COTY 2011 Range Rover Evoque

Evoque by name, evocative by nature.

Our judges applauded the fact it has gone virtually straight from designer Gerry McGovern's drawing board to concept to sheet metal production and the showroom floor without major alterations.

On the street - or out in the bush where it is not out of its depth with its Feerlander II underpinnings and Terrain Response drive system - it is a bold statement.

It comes in five-door and three-door variants. The one we got was the Miranda Kerr version. Skinny and sexy.

Unfortunately form overcomes function in the three-door model with long, heavy and cumbersome doors, difficult rear access and a claustrophobic feel in the back where the slit-sized windows won't even wind down.

It's also expensive. And the options fitted here make it more so.

Judges winced at $1300 for the cold climate pack which features heated seats, mirrors and stuff; $1495 for keyless entry and $1300 for metallic paint. However, we would consider selling our first born for the $2385 Meridian audio system - truly the best sound on four wheels.

The expense would be bearable if it wasn't for the fact that the car comes with a temporary spare tyre and the interior light hadn't fallen out in our hands.

Ford's ride and handling circuit at the You Yangs proving ground reveals a sophisticated suspension set-up that copes with high-speed bumps and thumps and hangs on with Tarzan's grip.

Some judges didn't like the floaty feel or lack of steering feedback, but conceded it was good for a heavy car being pushed to the limit.

Safety is assured with seven airbags and a host of driver aids, but rear vision is limited by the design so the $1090 park assist option is a necessity.

VERDICT

Like the Mini or the BMW X6, this is a decision for the heart, not the head and the heart says va-va-voom! But too many pragmatists on our judging panel marked it down on practicality.

Range Rover Evoque Si4 5-door wagon auto

Price: $75,895 ($98,759 as tested)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol, 177kW/320Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto, four-wheel drive
Thirst: 8.7L/100km; 199g/km.