Land Rover reveals facelifted Range Rover Evoque

The revised Range Rover Evoque will be the most efficient Land Rover production model when it goes on sale later this year, with JLR’s new four-cylinder, 2.0-litre ‘Ingenium’ turbodiesel engine installed under its bonnet.

The most economical version, the two-wheel-drive 148bhp, 317lb ft eD4-equipped with a manual transmision, will deliver a claimed 68mpg and 109g/km, according to the manufacturer’s estimated figures. That’s 18 percent more fuel efficient than the Evoque’s previous diesel engines.

A more potent diesel will also be offered with 178bhp and 317lb ft. It will return 59mpg and 125g/km in six-speed manual, four-wheel-drive form.

The new car will also be offered with Land Rover’s existing 237bhp Si4 petrol engine, which can achieve 36mpg and 181g/km. This variant, which comes with four-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard, can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.6sec and has a top speed of 135mph.

Three drivelines are available: two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and Active Driveline. The latter system automatically switches between two- and four-wheel drive as required, and also features torque vectoring to improve traction in low-grip situations. It is standard when the Si4 petrol engine is specified, and optional across the rest of the range.

Under the skin, the Evoque’s suspension set-up has been altered to take into account the lower weight of the Ingenium diesel engines. There’s a new front suspension subframe and revised rear bushings, as well as larger brake discs.

The most efficient Evoques – namely the front-wheel-drive ED4 three-door and five-door variants – will be designated as 'E-Capability' models and wear blue 'Evoque' badges.

Land Rover has tweaked the exterior design of the Evoque, with a new front bumper, enlarged air intakes, two new grille designs, all-LED adaptive headlamps and new alloy wheel designs among the key changes. The rear gets a new tailgate spoiler and high-level LED stoplight. In the cabin, the revised car features new seats, door casings, new soft-touch materials and great colour choices.

Land Rover will bring the Evoque’s trim levels in line with those of the Range Rover Sport, meaning customers can choose SE, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography specifications.

The Evoque gets Land Rover’s new eight-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system, InControl Touch as standard equipment on SE-spec cars and a new TFT information display in the instrument panel also features.

It also benefits from technology first seen on the Range Rover: All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) maintains a pre-determined speed off-road to assist the driver in negotiating tricky terrain. New safety features included as standard include lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking and a drowsy driver warning.

The revamped Evoque will be unveiled at next month's Geneva motor show. Prices will be confirmed closer to launch, but Land Rover indicates that they will be comparable with the current model, which start at just over £29,000.

It’s also expected that the 2016 Evoque line-up will feature a new cabriolet model. Although yet to be officially confirmed by Land Rover, late-stage prototype models have been spotted testing, featuring a fabric roof and based on the 2012 Evoque cabriolet concept.

Land Rover design boss Gerry McGovern said: “Our challenge has been to enhance Evoque without diluting its iconic design. The design refreshments give it an even greater presence on the road yet retain the emotional appeal that has made it so popular with more than 400,000 consumers around the world.”

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