An Unusually Low Stance

A tall body with a square, off-roader-like silhouette, and an interior design that prioritizes functionality.──Many people likely imagine such a vehicle when they hear the brand name "Range Rover."

With a generally long model change cycle, many have likely perceived the timeless styling, seemingly unaffected by trends, as a major selling point of works bearing the Range Rover name. That's why the all-new "Evoque," which appeared at the 2010 Paris Salon, might elicit a "What? Is this a Range Rover?!" from long-time fans.

With a body size of 4,355mm long and 1,965mm wide, the height is "merely" 1,635mm. Compared not only to the existing "Vogue" or "Sport" which exceed 1.8 meters, the Evoque's height of just over 1.6 meters can be described as "unusually low" for a Range Rover.



Fundamentally, the reason for the tall stance of Range Rover vehicles, the flagship brand of "4WD off-roader specialist" Land Rover, was also due to the functional requirement that "one's head must not hit the ceiling even with violent body movements off-road."

However, the Evoque adopts an unexpectedly low overall height. While there is ample space for adults to relax, the generous headroom found in the Vogue or Sport is no longer possible with this model.

Dynamic Design Based on the 2008 "LRX" Concept

On the other hand, it is precisely because they dared to adopt this low-profile proportion, which could even be described as "chopped roof," that the Evoque's appearance can make anyone turn their heads and exclaim, "What? Is this a Range Rover??" The Evoque's proportions were first proposed in the concept model unveiled under the name "LRX" at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show. It is said that the positive reception at the show led to its mass production, forming one of the stories behind the Evoque's birth.

However, the actual process leading to the current model seems to have been far from simple. This is because the Evoque's low-profile proportion, born as a mass-produced model, carries a deeper meaning looking towards the future, unlike the "LRX," which was purely a "design study model" focused solely on aesthetics.

Body Designed with Aerodynamics in Mind

At the Evoque's international press event held in Liverpool, UK, a development engineer revealed, "This is the first model from Land Rover to feature a body designed with aerodynamics in mind."

In fact, the Evoque is a model that employs "sustainability engineering." What does this unfamiliar term mean? It appears to refer to technologies aimed at ensuring automobiles remain sustainable mobility in the future. So, why does this model's "low-profile proportion" qualify? The answer is that "the reduced height lowers air resistance and also leads to reduced material usage." Furthermore, the "sustainable" efforts in this model do not stop there. The adoption of a transverse engine and FF chassis base is also justified by "its contribution to CO2 reduction."

Indeed, the Evoque offers a diesel engine model with front-wheel drive, and the lighter 3-door version boasts an astonishingly low CO2 emission of just 129g/km (NEDC measurement method) in its lineup.

An Interior That Signifies a New Era for Range Rover

So, the Evoque's distinctive styling is also a "form focused on reducing CO2 emissions with an eye on the future." I believe the design prowess that has transformed this into something aspirational, making people think, "I really want to drive that!" rather than just seeing it as an "eco-car," is quite remarkable.

The interior design also shows considerable effort, matching the striking exterior. While it may not feature the abundance of premium materials found in the very expensive Vogue or Sport models, there are no cheap-feeling elements. Instead, the simple yet modern forms skillfully convey the image of "a Range Rover for a new era and new people." Like the exterior, the interior possesses a considerable potential to make people think, "I really want to drive that!" at first glance.

In any case, it is undeniable that the Evoque's greatest selling point is its appearance, which turned heads on the streets of Liverpool during our test drive.

Test Drive Primarily of the 2.0-Liter Turbo Gasoline Engine Model

In the European market, the Evoque is expected to sell predominantly with diesel engines. At the press event, while a lineup of such models was present, we primarily test-drove the 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine model, intended for the Japanese market. With a maximum output of 240ps, it sits at the top of the series, surpassing the 150ps and 190ps of the 2.2-liter turbo diesels. However, in terms of maximum torque, at 340Nm, it trails behind the diesel variants, which offer three tuning levels with 380Nm, 400Nm, and 420Nm.

The smooth yet powerful acceleration from a standstill, and the minimal unpleasant shock response to throttle inputs at very low speeds, are likely related to the torque converter automatic transmission. Perhaps due to the vehicle's weight being around 1.6 tons, the acceleration is faultless. The turbo boost engages almost instantly from low RPMs, meaning downshifts are infrequent during re-acceleration from cruising, and the lack of frequent "busy shifting" is a positive impression.

While the road noise transmitted by the 19-inch wheels tends to be slightly noticeable, the overall quietness is sufficiently high.

Sporty Suspension Setting

Regardless of whether the optional "MagneRide" adaptive variable dampers were equipped, the suspension movement was quite supple. This feature seemed to primarily enhance sporty driving dynamics by suppressing excessive body roll during cornering, rather than solely improving comfort.

The steering offers appropriate resistance and excellent line tracing. However, the steering feel around the center point could be improved. During the off-road session provided on the test route, we discovered its excellent ability to block kickback. Although the Evoque's steering system uses a fully electric mechanism for improved fuel efficiency and CO2 reduction, its beneficial "side effect" during off-road driving became apparent.

Drivetrain Reflecting its Off-Roader Heritage

In normal driving conditions, an on-demand electronically controlled 4WD system is employed, with power biased towards the front wheels. While this system is often used in relatively light-duty passenger cars, we were impressed by its ability to deliver consistent power to all four wheels, even in demanding situations like starting on a steep incline on low-grip surfaces.

Even in such situations, there is no sense of the "front-wheel-drive base" being a limitation. In fact, a significant debate reportedly occurred internally regarding the chassis layout. However, the secure approach and departure angles, wading depth, and the integration of the "Terrain Response" system—which controls the engine, transmission, and chassis—demonstrate that Land Rover has achieved a remarkably high level of off-road capability, as expected from a marque with such a rich off-roading history.

Low Stance Contributes to Agility

On the other hand, the low-profile proportion undoubtedly plays a significant role in the vehicle's agile performance on winding on-road routes. A lower overall height directly translates to a lower center of gravity, providing a decisive advantage over taller vehicles in such scenarios.

Indeed, when examined from every angle, the Evoque can be considered a perceptive and agile "sustainable off-roader" that looks towards the future.

The Evoque is produced at the Halewood plant, near Liverpool where the press event was held, with a planned annual production of 100,000 units at full capacity. Personally, I have a strong premonition that this model might become a huge hit, potentially exceeding global demand.