Skip advert
Advertisement

Range Rover Evoque (2011-2018): Fifth report

Expensive? Yes. Flawed? Yes. But our man still loves the Evoque

Is the Range Rover Evoque the iPhone of the car world? I’m beginning to think so. Having run the baby Range Rover for a few months – and as a user of Apple’s pioneering smartphone – I can see distinct parallels between them.

Neither can be topped for sheer desirability in their fields, despite facing a raft of ever-improving, clever rivals. A blend of stylish good looks and genuine ability ensures they remain the benchmark for copycat contenders.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But perhaps the greatest trick they pull off is that their sheer ‘want one’ factor persuades you to overlook some obvious flaws. Don’t get me wrong; I still love driving the Evoque. But it is a car you have to compromise with – particularly if, like me, you are a family man.

First of all, it’s pricey. Our Evoque costs a hefty £40,495 and for that you get a car that looks great, but is surprisingly compact. The arrival of my second daughter Erin means there are two child seats in the rear, and there really isn’t as much space left over as you’d like. The boot struggles to take all my kids’ gear, too.

In addition, on numerous occasions I have banged my older daughter Isla’s head while placing her in her seat, on account of the low, sloping roofline. That problem should be addressed in the next month or so when she switches to a Kiddy Guardianfix Pro booster seat, which sits lower on the rear seats.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

25,043 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £22,600
View Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

38,378 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £16,600
View Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Evoque

2015 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

50,452 milesAutomaticDiesel2.2L

Cash £13,317
View Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Evoque

2019 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

56,252 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £14,500
View Range Rover Evoque

The Evoque’s family credentials are further questioned by how costly it is to run. A mere 31.1mpg is disappointing, and the £361 I paid for a replacement Michelin tyre after a recent puncture had me reeling. The fact there is no spare tyre is another irritant, and I was also flummoxed by the handbook, hidden away in a hard-to-find compartment in the glovebox.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Logic, then, would say this is an overpriced, flashy motor that’s all style and no substance. But that’s when all its cutting-edge features win you over. DAB offers a host of crystal clear radio stations, the sat-nav is intuitive and reliable, the dashboard TV even has CBeebies – much to Isla’s delight – and the Bluetooth phone connection works flawlessly.

Memory seats ensure getting comfortable is simple, and I’ve even worked out how to set a maximum height for the powered tailgate, following my complaint it was too high for wife Seema in the previous report. Thanks to reader Michael Dale for his advice on that one.

On the road it’s comfortable, yet powerful and involving enough to put a smile on your face when required. In short, despite its niggles, it’s a machine with the X Factor, an unquantifiable feelgood factor that makes you covet it despite knowing there are more affordable choices that do the job just as well.

You want one rather than need one – rather like the iPhone, in fact. Of course, it’s worked a treat for Apple, so it’s no surprise to me that the Evoque is also proving such a success for JLR.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

RRP £32,545Avg. savings £2,962 off RRP*Used from £13,990
Land Rover Discovery Sport

Land Rover Discovery Sport

RRP £35,435Avg. savings £3,102 off RRP*Used from £15,695
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery

RRP £56,095Avg. savings £4,108 off RRP*Used from £16,999
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025