If you’ve paid any attention to the motoring media today, you’ll no doubt have seen the all-new Range Rover Evoque. Set to launch in 2019, the stylish SUV from the British firm looks set to take its segment by storm once again — but what’s causing all this excitement?
We got a brief drive behind the wheel ahead of its reveal to find out…
So, what’s new here?
Take a look at the new Evoque, and you’ll be able to instantly recognise it as such. Despite taking on a new face, the silhouette remains easily identifiable as the compact SUV and underpins a theme of evolution, not revolution.
Visuals aside, there’s also bags of tech here — with the most exciting its ClearSight additions (we’ll come to this) — while electrified powertrains will be coming along around a year after launch.
What’s powering it?
A range of diesel and petrol engine options will be coming at launch of the 2019 Range Rover Evoque, but our brief test drive saw us pilot one set to join later on — a mild-hybrid option.
This sees a 2.0-litre diesel unit paired up to a 48v battery, which kicks in when pulling away to reduce reliance on the engine, as well as allowing the auto stop/start to activate while reducing speed instead of just at a total stop. Our test drive saw us reach no more than 5mph while taking on some all-terrain obstacles, so we’ll have to hold off on a final verdict until we get in on the road.
Later in 2019, a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain will also join the line-up.
How does it drive?
It’s hard to say exactly how the new Range Rover Evoque drives just yet — but our short obstacle course put its all-terrain capabilities to the test. Taking on simulated hills, banking, train tracks and even a swimming pool, the little SUV stuck true to its Land Rover DNA in conquering everything in its path.
We’ll see how it handles the road later next year, but the early signs are promising.
What’s the tech like?
The new Range Rover Evoque introduces bags of fresh technology to the nameplate — while seeing range-wide debuts of some genuinely cutting-edge features. Most exciting is its ClearSight functions — coming in the form of an invisible bonnet-like display, along with a clever rear-view mirror.
First, we’ll take about that display — or Ground View, to give it its correct name. This works by rendering an image of obstacles ahead and around, showing that on the infotainment screen and allows to drive to see exactly where the car’s wheels are placed. This will prove great when taking on rough dirt tracks, as well as when trying not to kerb those 21-inch alloy wheels.
As for the rear-view mirror, that utilises a camera mounted at the rear of the car to project a clearer view of what’s behind on the mirror itself — ideal for when the car is fully loaded. It’s easy to activate too, requiring just a simple flip of a switch under the mirror.
Elsewhere, JLR’s impressive Touch Pro Duo infotainment display makes an appearance here, and now offers support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
When can I buy one?
Today, if you want. Order books for the 2019 Range Rover Evoque are now open, with prices for the compact SUV starting at £31,600. First customer deliveries are expected to begin early next year.
See Available Evoque deals
