Land Rover's boss says he wants the new Range Rover Evoque to follow the original Range Rover and "create a new segment of the market" when it arrives in showrooms next summer.
Phil Popham said he believes the production Evoque, revealed today at the Paris motor show, has the potential to kick-start a new 'baby premium' area of the market.
"Historically Land Rover has a record on creating new market segments or at least guiding them in another direction," he said. "Think back to the original Range Rover, the Freelander or the Range Rover Sport. We're optimistic that Evoque can achieve the same."
John McIlroy's blog: How LRX became Evoque
Popham also confirmed the Evoque will herald a fresh move upmarket for the Range Rover marque. "Range Rover is luxury, Land Rover is versatility and practicality," he said. "The Evoque has helped to define our brand positioning. It says a lot about where Range Rover can go in the future."
Tech
ENGINES
Two specs of 2.2-litre turbodiesel powerplants, with 148bhp and 187bhp, will form the bulk of sales of the Evoque in the UK. Both of the models will have stop-start as standard when accompanied by a manual gearbox.
There will also be a petrol version, using a 237bhp variant of Ford's turbocharged 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine.
DRIVELINE
Front-drive 148bhp diesel will return 58mpg and less than 130g/km of CO2 when paired with a manual gearbox (adding two driven wheels will cost you 8mpg and more than 15g/km).
But the oil-burners and the petrol motor will also be offered with four-wheel drive and an updated six-speed auto transmission; it's controlled via the rising circular selector from the Jaguar XF.
OPTIONS
A full-length panoramic roof will be on the list, but if you don't want glass, contrasting paint colours of lid will also be available as a no-cost option.
Inside, you can spec a dual-view TFT screen for simultaneous sat-nav and television display, and upgrade the stereo to a 1200W, 17-speaker Meridian system.
Other options include park assist, dual-zone climate control with a timer facility, a powered tailgate, adaptive headlights and a heated windscreen.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: Evoque 'can kick-start market'
Hi does anyone know if the 5 door is longer than the 4350mm of the 3 door as would like something a bit bigger than freelander a shame the 7 seat put on hold
Re: Evoque 'can kick-start market'
I don't love it. I don't hate it.
But it was definitely the right move.
An insignia is like a phantom, they are both saloons!
Are the x6 and evoque priced similarly?
How about engine size?
Emissions?
Performance?
Anything?
Oh I know, they are both cars. Thats one similarity.
Re: Evoque 'can kick-start market'
Haha, I guess you like it then! Nothing wrong with that. Of course the concepts are similar: they are both 4x4 coupes!
Post script:
I didn't like the LRX either. All style over substance. I agree though, it's what makes the world go round.
Land Rover do need to maintain a reputation for producing the very best rugged off roaders or they will dilute their core in much the same way as Mercedes Benz diluted its quality in the late 90's, therefore damaging its reputation.