Survival Guide: Range Rover Evoque
This ultra modern midsized SUV is liked, but not terribly reliable...
The sleek, coupé-shaped Evoque was aimed squarely at a more hip audience than traditional Land Rover buyers, and was an exciting departure from the firm. Its edgy appearance was developed from the three-door LRX concept made for the 2008 Detroit show, and the avantgarde styling survived through to the production model three years later.
Its provocative exterior is matched by pioneering technology underneath, such as Land Rover’s Terrain Response system and Hill Descent Control – features later copied by other premium SUV manufacturers. But that’s not all. The Evoque also inherited a range of high-tech gadgets from its larger sibling, including Bluetooth, USB and ipod connectivity, as well as the option of rear seat video screens, wireless headphones and touch-screen remote control.
Buyers were offered the choice of a 2.2-litre turbodiesel producing 147bhp (TD4) or 187bhp (SD4), or the thirsty but quick turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-litre petrol Si4 which developed 236bhp. Oh, and there was a two-wheel drive variant of the TD4 (the ed4) for those seeking better economy, cheaper tax and lower emissions. But in real world driving, none of the engines are as fuel-sipping as official figures suggest. Transmission was via a six-speed manual, although a six-speed auto was also available in the SD4 and petrol version. It was superseded in 2013 by an altogether better nine-speed auto with a lower first gear for greater off-road control.
A new, more efficient alloy-block 2.0-litre Ingenium turbodiesel replaced the old 2.2 unit for the 2016 model year, offering more torque, improved flexibility and either 147bhp (TD4) or 177bhp (SD4). The Evoque finally evolved into the slightly longer and more roomy second-generation model in 2018.
Thanks to its upmarket feel and kerb appeal, sales were strong from the start, which means there are now plenty of used examples to choose from. And with early ones now dipping below £9000, they’re not particularly dear.
However, tread with care because it seems build quality wasn’t quite up to German standards, and the Evoque
scored badly in numerous reliability surveys. In 2018, Which? found that 45% of owners had to take their cars for repair in that year, with breakdown rates being more than twice the average for cars of the same age. Common complaints included problems with the
on-board software and the exhaust or emission-control system.
£1469.05 exchange from Land Rover. Or, a specialist cleaning company could be employed to professionally clean the DPF.
On vehicles equipped with stop/start technology, premature wear of the flywheel has been reported, so if there is excessive vibration through the pedal then this is the most likely cause.
Meanwhile, if there’s an error warning informing you of reduced traction, or if you hear a loud bang from the rear, suspect an issue with the rear diff Haldex oil pump (fitted up to 2013). If it sludges up, replacement is the only option. New pumps are £301.40 from Land Rover. While it doesn’t seem to appear on service schedules, it might be wise to change the Haldex oil and filter every 24,000 miles as a precaution.
Auto transmission issues are also fairly common it seems, although often a software update will act as a fix.
Suspension and steering
Clonks and bangs are par for the course on traditional Land
Rovers of old, but the classy
Evoque should be car-like to drive and relatively silent inside. That said, lots of owners have reported clunks that are difficult to cure. The anti-roll bar and drop link bushes are the first things you’ll need to check, followed by the balljoints, but then it will be down to trial and error.
A recall was issued in December 2012 relating to potential steering failure; there was another in 2014 prompted by a weak suspension component, so check these have been carried out.
Brakes
There are no common issues reported for the Evoque, so it will just be a case of keeping on top of general maintenance. As you can see from our price comparison below, there are worthwhile savings to be made.
Other issues
The Evoque cabin is a nice place to be, with the popular (and best value) Pure trim level getting cruise control, trailer stability assist and an 8in infotainment screen. It’s not much fun, though, if things don’t work as they should, and electrics aren’t an Evoque strong point. It’s not unknown for infotainment screens to crash unexpectedly, DAB radios to lose signal and reversing cameras to simply stop working. Leather seat bases can sag too on older examples.
A well documented niggle concerns the door latches – they fail to respond to the remote fob and genuine mechanisms aren’t cheap. Thankfully, independents such as JGS 4x4 sell the Britpart replacement for a fraction of the main agent price.
The Evoque uses a steel monocoque, and rust shouldn’t be a problem, but keep an eye on the fuel tank shield – what begins as only surface corrosion will progress into far more serious rot.
Oh, and if you are irritated by a rattle at the rear of the cabin while driving, check the parcel shelf and, if necessary, apply some anti-rattle tape around the retaining lug to cure it.