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By Motoring Reporter

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A sophisticated evolution

The system constantly adjusts the dampers to give a composed ride.


The new Range Rover Evoque builds on the strengths of the best-selling original.

Combining all-terrain ability with on-road composure, the Evoque’s new vehicle architecture, updated technologies and world-first features make it more comfortable, capable and connected than ever before.

Having pioneered the luxury compact SUV market, with global sales of nearly 800 000 and well over 200 international awards, the new Range Rover Evoque is a sophisticated evolution of the original.

Combining unrivalled Range Rover heritage with cutting-edge technology – designed, engineered and manufactured in Britain – it meets the needs of today’s customers. Evoque’s enduring profile and coupe-like silhouette is typified by its distinctive roofline and rising waist.

Outstanding volume and proportions are amplified by its pronounced shoulders and powerful wheel arches that, alongside 21-inch wheels, combine to create a strong and dynamic attitude. The introduction of super-slim Matrix LED headlamps provides a more sophisticated front and rear lamp graphic.

Flush door handles add to the smooth, sculpted aesthetic, while sweeping directional indicators create a purposeful signature. Stretching across the rear of the vehicle is a striking black accent that creates a sense of visual width, while the precise reduction of exterior panel gaps demonstrates the level of craftsmanship Land Rover’s designers and engineers have worked to achieve.

Inside, the finely crafted design integrates uncluttered surfaces and simple lines with carefully curated premium materials to create a luxurious, minimalist, digital cabin. Technical textiles that use recycled plastics are of fered as premium alternatives to leather, such as a Kvadrat wool blend and Dinamica suedecloth plus Eucalyptus and Ultrafabrics options.

The cabin is designed to be a calm and serene space, ensuring comfortable, healthy and happy occupants, with technologies such as the twin touchscreen Touch Pro Duo system, featuring new, faster software, 16-way seat controls and cabin air ionisation.

The footprint is almost identical yet built on Land Rover’s new mixed-material Premium Transverse Architecture, there is more interior space than before. A longer wheelbase yields 20mm extra rear kneeroom and an increase in small item stowage – the larger glove box and centre cubby can now fit tablets, handbags and bottles with ease. The luggage space is 10% larger (591 litres) aswell as much wider and easily fits a folded pram or set of golf clubs, with space increasing to 1 383 litres when the flexible 40:20:40 second-row seats are folded.

Ingenium engines have been advanced with new technologies to make them quieter and more refined, while the ZF nine-speed automatic gearbox has been recalibrated to ensure a smoother, more progressive drive on all-terrains. South African customers have a choice of a 132kW diesel and 183kW petrol engines, while a 221kW plug-in hybrid will be added to the range early in 2020.

The new Evoque is based on Land Rover’s new mixed-metal Premium Transverse Architecture, which is 13% stiffer than its predecessor and together with rigidly mounted subframes reduces noise and vibration intrusion into the cabin.

With a 21mm longer wheelbase and compact new suspension design, the compact SUV delivers increased interior room and improved handling. Integral Link rear suspension separates lateral and longitudinal forces to enhance body control and agility, providing greater comfort and confidence.

At the front,  MacPherson strut Hydrobush front suspension features fluid-filled bushes to minimise the high-speed wheel vibration. Adaptive Dynamics combines intelligent sensors and continuously variable suspension dampers that monitor road conditions every 100 milliseconds.

The system constantly adjusts the dampers to give a composed ride. Terrain Response 2 is available as standard for the first time on the new Evoque with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission. Not only will this allow drivers to choose from four modes (Comfort, Sand, Grass-GravelSnow, and Mud & Ruts) to optimise performance and capability, but the new Auto mode enables you to select the most appropriate mode for the conditions and automatically adjust its torque delivery.

Ground clearance is 212mm, while approach and departure angles are 25 degrees in the front and 30.6 in the rear. The maximum wading depth of 600mm can be effectively monitored with optional Wade Sensing. Ultrasonic sensors in the exterior mirrors accurately measure the depth of the water, which is displayed on the central touchscreen.

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