2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque is the brand's attempt at a compact luxury crossover SUV, in the vein of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Learning from the un-loved Freelander, the Evoque is stylish, luxurious and, more importantly, carlike in its ride and handling. The Evoque is louder and smaller inside than some of the others, but its looks and style (especially in three-door form), small footprint, quick handling, and more luxurious interior make up for a lot.

The Evoque comes in three and five-door formats, both powered by a 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected four-cylinder making 240 hp. New for 2014 is a nine-speed automatic across the range. Also new is an all-wheel drive system with active differentials and torque vectoring. The rear differential is computer controlled to apply torque where the computer feels will optimise traction and stability. The 2014 gains parallel parking space exit, perpendicular parking, adaptive cruise, and forward collision alert. New badges, paint colours and wheels round out the changes. Available trims are Pure (with Plus and City upgrade packages), Prestige and Dynamic. The coupe is available in all but Prestige.

Pure comes with stop/start, terrain response and hill descent control, rear park assist, rain sensing wipers, 18-inch wheels, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat (six-way for the passenger seat), leather trimmed seats, and a Meridian sound system with 11-speakers and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. Pure City gets 19-inch wheels, front parking sensors and rear-view camera with hitch guidance, and a power tailgate. Pure Plus adds a fixed panoramic roof, full leather seats, and fog lights.

Prestige adds a silver grille, oxford leather seats, premium carpets, a Meridian surround sound stereo with 17-speakers, a surround-view camera, adaptive xenon headlights with LED signature lights, and navigation. Dynamic has a gloss black grille, new bumpers, side sills and exhaust finisher, 20-inch wheels, and perforated leather. It also has adaptive dynamics which is an adjustable suspension that monitors the road surface to deliver optimal ride and handling.

The Evoque also has a choice of multiple interior leather colours, wood choices, and trim selections to fully customize your car. Fuel consumption is rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 7.9 highway for both the three-door coupe and five-door.