Range Rover Evoque, Goes Eco

With the Range Rover Evoque having passed its third birthday, it’s facelift time for the upmarket SUV, with tweaks to the exterior and cabin, and a fresh range of engines. The headline figure for the most frugal edition is now 109g/km of CO2 and a claimed 67.3mpg on the combined cycle.

Styling changes include a new front bumper that incorporates a larger air intake, full-LED headlights with a new frontal light signature, a revised rear spoiler and a selection of new choices of alloy wheel. Two new grille designs are differentiated by two horizontal bars and a fine mesh on the standard model, whereas Dynamic versions incorporate a hexagonal design, with a more prominent mesh pattern. On HSE Dynamic and Autobiography models, distinctive bonnet vents that were previously reserved for coupé models are fitted for the first time. Inside, there’s a redesigned instrument binnacle, a brand new InControl Touch infotainment system and eight-inch touchscreen, as well as new seats and door casings, and a selection of different colours and materials compared to before.

But the biggest change is focused upon the engine, where the Evoque gains the latest Ingenium engines already announced for the Jaguar XE.

But the biggest change is focused upon the engine, where the Evoque gains the latest Ingenium engines already announced for the Jaguar XE. The new all-aluminium 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplants are between 20 and 30 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, and have been designed to produce low levels of noise and vibration.

Two power outputs are available, 148bhp and 188bhp, with the former 18 per cent more efficient than its predecessor. In eD4 two-wheel-drive Coupé guise, the Evoque is capable of emitting 109g/km of CO2, with fuel economy figures of 67.3mpg, while the more powerful 188bhp unit achieves 125g/km and 58.9mpg. Selective catalyst reduction is fitted as standard, in combination with low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation to reduce the amount of NOx emissions. Service intervals have been extended, too, with all editions now capable of travelling 21,000 miles between maintenance visits. The low emissions versions of the Evoque now wear a blue Evoque badge and are designated as ‘E-capability’ variants, highlighting that they are the most efficient Land Rover has ever made.

DAB digital radio is standard across the entire line-up, and for the first time, there’s the option of a hands-free tailgate function, whereby the boot can be opened by waving a foot beneath the rear bumper. All-terrain progress control, as seen on the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, makes its first experience on the baby Evoque, which can maintain a pre-determined speed over tricky ground, relieving stress, and allowing the driver to concentrate on steering over the difficult terrain. Driver drowsiness detection, a lane keeping assistant and autonomous emergency braking are all available, too.

Prices and final specifications will be revealed at the beginning of April, with the line-up revised to fall in line with the Range Rover Sport. SE, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography versions will replace the previous line-up when the first 2016 model year Evoques arrive in UK Land Rover showrooms in August.