The Evoque has been a phenomenal sales success since its release late in 2011, and Land Rover wisely hasn’t messed with its winning formula too much. That said, the Evoque does now boast the first nine-speed automatic gearbox in SA. Called the ZF-9HP, the ’box promises an ultra-fast response time, described by ZF as “below the threshold of perception”, and an adaptive shift program “that can quickly adapt to your driving style”.
With a wide spread of ratios and improved efficiency, the new transmission will apparently deliver improved economy, reduced emissions, enhanced performance, greater comfort and better towing ability.
The vehicle has also received a number of optional driver assistance features. These include Park Exit (to automatically exit parallel parking bays), Perpendicular Park (to position the car centrally in parking bays), Closing Vehicle Sensing and Reverse Traffic Detection (to warn drivers of oncoming traffic) and Wade Sensing (in British floods or rivers?).
In addition to the new technologies, there are detail changes to the Evoque’s exterior (such as new exterior mirrors), new colour options for the interior, four new alloy wheel styles and a new style of Land Rover badge on the grille, wheel centres and tailgate.
The Evoque Prestige and Dynamic models are now joined by the entry-level Pure. The easiest way to tell them apart is by glancing at the badging and wheels. The Pure has 18-inch wheels and Evoque badging in black, the Prestige goes up an inch to 19s and has badging in silver, and the Dynamic combines 20-inch wheels and red badging.
A panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, Xenon headlamps, power tailgate and navigation system are just some of the features also fitted to the Prestige. The Dynamic gets grained leather for the upholstery, full electric adjustment on the front seats, and – as a luxury flourish –illuminated tread plates. All derivatives gain a sliding centre console armrest, with fore/aft travel in the order of 150mm.
Engine options remain unchanged. Buyers can still choose between the 140 kW 2.2 diesel SD4 engine and the 177 kW 2.0 petrol Si4 engine.
Evoque pricing starts at R579 722 (SD4 Pure)