2.0 Si4 Dynamic 3dr with 78,000 miles for £17,970.
In 2014, the six-speed automatic available with the SD4 and petrol engines was replaced by a nine-speed one. It’s a slick-shifting affair that boosts economy while offering the benefits of a very low first gear that’s good for off-road and towing work.
In 2015, the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine replaced the 2.2-litre. Offered in 147bhp (Td4) and 177bhp (Sd4) outputs, it’s torquier, more flexible and more economical than the earlier engines. In 2017, a third, producing 236bhp, joined the lineup. At the same time, the 237bhp Si4 petrol was joined by a 285bhp one.
Confused? Just remember that diesel is the sensible choice, and if your budget’s tight but you want four-wheel drive and a bit of muscle, go for the 2.2 SD4, and if you’re feeling richer, the later 177bhp 2.0-litre Sd4.
Trims? How long have you got? At least 10 were offered during the Evoque’s life but Pure Tech models were the most popular and are the best value. Kit includes cruise control, Trailer Stability Assist, an 8.0in infotainment screen, electric windows, parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers. Options can distort prices massively.
Make sure the one you’re interested in has full service history and is sold with a solid-gold warranty. It’s a great car, the Evoque, but a poor showing in the 2018 Reliability Survey of our sibling title What Car? means you should go over it with a fine-tooth comb. Just saying…
Used prices start from as low as £8750 and don’t stop until they hit around £47,000