When you think of highly capable off-road vehicles, especially luxurious ones, Land Rover is a name that immediately comes to mind.
Land Rover has been successful sticking to that formula for many years. More recently the company has branched out with performance-oriented models, but overall they still retained core Land Rover traits.
The new Evoque changes the equation and aims for a different sort of customer. A Land Rover for those who won’t be navigating treacherous terrain everyday (and let’s face it, the majority of Land Rover buyers don’t…but the capability is nice). The small luxury crossover market is high in volume and profitability, and the Evoque is positioned right in the heart of that market.
While we usually aren’t fans of exercises in any kind of brand dilution, we love the Evoque – especially the (impractical) two-door model. It sticks out as uniquely Land Rover, with a design that really defines it as something special. You won’t mistake it for anything else on the road. The price tag also makes it standout, based on new information Land Rover has released. The four-door model starts at $43,995 and the coupe, at $44,995. Both prices include destination and delivery charges.
Another necessity for Land Rover is meeting Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, and the Evoque will increase them significantly. EPA estimates check in at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Those numbers are reached thanks to an aerodynamic design and focus on lightweight materials. The four-door model weighs 3,680 pounds and utilizes high-strength steel, polymer and composites, aluminum and magnesium various places to achieve that figure.
Stunning design really makes the Evoque inside and out. We’re looking forward to checking it out in person. We think its great Land Rover went ahead with the concept-like two-door model too – even though it isn’t likely to be a very large volume seller.
