In 2012, Land Rover introduced its brand to a new demographic with the Range Rover Evoque, a compact crossover that was the most accessible model in this British company's history.
Expanding a luxury brand's reach downward may seem counter-intuitive, but from a marketing perspective it's a necessity that brings in younger buyers who will hopefully become loyal customers and keep buying your products for years to come.
The Evoque has proven a successful experiment, and Land Rover wants to keep that momentum going for 2019 with a handful of running changes. Land Rover's available InControl Touch Pro infotainment system gets a new interface and layout; a new Landmark trim introduces three new paint colours and contrast roof; and there's a new wheel design for the SE trim level.
Otherwise, the Evoque's basics are carried over for 2019. Under the hood remains the brand's Ingenium four-cylinder turbo engine, which makes 237 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque in lower trims while posher versions get 286 hp and 295 lb-ft, output that allows Land Rover to claim a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.3 seconds.
Both engines come with a nine-speed automatic transmission and, because a Land Rover wouldn't be a Land Rover without it, AWD.
Body styles include a five-door hardtop and a two-door convertible that gives Land Rover the only crossover with a drop top available in Canada. In theory, the Evoque's direct competitors are cars like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, but the way its rakish roofline emphasizes form over function means there's a closer link with the likes of the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.
Trim levels are SE, Landmark Edition, HSE, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography.
Base models come with 18-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking aids, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery and a 380-watt sound system.
Choose a five-door model with the stronger engine and you'll get a styling package that includes different bumpers front and rear, black grille finish and 20-inch wheels. Inside, all Evoque models get front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, and there's a new 12-way powered front seat option.
Adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring are new stand-alone extras, and HSE and HSE Luxury trims come with auto-dimming side mirrors.
Land Rover hasn't published 2019 fuel consumption estimates yet, but they should be similar to last year's ratings of 10.9/8.0 L/100 km (city/highway) for the five-door and 11.2/8.2 for convertible models.
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