Landrover Range Rover Evoque eD4 Pure 2012 Review

The Pure ED4 is where the Evoque model lineup kicks off - at $49,995 but we seriously doubt you'd be able to find one in base spec. Range Rover has a "client customisation program" with Evoque that lets buyers choose what they want (at extra cost).

EXCLUSIVE

It means no two Evoques will be the same - they'll all be "exclusive." We got hold of a new front wheel drive super economical eD4 five door and have to say we really like it. Apart from the striking looks, the thing goes like a train - and it's the fuel economy model.

ECONOMY

We saw 5.5-litres/100km easily and didn't really try for economy. Range Rover equips the car with a swag of fuel saving technology like engine stop/start (not foolproof), low rolling resistance tyres, low friction engine internals, low aerodynamic drag and electricity regeneration when decelerating.

Nothing really ground breaking but hybrid challenging economy and emissions from a 1600kg small luxury SUV is pretty impressive.

POWERTRAIN

The engine is a 2.2-litre Peugeot unit with 110kW/400Nm output. Extra response is gained from the water cooled, variable nozzle turbo and it's smooth and quiet thanks to a double walled engine block and dual balance shafts. But the really, really good thing is the slick manual gear change.

It feels electrically operated with short throws between each cog - snick, snick, snick, and the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts are close ratio. It's the first time we have experienced a close ratio manual diesel and we like it.

TORQUE ABOUT IT

With a big whack of torque belting through the front wheels some torque steer is evident under heavy throttle applications but that's quickly doused by the stability control system and other electronics.

SHARP

It has sharp, sporty steering that's most un-SUV-like and a sporty ride from the chassis. You can have a good old play on a winding road in full confidence as the Evoque carves a neat, flat arc through corners.

As the Pure, it has a relatively conservative interior treatment, attractive and functional capped by a large touch screen in the centre stack. We couldn't figure out what was standard kit and what was optional and gave up. The test model was kitted up to $61,340 with bigger alloys (19-inch), touch screen, audio connectivity, satnav, metallic paint, contrast roof and other stuff.

TOURER

It's an excellent touring car with a luxury air others simply can't match. Then there's that styling - motorshow concept for the street. And no, we didn't encounter any rear visibility issues. There's something incongruous about a front wheel drive Range Rover but who cares, the majority of these vehicle won't go off road so the additional weight and cost of all wheel drive is a waste.

VERDICT

Would have one in a flash. Surprisingly good performance from a diesel four pot, low fuel consumption, excellent six-speed manual, sporty dynamics. The queue starts over here.

Range Rover Evoque eD4 Pure

Price: from $49,995
Warranty: 3yr roadside assist, 100,000km
Engine: 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel, 110kW/380Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, FWD
Thirst: 5.0L / 100Km, 133 g/km CO2