It was almost inevitable – Land Rover have announced that the current, and wildly successful Range Rover Evoque will undergo a facelift ahead of it’s 2016 re-launch. The vehicle was announced as a ‘’huge success’’ by Jaguar officials and this is not mere PR talk, the Evoque shifted a reported 400,000 units worldwide and it’s been suggested that the Evoque alone has resulted in the creation of 3000 jobs. It would be incorrect to suggest the vehicle was solely responsible for the auto-industries boom but it would be mischievous to suggest that the 62,000 shipped in the UK since release in 2011 haven’t had an influence.
Indeed, it was so universally successful that it inspired a cheeky knock-off in China known as the Landwind.
But will this be a cheap upgrade? A money-spinning edition that has been created hurriedly on purely fan pressure? The short answer is no. After all, this is coming from the manufacturer that has recently released the jaw-dropping XE. Jaguar don’t do half-measures, and this is a mission statement that has undoubtedly permeated into the vast Land Rover network when the two manufacturing powerhouses united back in 2008.
A number of the notable changes include the introduction of the first ever Full-LED lighting system and 2.0-litre Ingenium engine that is set to lower CO2 emissions to as little as 109g/km, while at the same time offering 68mpg. If you don’t fancy that you’ll also be able to choose from a 59mpg model offering 125g/km, and a 36mpg providing 181g/km. Autonomous braking is also on offer alongside a high-definiton and exceptionally good-looking 8” InControl TouchScreen.
In terms of the exterior you’d be forgiven for not noticing any of the Evoque’s subtle, yet quality additions. Three new alloyed wheel designs will partner LED headlamps and a front bumper that’s not short on style and swagger.
There are a number of special edition, and optional features that will be available, many of which in the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography variations.
The vehicle will perhaps be one of the most confident debutants as it strides into Switzerland ahead of the Geneva Motor Show. It’s swashbuckling exterior construction and unique, revolutionary design continues to blow competitors out of the water, and the subtle design tweaks undergone for the Evoque will do only favours for a vehicle that is enjoying unwavering sucesss.
