What is it?
The Evoque is Range Rover’s newest and smallest model in the range. Doing the Russian Doll routine with Land Rover’s most prestigious brand has already proved a hugely successful move – since launching in summer 2011 they can’t build the Evoque fast enough. And this British-built premium compact SUV is as stylish as they come – very much a car of the moment.
Who buys it?
Early adopters have queued up to get their hands on an Evoque – a downsized and more fuel efficient Range Rover which is totally in tune with the times. It’s an aspirational car that is also tempting new buyers to the Range Rover brand – appealing as much to urbanites as it does to rural dwellers.
With class leading ability on and off-road, the Evoque is at home in either setting. It’s also hard to see any direct rivals for this car – the depth of appeal goes far further than the Audi Q3, which good though it is, lacks the baby Range Rover’s modishness and interior ambience.
What is the model range like?
Available as a five door, or a slightly more rakish three door €coupe’, the Evoque has a choice of either a 2.0-litre 237bhp turbocharged petrol, or a 2.2 diesel in 148bhp or 187bhp tune. There’s also the option of front-wheel drive, which brings the price down and drives economy up slightly. At 28,000 for a front-wheel drive diesel five-door Evoque, the entry point to new Range Rover ownership is within reach of a whole new generation of buyers. Coupe models may be more stylish in profile – but losing two doors adds 1000 to the price and makes it a touch claustrophobic for rear passengers.
What were the key developments in its lifetime?
The Range Rover Evoque is still very new on the scene, so there is little to report here. However, it’s a measure of its confidence in its newest model, that Land Rover has just announced a Victoria Beckham special edition – priced at a slightly eye-watering 80,000. Mrs. Beckham is said to have had a hand in designing the original car – and if you buy into that, this limited edition might be just the ticket. With matt grey paint, rose gold interior accents and special baseball leather stitching, just 200 are being made.
Which model do you recommend?
A five-door diesel in Prestige trim is possibly the sweet spot in the range – balancing decent economy and high equipment levels with a sub-40,000 list price.
What colours and trims do you recommend?
Somewhat predictably, white continues to be very much on-trend, but it does show off the Evoque’s lines to great effect. Dark metallic grey, silver and black are also good choices for the baby Range Rover – in fact it looks good in almost any colour.
It’s easily possible to nudge 50,000 by liberally speccing an Evoque, although whether that’s necessary, is moot. A five door diesel €Prestige’ at around 37,000 comes loaded with sufficient equipment to ensure a good balance between initial outlay and healthy resale values.
Some options are worth ticking though. In particular, premium British hi-fi manufacturer Meridian has collaborated with Land Rover to produce a fantastic 16-speaker, 825-watt sound system – an option which is likely to be sought after on the used market. The dual-view touch screen, which allows passengers to watch a DVD whilst the driver sees sat-nav on the same screen, is a feature that’s trickled down from the bigger Range Rovers and again, is worth having.
What should I avoid?
The Evoque has won clutches of awards and is in high demand – so this car is still in its honeymoon period. As a result, some sellers are charging very hefty premiums to tempt buyers into jumping waiting lists. When supply and demand inevitably level out in six to twelve months, buyers who have paid over the odds could get stung as values adjust to the market equilibrium.
Summer 2012 Market Report values update
The new market for Range Rover Evoques is in hyperdrive: even working the Liverpool factory around the clock can’t see Land Rover produce enough. This has a classic effect on secondhand cars – they are selling for big money, often over new list price.
This is something accentuated by the fact many early cars are highly specified, with lots of bespoke options. It is the sort of car that attracts people to whom money is no object, which means there are some very rich cars out there: some touch 50k.
The used market reflects this. Basically, if you want to get into an Evoque without waiting six months or more for a new one, you’re going to pay for it. Many people out there are, though.
Things to look out for
Tuners have already got their hands on the Evoque – some are relatively tasteful and may be value-enhancing, but don’t go OTT. If you really must personalize your car – remember that less is more with such a stylish shape.
Silly premiums – the Evoque is hot property, but going for an open cheque book approach just to get your name on the logbook may not be prudent in the long term.
