Range Rover Evoque – engine & model detail

The Range Rover Evoque Dynamic

Actually, we haven’t really got bored with the drawn out reveal for the Range Rover Evoque (although we might be fed up by the time we get our hands on one next summer). And despite our snobby reservations about Mrs B getting her hands on the interior, even that seems to be a positive. Certainly according to Land Rover’s feedback.

So now, after the drips and tease, we get the meat. Well, most of it. The Evoque will come with a choice of three variations on the ubiquitous 2.2 litre diesel – a standard 150PS version, a tweaked 150PS version for better economy in the 2WD eD4 (58mpg), and a 190PS version – and a range-topping 240PS petrol (which LR are calling ‘The all-new lightweight, downsized 2.0-litre Si4 petrol engine).

The diesels are what we expected – much as in the recently updated Freelander 2 - but the 240PS was a longer shot. Autocar speculated that the Evoque would get the 200PS version of Ford’s EcoBoost engine, but we reckoned that was pointless; if the Evoque was getting a petrol option then it would be the full-fat 240PS EcoBoost. And so it is.

Land Rover are at pains to point out that the Ford Ecoboost development had input from LR and that the version in the Evoque is tweaked and sorted to suit. But however LR have fettled the Ecoboost, it looks like the Evoque will get a 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds (which is where the Range Rover Sport was until it got the latest 5.0 litre lump) and 40+mpg. Which ain’t a bad combination.

Check out the 5-door Range Rover Evoque Photo Gallery

On-road feel has perhaps been an even bigger consideration with the Evoque than it was with the Range Rover Sport. Not only does the Evoque get Land Rover’s very clever – and physics-defying – Adaptive Dynamics, it also gets Magnetic Shocks – or MagneRide in LR-Speak – which will make the Evoque both supple and dynamic, with flatter handling, sharper responses and tighter body control. Apparently.

Trim levels are going to be ‘Pure’, ‘Prestige’ and ‘Dynamic’. So, bog standard, luxury and sport then. And all models look well-equipped with stuff like 19″ alloys and a completely leather-wrapped interior on the Prestige and 20″ alloys, butched-up exterior and a sports interior with contrast splashes on the Dynamic.

And the Evoque will either get, or can be optioned with, just about anything its siblings can. There’s an all new Meridian Sound System, Dual View Screen, all round Cameras, Climate, Leather, Satellite TV, Rear Entertainment. The list goes on.

Not surprisingly, Land Rover has stacks of stuff to say on the Evoque. So if you want to read all there is to read have a look at the Range Rover Evoque model & engine detail press release. Be warned – it’s comprehensive.

The Evoque is an increasingly impressive crossover from Land Rover. The more we see, the more we like. It’s not just a crossover, but a very credible baby Range Rover. And it’s going to start at just £30k.

All of which is exactly what Land Rover promised.

(19 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK