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Range Rover Evoque off-road

It’s the toughest test yet for Auto Express’s Car of the Year, as we hit the off-road trails

Range Rover Evoque off-road front

By Mat Watson

August 2011

  • Rating:
The furthest most Range Rover Evoque buyers are ever likely to venture off-road is the overflow car park at the races. But the 4x4 offers the go-anywhere capability you would expect from a vehicle wearing the legendary badge. How do we know this? Because we’ve given our Car of the Year 2011 its ultimate off-road test.

While the Evoque can be specified with front-wheel drive, most buyers will opt for 4WD. This uses the Freelander’s Haldex system, which shuffles torque between the front and rear axles to ensure power is sent where it’s needed most.

Video: watch part one of our video review of the Range Rover Evoque

 

Watch part two here

All four-wheel-drive Evoques are equipped with Land Rover’s excellent Terrain Response system – although, unlike on other models in the range, it’s operated by pressing a button rather than turning a dial.

The set-up gives owners a choice of three off-road modes: gravel/grass, muddy ruts and sand. Each adjusts the sensitivity of the ESP system, as well as the settings of the all-wheel drive, throttle and automatic box.

The electronics also alter the weight and sensitivity of the steering for greater control and precision, and to reduce the risk of the wheel being ripped from your hands if you hit a rut.

All this means novices can tackle the trickiest of obstacles. Yet the most confidence-inspiring gadget is Land Rover’s renowned Hill Descent Control set-up, which leaves you to steer while the car deals with any steep terrain. 

You may think the Evoque’s go-anywhere credentials would be compromised in this sportiest model in the range. However, it’s more capable over the rough stuff than the current Freelander. This is thanks to its higher ground clearance, shorter front and rear overhangs and lower kerbweight.

Our Prestige SD4 model had a 2.2-litre diesel delivering 187bhp and 419Nm of torque. That’s more than enough grunt to haul the baby Range Rover uphill without fuss. Plus, the design of the air intake gives the car a wading depth of 50cm – 
which proved invaluable when our route took us through a flooded railway tunnel.

So although the Evoque has been designed to appeal to fashion-conscious city motorists, it still gets Range Rover’s famed ability to tackle the most extreme terrain or weather conditions. If the races are a washout and the overflow car park turns into a quagmire, you can be sure you won’t get stuck in the mud. 

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9 Comments

Amazing engine

A diesel that redlines at 7000rpm? Amazing...

By globalste on 25 August, 2011, 1:00pm

Still looks pug ugly

The Evoque is still a remarkably ugly cramped looking car. Dealer training fleet passing daily around Chobham, Windsor, Egham and Sunningdale area if anyone wants to see one.
The ammount of road the drivers seem to use for a compact car suggests that visibility is a problem or they get the impression that they are driving a huge ungainly limo.

By Leasouth on 25 August, 2011, 3:41pm

Too expensive for what it is!

Looking at the pictures I might need a shoe horn to ease me into the drivers seat and the back seats do not look very comfortable for long journeys! By the time you add a few extra's you could buy a lot more for your money. I was seriously thinking about buying this car but now think I will get more comfort and satisfaction plus value from a BMW 5 series Touring.

By skidoo on 25 August, 2011, 5:34pm

Have you driven an Evoque

We had the pleasure of driving the Prestigev sd4 auto yesterday on a Range Rover event an hour driving one of 25 there at Nottingham lpus a further 15 to look at and must say I wonder which planet some people are on with their comments they looked fantastic and drove very nicely being refined and quiet I threw it around a little and it was brilliant yes the mirrors are huge but are very good and make up for a small rear window yes the top models are exoensive when you also start adding about 6k on for even more extras but then you would be looking at £60k to £80k on the sport and rr.we would always like them to be cheaper probably the Pure model is the best value if you can do without a few goodies but a great car yes yes yes but would like the next one up the Grand Evoque as I use estate cars and larger 4x4 otherwise I would have one dont get me wrong it has a good boot and reasonable rear space certainly same as or better than competitors.but my three teenagers would get a bit cramped it is great for 2 adults or 3 mixed adults kids .

By coolkid on 26 August, 2011, 1:06pm

dumper truck?

even if it looks like a dumper truck according to some german car drivers? it's still the best ...CLEVER RANGE ROVER!

By liverpool on 26 August, 2011, 5:47pm

dumper truck?

even if it looks like a dumper truck according to some german car drivers? it's still the best ...CLEVER RANGE ROVER!

By liverpool on 26 August, 2011, 5:47pm

Expensive!

Ok don't get me wrong the Evoque is'nt what you call cheap. But, I have ordered a manuel sd4 pure with tech pack, glass roof and metallic paint. its 33k on the nose. Has anyone specced a ford focus with the same kit? 29k...........Audi q5 with the same kit is nearly 41k. All cars are expensive now days and I actually think this is not that bad. And it will hold great residuals. i have a love of motorbikes and in the last 2 years they have shot up, A lot more than cars have, And they have bugger all on them!

By andybow on 29 August, 2011, 7:53pm

Over Priced Hype

The company who make this car must have spent more on media publicity than the car itself.
Sure it does a lot, sure it looks like a smaller Range Rover. But, small and over priced it remains.
Testing it off road is as pointless as selling ice in the Arctic. Only the testers, who don't own the car and are lunched well, will take it off road.
PR mugs us over to believe we should part with our money to boost the failing economy. Hmm, feels like it's the silly season.

By Richardcr on 30 August, 2011, 10:26am

Wow!

I think this is an incredible looking car and would tend to agree with the comment made by andybow, all cars are getting more expensive and compared with others this is a lot of car for the money particularly when you look at the capabilites of it. Think of the satisfaction when you are able to tow other more expensive vehicles out of muddy off road car parks or out of puddles that the drivers thought weren't that deep!

By Correcting_Reports on 6 September, 2011, 2:18pm

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Pictures

Range Rover Evoque off-road front
Range Rover Evoque off-road front three-quarters
Range Rover Evoque off-road dash
Range Rover Evoque off-road display
Range Rover Evoque off-road front three-quarters
Range Rover Evoque off-road rear seats
Range Rover Evoque off-road badge
Range Rover Evoque off-road detail

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FIRST OPINION

    Don’t think for one minute that the Evoque is merely a fashion statement – it’s far more accomplished when the going gets rough than the more utilitarian Freelander 2. And while it lacks the low-ratio gearbox, air-suspension and greater ground clearance of the bigger Land Rover Discovery 4, it’s still more than up to dealing with any type of terrain that owners are ever likely to point it at.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £39,990
    Engine: 2.2-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Transmission: Six-speed auto, Haldex four-wheel drive
    Power/torque: 187bhp/419Nm
    Econ/CO2: 44.1mpg/169g/km
    0-60/top speed: 8.0 secs/121mph
    Equipment: Xenon headlamps, parking aids including rear camera, electrically operated front seats, climate control, leather upholstery, eight-inch touchscreen
    On sale: September
     
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