Range Rover Evoque Review

First of all – people may ask what on earth a car review has to do with Uncommonwealth. I could answer by creating some tenuous segue to aspirational motivators – but that would be crap.

There are two ways of approaching the RANGE ROVER Evoque that will determine if it is right    for you or not:

1. If you are looking for a compact SUV then there may be better choices (consider the “1” offerings from Audi and BMW).  The RRE is a little light on for size (especially in the back seat which was designed for groceries not grannies).

But…

2. If you are looking for a step up from a small to mid size car – then it may be a good choice. The fit and finish is of exceptional quality – higher than any non-euro and probably a little more fashion forward than the BMW. Whilst there is no doubt you will pay for every extra other than four wheels (prices range from 60 – 80 000 AUD on road) the option list is extensive and everything you would expect from the Range Rover.

It certainly leaves the entry level land rover (the Freelander 2) for dead in fit and finish. However it cannot hold a candle to the Freelander in terms of room, side and rear visibility and practicality. And there is a certain something about just sitting in the front seat which is massively comfortable with a cockpit like feel  (Just allow a week or two to read up on the 20 buttons on the wheel or 23 settings on the indicator stalk). With this car there is definitely no stigma to “entry level” anymore.

You can choose between a petrol or diesel engine – but based on experience of the Freelander’s excellent 4 pot diesel I wouldn’t think twice about the petrol. The Evoque will have similar off road ability as the Freelander. Not a true 4wd but it will get you our of the mud when parking rough (big tip – avoid the drug dealer low profile tyres or else you may as well have a 2WD hatchback).

Finally there is the styling. Although from the front it is clearly a Range Rover, from the rear and sides it looks a little too high tech. The coupe, when featured in red with the contrast roof, looks like a Mini-minor who has been at the horse steroids.

Summary?

Pro: Fit and finish, extras, cockpit like feel

Con: Value for money, pretty average rearward visibility, ‘distinctive’ styling.

Andrew Kirby