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The Evoque is possibly the most important model for Range Rover since ... ever. Based on the Land Rover-badged LRX concept, the car will mark a move away from the land barges (admittedly luxurious) the badge is known for, and a new focus on tidier, greener and more frugal vehicles.
Going on sale mid next year in the UK, the Evoque will be available in both two-wheel drive -- the first for the badge -- and four-wheel drive, and has been promised to raise the range's green credentials with an emissions figure of less than 130g/km of CO2.
That's likely to be achieved with stop-start technology being added to a diesel drivetrain, but there will also be a six-cylinder petrol version. That is tipped to be followed by a hybrid with electric drive to the rear wheels.
Like the LRX concept at the 2008 Geneva motor show, which it still bears a strong resemblance to, it's a three-door coupe. And the big question will be... will it stay with just that many doors? The concept was a sleek number with just three. But Range Rover's market is used to five, so it's a fair bet that there will be a fiver in the range. The Evoque will be built at the brand's Halewood plant in Merseyside.
Introducing the Evoque, Range Rover managing director Phil Popham said it was 'an important step for the future continued success and growth of the brand'.
"Customers can be confident that the new car will be premium, luxurious and just a special as the other Range Rover models. Its sporty looks and unique qualities will open the brand to new customers."
The new Rangie will be officially unveiled at the Paris motor show in September, but was given a preview last night in a joint event with high-fashion mag, Vogue, which fits right in with the brand's target market of moneyed style. There's also a history there, with the Range Rover Vogue being named in 1983 after a vehicle appeared in the pages of the magazine two years earlier.
And the brand's reputation as a favourite with WAGS -- and particularly Brit footballers' wives -- shows little sign of diminishing, with the unveiling including an announcement of future design collaboration with Victorial Beckham, the plasticised pop tart married to England's former captain.
Carsguide will have more details of the car for you as they're revealed, including price and Australian prospects. Stay tuned...
