Value for money Evoque on the way

Yet the two Pure derivatives want for nothing and in fact represent a major step forward in terms of technology.

The first of the 2014 Range Rover Evoque models to be introduced, they will bring a nine-speed automatic gearbox to market. This makes Range Rover Evoque the first SUV in this country with a transmission of such advanced design and offering this many ratios.

The chief benefit of the ground breaking ZF-9HP transmission is lower fuel consumption, which enables the engine to operate in the most efficient part of its rev range more often. With the SD4 turbo-diesel derivative, this results in reductions of five percent in fuel usage and a four percent drop in carbon dioxide emissions.

The wider spread of ratios achieves enhanced performance, especially off-road, thanks to a significantly lower first gear. Up and down gearshifts are virtually imperceptible, resulting in greater comfort. The gearbox also has an ultra-fast response time, described by ZF as “below the threshold of perception”. Its adaptive shift programme quickly aligns with the driver’s actions.

The Pure also introduces two of a six-pack of new driver aids available on Range Rover Evoque, Both significantly enhance its value proposition by giving consumers the ability to choose from the very latest electronic systems. This makes driving more efficient, simpler or safer – and sometimes all three.

The two features offered as options on Pure are: Park Exit (to automatically exit parallel parking bays) and Perpendicular Park (to position the car centrally in parking bays).

A Torque Vectoring by Braking feature further enhances agility and safety by redistributiing torque between all four wheels to counteract understeer. It features in the Evoque’s standard four-wheel drive system. Along with Terrain Response, this gives the Evoque unrivalled breadth of capability across the widest possible spread of driving conditions.

The 2014 Range Rover Evoque range is powered by Land Rover’s range of economical and lightweight four-cylinder engines. The choice is between the 2.2 diesel 140kW SD4 or the 2.0 petrol 177kW Si4 engine. Prices are indicated at R598 000 for the Si4 petrol and R602 000 for the SD4 turbo-diesel (excluding CO2 tax).

Final pricing of the Pure will be confirmed, along with the rest of the 2014 Range Rover Evoque range, in early March.

This SUV offers a blend of style and capability – and it’s affordable too. – markjones@citizen.co.za