Launch: Range Rover Evoque

Thursday 4 August saw the reveal of the new Range Rover Evoque at the Melrose Arch Piazza in Johannesburg, and DriveRSA was there, with the who’s who of the motoring world, as well as other celebrity guests to witness the lavish affair.

A car that started out as a concept has been seen through, all the way to production, and the result, one month ahead of going on-sale: The new Range Rover Evoque wins the Best Compact SUV title as well as overall Car of the Year prize from Britain’s biggest-selling motoring magazine, Auto Express.

The judges lauded the Evoque for its mould-breaking styling and driving dynamics, as well as for its pricing.

The Evoque’s stylish looks and bold features make it stand out in the crowd, and re-enforce the belonging to the highly successful and acclaimed Land Rover family. At prices starting at R582,995, the Evoque puts the hugely desirable Range Rover brand within the reach of compact executive car buyers would typically have to fork out about double the amount for the brand. This should however not be mistaken for a water-down version of the brand’s premium appeal.

You really only have to look at its concept-car-styling to see why most attendees commented that this car will be seen in numbers on our roads in no time at all.

Two versions will be on sale from 1 October 2011, the Range Rover Evoque, and the Evoque Coupe

DriveRSA had a chance to catch up with South African rallying guru, Gugu Zulu, who feels that the car is brilliantly styled and that there is no doubt that this is the benchmark of future Land Rover/Range Rover styling. In fact, here’s exactly what he had to say:

My initial understanding of Land Rover was that they created the best 4x4xFar and the immediate image I got was the Camel Trophy Challenge, going through mud in the jungles of the Amazon where normal vehicles would not dare go.

But the Evoque is not that, this baby range rover is good looking and certainly will not be seen slumming it in the jungles of the Amazon, or battling the elements of the Okavango Swamps.  Rather this beauty, coupled with rich heritage, is for the Sandton yuppies and will probably been seen in the hands of many tenderprenuers’ mistresses, hitting the fancy do’s such as Jazz in the Park, Chill sessions at Cappelo and the occasional visit to an exclusive gym. Ok, ok, maybe not, but definitely anyone that is sane will give this beauty a double look and will no doubt want one.

Getting back to the Evoque, I must admit I like the styling – especially its low roof line. It’s without doubt the sexiest 4X4XFar and will blow its competitors, such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, out of the water – and not only the looks department. The Evoque displays a rich DNA, something Land Rover has perfected over many, many years.

If I had the R600 000 it’s rumoured to go for, I would order one without even considering other options. The 2 door version caught my eye in its sporty red guise – with bucket seats and its distinctive Range Rover front end it would certainly be a good fit in my fast, active, bold lifestyle.

I am a little worried that if you are tall and sitting in the back seat, the low roof might make it an uncomfortable ride. But let’s be honest, its good looks make up for the 10 – 15 minutes of discomfort on a short trip. That said I am not sure if it’s a “man’s” car as such, but rather one I would like to see my 1st lady riding around in.

Is this a bad point…I’m not sure, but I would certainly not be embarrassed to be seen in one either. Will I take it bundu bashing…truth be told, no. For me this baby will be used to trot around the urban areas to the mall, coffee shop and perhaps one or two trips to the coast. Its looks fun and agile to drive given its stance – not too high, not too low – which is just perfect to give you a mix of a normal road going car with an off-roader driving position.

Maybe that’s the reason why they not pushing the best 4x4xFar motto as in the past, perhaps they should call it the “sexiest 4x4xFAR”.

The Range Rover Evoque gets my vote – I want one and can’t wait for a test drive.

* Range Rover Evoque Coupe is available with the same range of engines as above. Starting price
R 592,995.

Special thanks to: Gugu Zulu

David Abbey