What is it?

Since its launch back in 2011, the Evoque has been a huge success for Land Rover, and even after all this time opinions are still divided amongst enthusiasts.  I wrote once in Land Rover World magazine that maybe it has something to do with who they’re aimed at and subsequent marketing campaigns, more ‘The Only Way is Essex’ than ‘Man vs Wild’ with Bear Grills, but like them or not, Land Rover simply can’t make enough of them.

On the road

On-road, the Evoque is an absolute joy to drive, simple as that. It doesn’t matter whether you’re enjoying the open road and chucking it around corners, or clambering around off-road in a variety of conditions, the 180bhp 2ltr TD4 engine coupled to the 9-speed auto work seamlessly together.

The ride quality is great too, credit goes to the adaptive dampers and electronic wizardry as bumps, potholes and camber changes are all managed without any effort at all.  

Parking up after pootling around town and you’ll notice that visibility isn’t that great, there’s that sloping bonnet and a small rear window, this is where the Evoque’s reversing camera and parking sensors come into their own.

On the subject of seeing what’s behind you, the Surround Camera System with Tow Assist & Blind Spot Monitoring rear camera is a great accessory and one I’d happily spend money on. 

Off the road

This particular Evoque had a lower front bumper compared to the last one I drove, which obviously limited the places I could go, however, it didn’t stop me from trying.  During the week I had the Evoque I was asked by a magazine editor to drive up to Cockermouth, Cumbria and drive a beefed up Ford Ranger for a forthcoming article, and as you can read here, I figured that I might as well drive a couple of green-lanes whilst I was at it, it would have been rude not to.  

Neither were severe and the Evoque walked them, well 1-1/2 of them, but I’ll let you read about it!

As I mentioned, the last Evoque that I borrowed for a week back in 2013 didn’t have a lowered front bumper so I was able to take it further afield, and rocks, wet grass and slippery mud wasn’t a problem for it, it continued tyrelessly (snigger), forward, once I’d chosen the correct terrain on the Terrain Response of course.

On the subject of electronic aids, I don’t think you can buy any car these days that doesn’t have some sort of traction aid.  As you can see by some of the photos, the Evoque doesn’t have much in the way of articulation, but who needs it, really?  I’ve watched a fully flexed Defender 90 become stuck, and that’s with all 4 tyres touching the ground, and yet an old Series 2 trundles over the same obstacle with its tyres flailing in the air using a rear locker.

I’ve had the Evoque balanced on its 2 diagonally opposing wheels, and without any hesitation, once I dabbed the accelerator it drove forwards, without any drama whatsoever.

So on reflection, the Evoque isn’t an off roader, but it’s a very capable cross-over vehicle and if I had one I’d have no hesitation of regularly taking it off road, I’d be just more aware of its ground clearance.

Interior

Like the rest of the range, the interior is very clean, tasteful and well put together.  There’s a uniqueness with current Land Rover interiors and it all started with the L322 Range Rover, they’ve just hit the nail on the head and for me at least, they offer the nicest interiors in any car that’s on the market today.

So as you would imagine, sitting behind the steering wheel is a lovely place to be, even for me as a 6ft, 19 stone bloke, its seats offer ample support and comfort and all switches, knobs and stalks are within easy reach.

If I have to be negative then I’ll complain about the lack of space up front to put essential bits and pieces like sunglasses and other gubbins.  Once we’d put a couple of water bottles in their respective holders, mints and the keyfob in the little gap next to holders you’re left with nowhere to safely stash your sunglasses, I want more space to store my crap!

Conclusion

Not only does the Evoque look as good as it does (especially in Firenze Red with 20" Satin Black alloys) but it goes well too.  Granted, it may not be as practical or as roomy as some of its competitors, it can still hold its own and swallow up a load of camping gear, or shopping, your choice.

Off road the Evoque is sure footed and able, but you always need to be vigilant about its reduced ground clearance compared to its siblings, though its ability through the rough stuff is real Land Rover.  The Evoque is what it is, it’s not a serious off roader, it’s not a purpose designed towing machine either, it’s a super stylish all wheel drive Range Rover that’s ideal for the young and not so young trendies who don’t want, or need a huge 4x4.

If you’re in the market for a new, or used Evoque, my advice would be to both look closely at your needs and make sure you get the space saver tyre and not just the puncture kit.  I’ve been in the middle of nowhere without any kind of mobile phone reception and ended up with a side-wall puncture, of which a puncture kit will never fix.  Thankfully the car in question had a full-size spare!

With a base price of £47,800 (£51,650 for the press car), it’s an awful lot of pennies, but it’s also a great car to drive and live with.