Small updates to littlest Range Rover

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【Summary】Land Rover has made small updates to the Range Rover Evoque, its compact luxury crossover. The exterior features a new front grille design, revised headlights, and new paint schemes. Inside, there is a new 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen for infotainment and climate control functions. The cabin is minimalist and sleek, with new colors, materials, and a panoramic roof.

FutureCar Staff Nov 01, 2023 6:21 AM PT

The luxury crossover segment has seen fierce competition in recent years, as car manufacturers recognize the potential for profit in this market. Creating a well-engineered compact vehicle with a range of amenities has proven to be a winning formula. One of the early entrants in this segment was Land Rover's luxury sub-brand, which introduced the first-generation Range Rover Evoque in 2011. This angular and handsome subcompact crossover garnered several awards, including the North American Truck of the Year and World Design Car of the Year. It even earned the title of Car of the Year from Top Gear.

The global media launch for the Evoque took place in Vancouver and Whistler, where the vehicle made a memorable first impression. The launch involved floating barges carrying the new Evoques into Vancouver Harbour, allowing guests to get a closer look before the vehicles were driven onto dry land. The event included an off-road challenge on Whistler Mountain, which proved to be no match for the capable subcompact off-roader.

Fast forward to the present, and the third-generation Range Rover Evoque has made its debut in Paris. While the Evoque is capable of tackling rough terrain, its true home is within the city, where its stylish design fits right in. With a starting price of over $60,000, the Evoque is undeniably a stylish ride. The latest model closely resembles its predecessor, with some updates to the exterior, including a new front grille design and revised headlights. The interior features a minimalist design, highlighted by an 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen that controls all infotainment and climate control functions.

The touchscreen interface has been a controversial change, as it eliminates physical buttons and knobs. While the screen includes visible sliders and integrates Amazon Alexa, it may take some time for users to adjust to the new interface. The interior of the Evoque is sleek and clean, with new colors, materials, and a panoramic roof, giving it a high-end look and feel.

In terms of powertrain options, the North American version of the Range Rover Evoque is limited to a turbocharged two-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed transmission. This engine produces 246 horsepower, a slight increase from the previous model. All Range Rovers, including the Evoque, come equipped with all-wheel-drive systems that adapt to different road conditions. Off-road navigation is aided by cameras mounted on the vehicle.

During a test drive from Paris to the champagne region, the Evoque proved to be agile on twisty turns, although it is not a sports car. While there are other crossovers in this category that offer better performance at a lower price, the Range Rover Evoque's cachet and style make it an appealing choice for many car shoppers.

Disclaimer: The writer of this article was a guest of the auto maker, and the content was not subject to approval.

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