LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque family

It all started a few years ago when Land Rover introduced the LRX concept. It was by far different from any design concept the over 60 year old company had ever come up with.

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5 door

From 2008, the engineers worked hard fine tuning design elements shown in the LRX concept and the result was one of the best looking SUV the company has ever made. So what makes this machine unique? I believe it all goes down to the overall design of the Evoque. It looks more masculine; thanks to it huge wheel arches, sportish; thanks to the low roof and rear spoiler and overall bold thanks to it unique design. 

Coupe looking side

The unique coupe looking design is visible from every angle. From the front end design; that consists of a perforated two-bar grille, distinctive headlamps and the two huge vents at each side of the bumper; the side which consists of the huge wheel arches and side vents down to the back where the low roof line meets with the rear emphasizing the coupe design. 

Drive selector

Unlike it big sister the Range Rover, the Evoque is different in terms of design but it still has the world celebrated luxury feel found in the Range Rover.

Unique looking rear design

Under the bonnet is an option of two engines. There is a 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine which gives 187 bhp. Another option is a Si4 petrol engine that combines turbo charging with twin variable valve timing (VVTi) which gives out 236 bhp. Thanks to VVTi it even more economical. 

Twin exhausts

Connected to the engines is a six speed manual or automatic gearbox. As usual the automatic gearbox comes with the option of operating the gears using shifters behind the steering wheel. It light body made of magnesium and aluminum body panels bring it total weight to around 1600kg. 

Illuminated interior

This makes it the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever. It is also becomes the first Range Rover to have a 2WD option, that is if you are not an off-roader lover.

Illuminated door slits

Open the stylish doors and you are greeted the premium quality materials found in the interior. It consists of soft, premium leather and beautifully tailored, twin-needle stitching that gives an overall luxurious finish to almost every surface of the instrument panel, doors and seats. 

Rims

It has a powerful 380W 11-speaker system (offered as standard) or if you have more money to spend, a top of the range 825W 17-speaker system with full surround sound comes as an option. Both offer super sharp, crystal clear sound quality even at their peak power outputs. Thanks to the latest surround technologies like Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo: 6 and my favorite, Audyssey MultEQ XT one can easily host a small party or movie launch in the Evoque. 

Multifunctional TFT screen

There is even an option of having one with Digital TV/DVD playback capability that also has a hard drive virtual 10 CD multiplayer. The rear passengers are not left out from the party. 

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 3 door

Eight-inch video screens in the front headrests, a dedicated touch-screen remote control, and state-of-the-art digital infrared wireless headphones, which provide stunning DVD-level sound quality, will keep them entertained as the enjoy the sight of the beautiful interior which is made even better thanks to the huge panoramic roof.

Front look

There is also Park Assist that helps drivers safely park in the hard to find parking places in Kenyan cities. The system identifies a suitable parking space and uses it ultrasonic sensors to automatically steer the car into place while the driver operates the brake and accelerator. 

Multifunctional steering

Another feature is adaptive auto dipping xenon headlights that provide additional illumination in tight bends and are polite enough to switch to low beam on sensing on coming traffic.  My favorite however is the Surround Camera System. 

Many buttons to play with

It provides a 360 degree real time view of the surrounding area on the touch screen display. One can view any object around the Evoque and one even has an option of zooming in to a particular view.   

A SUV coupe

It comes with Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Emergency brake assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Gradient Release Control (GRC) all acronyms that ensure that the ride is safe and comfortable at all times.

Neatly designed rear

The Evoque is available as a five door version or a three dour coupe. Both are available with a variety of three design themes. 

'Prestige' and 'pure' models

There is the ‘Pure’ theme that combines the stunning LRX exterior with a stylish and clean interior in neutral colours. Soft-touch wrapped materials on the major surfaces of the car contrast with the metal brushed aluminum trim. ‘Dynamic’ is the next theme. 

Front seats

In this the car comes with 20-inch wheels and unique bumpers, sills, grille and tailpipes for a more aggressive, confident stance. Contrasting roof and spoiler colors are available, while the interior has sports seats with splashes of bright contrast colors. 

Stitched leather

The final option is the ‘Prestige’ that offers top of the line luxury niceties consisting of unique 19-inch wheels and sparkling metallic details with an interior that is almost entirely leather-wrapped.

Prestige 3 door version

The price for Evoque starts at Kshs 11 million from any CMC dealership. They currently offer the 5 door version which comes with a free SatNav system.