An unprecedented SUV

The full-open Range Rover, the "Evoque Convertible", began accepting orders in Japan in September 2016. The Evoque, already a unique presence as a stylish SUV, gained another model with a distinct character.

Range Rover Evoquewas announced in 2008. Unlike the Range Rover, often described as a luxury 4WD limousine, it features a compact body measuring 4.3 meters in length. Its practicality for urban driving is highly regarded. Furthermore, its styling is a major appeal. The profile, with its seemingly compact glasshouse combined with a body featuring large wheels with 20-inch rims, remains beautiful even eight years after its debut. (Some models also come with 17- to 19-inch rims).

The Evoque Convertible, added this time, largely serves to complement the lineup of stylish SUVs. Its own chic appeal is also noteworthy. When fully open, the beautiful interior becomes part of the exterior. It's likely that no SUV has ever offered such a dramatic effect. Moreover, the style when the soft top is raised is also excellent. It's coupe-like, yet possesses a unique convertible coolness. The team that brought this model together has demonstrated remarkable skill.

The engine is a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo, shared with the "Evoque (4-door)" and "Evoque Coupe." It is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission featuring an ultra-low first gear for off-road conditions, and an on-demand 4WD system. The 4WD system operates in front-wheel drive under low load conditions and electronically switches to 4WD based on road conditions. It reportedly takes 0.3 seconds to distribute appropriate torque to the rear wheels.

The chassis has been reinforced to ensure rigidity for the convertible version, but it is fundamentally shared with the metal-top models. The 2,660mm wheelbase is also identical. The suspension system is independent on both front and rear, with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear.

The body size of the Evoque Convertible is close to that of the coupe. It is only 30mm longer and 50mm taller. The packaging ensures that four adults can comfortably fit. The weight has increased due to reinforcements in the floor and the mechanism for opening and closing the soft top, which includes four motors, bringing the total to 2,020kg – 230kg heavier than the Evoque (4-door).

So, is the Evoque Convertible a niche product targeting a fashionable style? In reality, it is far from that. It also offers an enjoyable driving experience.

Surprisingly agile driving

The Evoque Convertible is powered by a 1,998cc 4-cylinder turbo engine, the same as other Evoque models, producing a maximum output of 177kW (240ps) at 5,500rpm and a maximum torque of 340Nm at 1,750rpm. Given the 230kg weight increase compared to the Evoque (4-door), one might wonder if this would negatively impact performance. Additionally, concerns might arise about whether the body rigidity has been compromised by the full convertible design.

However, upon driving the Evoque Convertible, it becomes clear that concerns about the increased weight were unfounded. The engine's ability to deliver maximum torque from very low RPMs, combined with sophisticated body control technology, work in harmony to achieve superb handling.

The engine is tuned to deliver strong torque from very low RPMs. You can feel the torque building significantly around 1,500rpm, and you reach Japan's legal speed limit by 2,000rpm. It feels almost like a diesel engine, but with the smooth revving characteristics of gasoline.

The suspension system effectively suppresses body roll. Furthermore, the vehicle's response to even slight steering inputs is surprisingly sharp. This allows for remarkably agile driving.

The body rigidity is also high, ensuring that the steering remains stable on any road, whether straight or curved. It feels solid. While one might think that lowering the center of gravity by driving with the top down would enhance the sporty feel, the nimble handling remains consistent whether the soft top is open or closed.

As this convertible model was planned from the initial development stages, its construction is remarkably solid. It is also equipped with features like Terrain Response, which automatically adjusts gear selection and suspension damping for off-road driving.

There are also notable merits in its interior and exterior design.

An unparalleled driving experience

The Evoque Convertible is an exhilarating model. Firstly, when driving with the electric soft top, which opens and closes in 21 seconds at speeds up to 48km/h, in the open position. Even when driving with all side windows down – in the "proper" open-air configuration – front occupants experience minimal wind buffeting. Although the windshield is relatively low and not excessively raked, the airflow is skillfully managed.

As expected of an SUV, the seating position is elevated. Personally, the open-air driving experience from such a vantage point has been limited to vehicles like the former Mercedes G-Class Cabriolet, the Land Rover Defender, and the Jeep Wrangler. However, those were all cross-country 4WDs, making the Evoque Convertible, with its sporty coupe-like driving dynamics, distinctly different. Its unparalleled driving sensation is a key charm of this vehicle.

The ride comfort is by no means poor, with the weight of the vehicle, slightly over 2 tons, contributing positively. It offers a supple rather than stiff ride, even exuding a sense of luxury. The Evoque Convertible is not a quirky product aimed at a niche market. It is surprisingly well-executed in all aspects. I was quite impressed.

As mentioned, the Evoque is a model with a truly attractive exterior and interior color scheme, following the Range Rover tradition. In addition to a range of sophisticated and subtle exterior colors, special editions featuring color combinations with contrasting roof and body colors are periodically released. These impart a sense of great luxury.

The floating roof concept, with all pillars blacked out, minimizes the visual presence of the cabin, creating a sense of lightness. Perhaps due to this familiarity, I felt no sense of incongruity with the convertible.

The soft top, with its thick padding, is likely available only in black. While some recent convertibles offer variations in soft top colors, such as red or blue, I personally prefer the black soft top. It seems to carry on the traditional British ethos of "cars should be open." The fusion of modern Evoque styling with classic automotive aesthetics is akin to the charm of a traditional tailcoat made from new materials. The Evoque Convertible clearly illustrates how attempts to transform lifestyles are built upon a balance of tradition and innovation.

As previously noted, the variety of interior materials and color combinations is a hallmark of the Evoque. In the convertible, the interior can even become part of the exterior when open. The color combinations for the dashboard and seats are abundant, ranging from vibrant to sophisticated options. Since there are few cars that allow you to "show off" their beautiful interiors, it's an opportunity not to be missed.

It is also equipped with various advanced safety features, including a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control with queue assist, adaptive LED headlamps with cornering function, blind spot monitor to alert you of vehicles in adjacent lanes, advanced park assist for parallel and bay parking, and a surround camera system with a bird's-eye view.

It is a car that makes you feel cheerful.

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Body size | Length 4,385 x Width 1,900 x Height 1,650 mm
Wheelbase | 2,660 mm
Tread front/rear | 1,625 / 1,630 mm
Vehicle weight | 2,020 kg
Engine | 1,998cc inline 4-cylinder with turbocharger
Maximum output | 177 kW (240 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Maximum torque | 340 Nm (34.7 kgm) / 1,750 rpm
Transmission | 9-speed AT
Drivetrain | 4WD
Top speed | 209 km/h
0-100km/h acceleration | 8.6 seconds
JC08 mode fuel economy | 9.6 km/ℓ
Minimum ground clearance | 210mm
Minimum turning radius | 5.5 meters
Price | 7,650,000 yen