Range Rover Evoque refresh amplifies technology and luxury
The facelifted Range Rover Evoque’s reductive exterior design language is enhanced by a new grille and super-slim Pixel LED headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights, which, says the manufacturer, deliver a technical, jewel-like appearance. New exterior accents and colours also complement the characteristic floating roof, unbroken waistline and the flush deployable door handles that define Range Rover’s design DNA. Inside, Range Rover’s design philosophy is amplified with a new 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen, Wireless Device Charging, and the latest generation Pivi Pro infotainment system.
The new Range Rover Evoque features a subtle evolution of its exterior design, with unmistakable hallmarks including a coupe-like silhouette, floating roof, continuous waistline and flush deployable door handles. The latest family grille design also now provides a unified look across the Range Rover brand. The exterior design is accentuated by new super-slim headlamps with the latest Pixel LED technology, featuring a jewel-like effect, crystal clear vision and complemented by chiseled new daytime running light graphics.
Meanwhile, inside Range Rover's compact model, design sophistication and innovation work in harmony. A clean centre console design features a tactile new gear shifter for automatic transmission models, while Pivi Pro2 infotainment is accessed via a new 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen, from which drivers and passengers can seamlessly control key vehicle functions. Now situated higher and closer to the driver, it also liberates more stowage space and features standard wireless device charging. The cabin can be made even more inviting with an optional panoramic roof and the availability of tactile leather-free textile options.
Range Rover says the Evoque is the only SUV in its class available with Kvadrat wool blend fabric - a luxurious, tactile and contemporary alternative to leather. Tactility with a contemporary twist is provided by the leather-free Kvadrat wool blend and Ebony perforated Ultrafabrics seating, with polyurethane textile inserts featuring a distinctive new perforation. Inspired by bespoke tailoring, the wool blends are 58% lighter than leather and provide a contemporary appearance and tactility.
The innovative textile is the subject of extensive in-house durability testing in the Range Rover materials lab. To ensure it provides longevity and robustness, the materials go through 60,000 cycles of abrasion testing – the equivalent of 10 years of use – with UV testing that simulates three years’ exposure to harsh sunlight in just one month.
Innovative material options are available in addition to traditional leathers, while sophisticated new detailing – including Moonlight Chrome found on the steering wheel, centre console trim and air vents – provides a new air of refinement. Moonlight Chrome complements new trim finishers, which include Technical Light Anodised or Dark Anodised Aluminium (depending on the model), with Shadow Grey Ash Veneer providing an elegant finish on Range Rover Evoque Autobiography.
Following its introduction on the new Range Rover Velar, the Range Rover Evoque features the latest generation Pivi Pro2 infotainment technology. Controlled via an elegant new 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen, all major vehicle functions are incorporated into the new display, which appears to float seamlessly within the centre console. Controls for the climate, seating and audio volume are always visible via new sidebars, featuring multi-functional sliding controls on either side. These virtual buttons provide immediate access to frequently used items, including individual temperature controls for the front occupants, cameras, navigation and audio volume.
Range Rover says the Evoque's next-generation infotainment was the subject of extensive testing and development, both digitally and physically with human testers, to reduce task and interaction time and deliver the most user-friendly experience possible. Approximately 80% of tasks can be performed within two taps of the home screen. Pivi Pro2 supports effortless smartphone connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay. Wireless Android Auto is also supported, while wireless device charging – from a new stowage area in the centre console – provides immediate fast charging and reduces the need for wires.
The updated Range Rover Evoque also offers one of the most sophisticated suites of camera technologies in its class, says the British carmaker, with 3D Surround View, ClearSight Ground View and ClearSight Interior Rear View offering greater driver reassurance.
Enhanced visibility at night is provided by new Pixel LED Headlights with Signature Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Standard on Dynamic HSE and Autobiography, the new system features three times as many LEDs as the previous Matrix LED headlights. Each headlight features four pixel modules, containing 67 precisely controlled LEDs. They accurately adapt to the road conditions ahead to provide the optimum forward beam.
Dynamic Bend Lighting uses speed and steering data to respond to the road ahead and illuminate dark corners and verges, while the high beam range can focus light almost half a kilometre in front, for optimum visibility. Able to cast shadows around four oncoming objects and avoid dazzling, Adaptive Driving Beam automatically adapts to vehicle speed, casting a wide beam at low speeds and a more intense, longer beam above 70km/h.
The new Range Rover Evoque continues to offer a range of plug-in electric hybrid and mild hybrid electric power, delivering fuel-efficiencies and performance. This includes the advanced P300e plug-in electric hybrid, available alongside a range of Ingenium petrol and diesel engines which all feature the latest Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology to boost efficiency and responses.
The P300e electric hybrid offers owners the best of all worlds, enabling Evoque drivers to complete their average daily journeys with zero tailpipe emissions, thanks to an electric-only range of up to 62km from its 14.9kWh battery. The electric hybrid powertrain combines an efficient three-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with an 80kW electric motor, providing a total power output of 227kW. Updated battery chemistry offers an improved real-world driving experience, with an expected real-world electric range of up to 48km. On longer journeys, this means a total real-world range of up to 651km with CO2 emissions from 31g/km.
Advanced mild-hybrid electric (MHEV) petrols and diesels complete the global line-up. The technology enhances efficiency and responsiveness by using a Belt integrated Starter Generator (BiSG) to harvest energy that is normally lost under braking and deceleration. It is stored in a 48-volt lithium-ion battery beneath the loadspace and is redeployed when accelerating, delivering a more refined operation of the fuel-saving start-stop system.
And because the Evoque is a Range Rover through-and-through, supreme all-terrain capability is a must and is guaranteed by the intelligent torque on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) system. This system provides optimum torque distribution to suit prevailing conditions, whether driving on the road or pulling away from a standstill on slippery surfaces.
Terrain Response 2 is accessible through the Pivi Pro system and allows the driver to adjust vehicle settings to suit the driving environment, with a choice of Eco, Comfort, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand, Dynamic and Automatic mode.
Further details on the confirmed Range Rover Evoque line-up for New Zealand, along with pricing and availability will be announced soon.