New Range Rover Evoque revealed
The new, second generation Range Rover Evoque made its debut and first sight provides obvious resemblance to its larger sibling - the Velar. It certainly looks more aggressive than before and the introduction of new slim LED head- and tail-lights emphasize the vehicle's new design language while flush door handles add to the smooth, sculpted aesthetic.
Inside, the luxurious finely crafted design integrates uncluttered surfaces and simple lines. The new Evoque is being offered with premium alternatives to leather, technical textiles such as Kvadrat wool blend and Dinamica suedecloth, as well as a Eucalyptus Textile and Ultrafabrics use recycled plastics and natural materials.
The Evoque also comes with a host of new technology including optional twin touchscreen, InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, featuring new, faster software, 16-way seat controls, and cabin air ionization.
The new architecture has been developed to support electrification, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain available at launch, alongside a traditional four-cylinder gasoline engine. The 1.5-litre Ingenium engine produces 197 bhp and develops a peak torque of 280 Nm. The mild-hybrid powertrain is a first for the Land Rover brand and works by harvesting energy normally lost during deceleration thanks to the engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator, storing it in the under-floor battery. At speeds below 17 kmph, the engine is designed to shut off while the driver applies the brakes. When pulling away, the stored energy is redeployed to assist the engine under acceleration.
The new Range Rover Evoque features All-Wheel Drive and Driveline Disconnect as standard. Combined with the available second-generation Active Driveline (standard on P300 models) and the optional Adaptive Dynamics feature, the Range Rover Evoque is agile and responsive. For more adverse conditions, the standard Terrain Response system is designed to automatically detect the surface being driven on, adjusting the vehicle's driving character accordingly. The new Range Rover Evoque can also now wade through water up to 600mm.
The Range Rover command driving position also received an upgrade with a 'ClearSight Rear View Mirror' that transforms into an HD video screen when engaged. If rear visibility is compromised by passengers or bulky items, the driver can flip a switch on the underside of the mirror and a camera feed from the top of the car displays what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. The screen provides a 50-degree field of vision and superior visibility in low light.
The new Range Rover Evoque is the first vehicle to feature 'ClearSight Ground View' technology, which is designed to allow the driver to virtually see through the hood and under the front end of the vehicle by projecting a 180-degree view of the ground onto the vehicle's upper touchscreen. This is useful when negotiating difficult parking spaces, navigating high city curbs or tackling rough terrain.
The new Range Rover Evoque is also the first Land Rover model to feature Smart Settings, a system which uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn the driver's preferences in order to automate comfort and media settings throughout the drive. In addition to seat position, music and climate settings, the Smart Settings system in the Range Rover Evoque can also preselect steering column preferences to maximize comfort.
