Range Rover Evoque eD4 2012 review

You can spend thousands on options in an Evoque. But what if you don't? Compare a new car with one from a decade ago and it's amazing how much stuff we now take for granted.

In test cars, invariably specced to the rafters, it can be hard to work out how much of a car's desirability is inherent and how much depends on the number of options. 

A case in point is the Range Rover Evoque. When this fashionable soft-roader was launched last year, every test car had thousands in extras.

VALUE

In some cases, this pushed up the price by half as much again, to beyond $100k. That left the impression it was overpriced, and I wondered what would be left if you removed all the options. It was impossible to work out if a standard Evoque even feels like a Range Rover.

At least it was until last week, when I got into an Evoque eD4, the bottom rung of the range at $49,995. Even in base spec, the Evoque has enough to pass muster against today's raised expectations. Crucial inclusions, for me at least, are Bluetooth phone and rear parking sensors.

If you want more, it's available -- although the next rung on the trim ladder is another $13,500 and includes pointless gadgets such as rain-sensing wipers. There are things missing, of course, but many of them I can do without. These would include a reversing camera, sunroof, ambient lighting and powered tailgate.

Satnav is a bigger omission and auto headlamps are useful, if only because that means there are no chimes reminding that you've left them on. My expectations for the interior were lowered when I saw the spec sheet. Only two options are fitted: front carpet at $200 and rear vents at $190. If breathing is an option, what will the rest of it be like?

DESIGN

From the outside it's impossible to tell that this Evoque is the bottom feeder. The rear comes well equipped and doesn't feel poverty-pack. And it's like that throughout. The seats are first rate, even though not much of the upholstery is leather. Trim that appears to be metal actually is metal, while much of the dash and door material is soft-touch.

The cabin has most of what makes more expensive Evoques successful: the same jewel-effect dials, the same wheel loaded with audio and cruise controls, and the same detailed switchgear. Everything feels solid and substantial.

The absence of grab handles is a black mark, but that's not limited to this version. But there's enough here to be convincing. Range Rover has made a sound judgment about what constitutes the lowest common denominator for the brand.

TECHNOLOGY

Even the brand's trademark four-wheel drive is absent from the eD4. This variant is its first front-wheel drive car in Australia, although we've known they were coming. Both the Evoque and the Freelander, which supplies the engineering for both cars, are sold as 2WDs in Europe.

Under the eD4 bonnet is the low-output 2.2-litre diesel four-cylinder already available in Evoque, although here it gets 20Nm less torque. By shedding four-wheel drive, the eD4 loses 75kg and achieves impressive fuel economy of five litres per 100km, or even less for the three-door.

However, the only transmission available is a six-speed manual. What will hold the eD4 back in this market is the lack of an auto. The most affordable automatic is another $10k and comes only with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and four-wheel drive.

DRIVING

The eD4 isn't quick at 11.2 seconds to 100km/h and it sounds like it's just driven across a ploughed field. There are also hints of diesel vices -- a smidgin of torque steer, a little vibration around 1400rpm. However it's far from the most abrasive oil-burner and, as it delivers lots of driveable torque through its mid-range, it's surprisingly easy to live with.

Around town, you'll need to change gears a lot but the stubby little shifter has a nice action, complemented by well-weighted pedals. It also drives well, with nicely damped composure and insulated ride quality. Less weight helps the dynamics, and while it's far from agile, it is enjoyable.

VERDICT
The demand for Evoques is outstripping supply; it's a worldwide hit the like of which Land Rover has never known. You get the impression it could fit anything under the bonnet and they'd sell.

Range Rover Evoque eD4

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