Range Rover Evoque SD4 Pure Automatic

Who could have predicted that the Range Rover Evoque would age so gracefully, still looking as fresh and appealing today as the moment it was first revealed as the LRX concept back in 2007. It’s a sign of a good designer, and Gerry McGovern must be feeling quite pleased with himself. More importantly, it means the cash registers are continually ringing at dealers and even now, more than three years after its original launch, Land Rover can’t build enough of them, with a lengthy waiting list still in place. Here we test one of the newest versions to join the line-up, featuring a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Although you’ll be able to read about the 2016 model year Evoque elsewhere, making its debut at Geneva, we’re behind the wheel of the 2015 edition, featuring a smooth, punchy 188bhp 2.2-litre SD4 turbocharged diesel unit. There’s a little clatter from cold, but it quietens down once warmed through, delivering decent refinement. It’s hugely flexible, delivering strong mid-range pull and decent pace away from rest. Only an accelerator action that feels a touch too sharp on occasions, especially when manoeuvring at low speeds, spoils the party. The new gearbox offers nine well-judged ratios, delivering quick response to a downshift request, and sliding easily up the gait for maximum economy.

No matter whether you’re hoofing it up the motorway, or having fun through some bends on a back road, the Evoque feels reassuringly surefooted. Body lean is nicely controlled, with almost endless levels of grip, and thanks to accurate, well-weighted steering, it’s a real hoot to pilot. Ride comfort is sportily firm, with some signs of potholes transmitted into the cabin, though never so uncomfortable that you wish for a more forgiving set-up. Wheel size is an important factor, so make sure that you choose your options with care, and sample each of your choices at your local dealer. Standard four-wheel-drive gives you all-terrain ability, and just because this Evoque is the baby of the range, doesn’t mean that it isn’t as capable in the mud and rough stuff as other Range Rover models. With CO2 emissions of 159g/km, the Evoque has been left behind by newer rivals, however, this will all be fixed when it adopts the all-new 2.0-litre Ingenium engines later on this year.

There are few cars, even with more sizeable price tags, that feel as special as the Evoque inside, with plush, nicely judged materials everywhere you look and feel. All of the controls are logically arranged and mounted high up, though the touchscreen infotainment system can be slow and ponderous to respond, with outdated graphics, though it’s relatively intuitive to use. Space is pretty good both front and back, even with the optional panoramic roof that allows light to flood into the cabin. Both knee, leg and head room are sufficient, with only the tallest of passengers wishing there was more. The elevated driving position gives you a great view all around, though looking out through the shallow, letter-box-like rear window, could be better, though thankfully rear parking sensors are standard on all Evoques. The luggage area is a generous size compared to its rivals, with 575 litres of space, and by folding the rear chairs down almost flat, this can be opened up to a spacious 1,445 litres.