Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (11 on) - Review

When anyone describes something as 'long-awaited' at the launch of a new car , you can pretty much take that with a pinch of salt, but for the introduction of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque it's entirely fitting. We first saw the car in 2007 as the LRX concept, and, as a piece of art, it ticked all the boxes. Amazingly sleek for an off-roader, it looked like just another beautiful concept car that, when transformed for full-scale production would be a crushing disappointment.

Striking looks

When the Evoque production version was finally unveiled in the svelte three-door coupe and the more pragmatic five-door version in 2010 it was a revelation because so very little about the car had changed. It was spectacular. The design will undoubtedly turn heads, but then you have to ask yourself: is this all style over substance? Range Rover says the car, with its Land Rover Terrain Response - a system designed to cope will all manner of tricky conditions - is as capable off-road as it is when it's on the tarmac. Undoubtedly it will appeal to city slickers who want a bit of urban chic as well as something they can take to the country for a bit of a jaunt on the rough stuff, and it should please those who 'want something different' - a requirement that is now regarded by car manufacturers as the pot of gold at the end of the automotive rainbow.

Range of engine, gearbox and drivetrain options

There’s a choice of two engines – a 237bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is available only with an automatic gearbox, while there’s a 2.2-litre diesel engine available with either 148bhp or 187bhp and manual or automatic gearboxes. You can also specify either two- or four-wheel drive. The former is a better drive on the road and is more efficient, while the latter is more capable off-road and in adverse conditions such as snow or gravel.

So, is this self-confessed fashion statement all it's cracked up to be, or is it a case of style over substance? Read our Land Rover Range Rover Evoque review to find out...